Reactive Arthritis Flashcards
what is reactive arthritis
infection induced systemic illness characterised primarily by an inflammatory synovitis from which viable microorganisms can’t be cultured
how long do symptoms of reactive arthritis last in comparison to infection
1-4 weeks after infection
what are the most common infections that cause reactive arthritis
urogenital(eg chlamydia), enterogenic(eg salmonella)
what is the main group of people reactive arthritis is seen in
young adults 20-40 y/o
equal sex distribution
what antigen are reactive arthritis patients positive for
HLA B27
what is Reiter’s syndrome
a form of reactive arthritis
what is the triad of Reiter’s syndrome
urethritis, conjuntivitis/uveitis/iritis, arthritis
what are the clinical features seen in reactive arthritis
asymmetrical monoarthritis or oligoarthritis, enthesitis, mucocutaneous lesions, ocular lesions, visceral manifestations
what general symptoms are seen in reactive arthritis
fever, fatigue, malaise
what investigations can be used for reactive arthritis
bloods, cultures, X-ray, joint fluid analysis
what blood tests are done in reactive arthritis
inflammatory parameters, HLA B27, FBC, U&Es
what is the prognosis of reactive arthritis
generally good, 90% resolve spontaneously within 6 months
what occurs in the 10% of reactive arthritis patients that don’t spontaneously resolve
chronic progressive erosive disease, requires immunosuppressant treatment
