Reactive Arthritis

Question 1

What is reactive arthritis?

Answer 1

Synovitis occurring in the joints as a reaction to a recent infective trigger (Reiter syndrome).

Question 2

What is this a presentation of?

Warm, swollen, and painful single joint in lower limb linked with Chlamydia.

Answer 2

Reactive arthritis

Question 3

What are the most common infections linked with reactive arthritis?

Answer 3

Chlamydia and gastroenteritis

Question 4

Which group of conditions is reactive arthritis considered a part of due to its link with the HLA B27 gene?

Answer 4

Seronegative spondyloarthropathy group

Question 5

What is the difference between septic arthritis and reactive arthritis?

Answer 5

Septic arthritis has infection in the joint, reactive arthritis does not.

Question 6

What conditions is reactive arthritis associated with?

Answer 6

1. Bilateral conjunctivitis (non-infective)
2. Anterior uveitis
3. Circinate balanitis - dermatitis of head of penis
   Can’t see, pee, or climb a tree.

Question 7

What is the management of reactive arthritis?

Answer 7

1. Give antibiotics until septic arthritis excluded (aspirate joint and send for MCS)
2. NSAIDs, steroid injections, systemic steroids.
3. Most resolve within 6 months and do no reoccur, reoccurrence may require DMARDs/Anti-TNF drugs.