Reactive arthritis

Question 1

What is reactive arthritis

Answer 1

inflammatory joint disorder caused by infection in another part of the body

Question 2

What is the epidemiology of reactive arthritis

Answer 2

common in young adults
common in males

Question 3

When do symptoms usualy develop

Answer 3

1-4 weeks after initial infection

Question 4

What are common causative organisms post-dysenteric form

Answer 4

Shigella flexneri

Salmonella typhimurium

Salmonella eteritidis

Question 5

What is a common causative organism post STI form

Answer 5

Chlamydia trachomatis

Question 6

What are clinical features of reactive arthritis

Answer 6

BACK ALWAYS STIFF EARLY IN DAY

B27
arthritis
sacroiliitis
enthesitis
iritis
dactylitis

Question 7

What is the common triad of symptoms seen in reactive arthritis

Answer 7

urethritis
conjunctivitis
arthritis

cant see, pee or climb a tree

Question 8

What dermatological changes can be seen in reactive arthritis

Answer 8

Circinate balanitis- painless vesicles on glans penis

Keratoderma blennorrhagica

Question 9

What investigations are required

Answer 9

Blood test - raised ESR/CRP

Positive HLA-B27

Joint aspiration and synovial fluid analysis - will help rule out other causes

Question 10

What is stepwise management for reactive arthritis

Answer 10

NSAIDS first line
Analgesia

Corticosteroids - if NSAIDs therapy contraindicated

antibiotics and DMARDs can be used