Reactive Arthritis

Question 1

what is reactive arthritis

Answer 1

recent infective trigger leads to synovitis of a joint

Question 2

presentation of reactive arthritis

Answer 2

typically acute monoarthritic
warm, swollen and painful joint

can have associated gastro-enteritis, uveitis, anterior conjunctivitis, urethritis /balanitis

Question 3

what are the most common causes for reactive arthritis

Answer 3

gastroenteritis
STI
- chlamydia is most common for reactive arthritis, while gonorrhoea is most likely to cause septic arthritis

Question 4

which gene is there a link with for reactive arthritis

Answer 4

HLA B27

can have link with seronegative spondyloarthropathies

Question 5

what is the management for reactive arthritis after excluding septic arthritis

Answer 5

NSAIDs
joint steroid injections
systemic steroids (more likely if multiple joints affected)
should resolve in 6 months

Question 6

if there is re-occurrence of reactive arthritis what is the treatment

Answer 6

DMARDs
Anti- TNF