Reactive arthritis and Osteoarthritis Flashcards
What is reactive arthritis
Sterile inflammation in joints following infection especially urogenital and GIT infections
Give examples of infections that may cause reactive arthritis
Urogenital - Chlamydia trachomatis
GI - Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter infections
What family does reactive arthritis belong to
Inflammatory arthritic syndromes termed ‘seronegative spondyloarthropathies’
What are the musculoskeletal symptoms of reactive arthritis
Arthritis
Enthesitis
Spondylitis
Describe the arthritis of reactive arthritis
Asymmetrical
Oligoarthritis (<5 joints)
Lower limbs typically affected
Describe enthesitis of reactive arthritis
Heel pain (Achilles tendonitis) Swollen fingers (dactylitis) Painful feet (metatarsalgia due to plantar fasciitis)
Describe spondylitis of reactive arthritis
Sacroiliitis (inflammation of the sacro-iliac joints)
Spondylitis (inflammation of the spine)
What are the important extra-articular manifestations of reactive arthritis
Enthesopathy
Skin inflammation
Eye inflammation
What are some extra-articular features of reactive arthritis
Ocular
Genito-urnary
SKin
Describe the ocular features of reactive arthritis
Sterile conjunctivitis
Describe the genito-urinary features of reactive arthritis
Sterile urethritis
Describe the skin features of reactive arthritis
Circinate balanitis
Psoriasis-like rash on hands and feet
How is diagnosis of reactive arthritis established
Clinical diagnosis
Investigations to exclude other causes of arthritis e.g. septic arthritis
Microbiology, immunology, synovial fluid examination
Describe the use of microbiology in reactive arthritis diagnosis
Microbial cultures – blood, throat, urine, stool, urethral, cervical
Serology e.g. HIV, hepatitis C
Describe the use of immunology in reactive arthritis diagnosis
Rheumatoid factor
HLA-B27