reactive arthritis Flashcards
1
Q
what is reactive arthritis?
A
arthritis triggered by an infection
2
Q
how does reactive arthritis present differently to rheumatoid arthritis?
A
reactive arthritis causes the whole finger/ toe to swell whereas rheumatoid arthritis only causes the actual joints to swell
3
Q
what causes reactive arthritis?
A
infections!
most common infections to cause RA:
- Urogenital infections (e.g. chlamydia)
- enterogenic infections (e.g. salmonella, shigella)
4
Q
what gene increases your chances of developing reactive arthritis?
A
HLA-B27
5
Q
what age group is more likely to develop reactive arthritis?
A
20-40
6
Q
how does reactive arthritis present?
A
- large joints become inflamed 1-3 weeks following infection
- fever, fatigue, malaise
- assymetrical
7
Q
what investigations are done for diagnosing reactive arthritis?
A
bloods:
-ESR, CRP and PV raised
HLA B27 may be positive
8
Q
what is the treatment for reactive arthritis?
A
- mostly self limiting (will resolve in next 6 months)
- intra articular and intramuscular steroid injections for symptomatic relief
- treat underlying infection
- in chronic cases= DMARDs
