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Reactive arthritis
(Reiter’s syndrome)
Reactive arthritis (ReA) refers to acute nonpurulent arthritis complicating
an infection elsewhere in the body.
Reiter's syndrome (post-infectious arthritis, urethritis, conjunctivitis)
can be said to represent one part of the spectrum of the clinical manifestations
of reactive arthritis, particularly that induced by Shigella or Chlamydia.
The term Reiter's syndrome is now largely of historic interest only. Since
most patients with spondyloarthropathy do not have the classic features
of Reiter's syndrome, it has become customary to employ the term reactive
arthritis, regardless of whether or not there is evidence for a triggering
infection.
The most common bacterial infections known to cause reactive arthritis
are Salmonella, Y. enterocolitica, C. jejuni, and C. trachomatis.
Clinical manifestations
The majority of patients will present with a history of previous infection
(1-4 weeks earlier). Urinary tract symptoms (urethritis) as well as occular
symptoms (conjunctivitis) may occur later in the course of the disease.
Diagnosis
Lab tests show an increase in acute phase reactants in the blood. In
early or mild disease, radiographic changes may be absent or confined
to juxtaarticular osteoporosis. With long-standing persistent disease,
marginal erosions and loss of joint space can be seen in affected joints.
Periostitis with reactive new bone formation is characteristic of the
disease, as it is with all the spondyloarthropathies. Spurs at the insertion
of the plantar fascia are common.
Reactive arthritis is a clinical diagnosis and should be entertained
with any case of asymmetric inflammatory arthritis or tendinitis.
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Treatment
NSAID (Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may benefit some patients
(e.g. indomethicin). It is unclear if antibiotics have a role at all reactive
arthritis.
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