Reactive Arthritis

Question 1

How many joints are affected in reactive arthritis typically and what joints are usually affected?

Answer 1

One joint

Usually the knee

Question 2

What is the obvious differential of reactive arthritis and what is the difference between the two?

Answer 2

Septic arthritis

No infection in the joint in reactive arthritis

Question 3

What are the common infections that trigger reactive arthritis? (2)

Answer 3

Gastroenteritis

STI

Question 4

What is the most common STI that causes reactive arthritis?

Answer 4

Chlamydia

Question 5

What gene is linked to reactive arthritis?l that is also present in ankylosing spondylitis?

Answer 5

HLA B27

Question 6

What conditions are associated with reactive arthritis?

Answer 6

“Can’t see can’t pee” (clue)

Conjunctivitis

Anterior uveitis

Circinate balanitis (dermatitis of bellend)

Question 7

Management of reactive arthritis: a) to rule out septic arthritis and b) when septic arthritis has been ruled out (2,3)

Answer 7

Antibiotics until septic arthritis ruled out

Aspirate joint and send for analysis

When septic arthritis excluded:

NSAIDS

Steroid injection into joint

Systemic steroids if multiple joints affected