Reactive Arthritis Questions & Answers

Updated: Oct 05, 2022
  • Author: Carlos J Lozada, MD; Chief Editor: Herbert S Diamond, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What are the signs and symptoms of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which physical findings are characteristic of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which lab tests are performed in the workup of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which imaging studies are performed in the workup of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which studies may be considered in the workup of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

How is reactive arthritis (ReA) treated?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What are the diagnostic criteria for reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the pathophysiology of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of synovitis in the pathophysiology of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of HLA-B27 in the pathophysiology of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of HIV infection in the pathophysiology of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What are infectious causes of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of genetics in the etiology of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which factors increase the risk of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the incidence of reactive arthritis (ReA) in the US?

What is the global incidence of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which patient groups have higher incidence of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the prognosis of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is included in patient information about reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What are the signs and symptoms of urethritis in patients with reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What are the signs and symptoms of lymphogranuloma venereum infection in patients with reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What are the ophthalmologic symptoms of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which symptoms may be present in reactive arthritis (ReA) following an episode of diarrhea?

What is the association of reactive arthritis (ReA) with HIV infection?

What is the scoring system for diagnosing reactive arthritis (ReA)-like spondyloarthropathies?

Which joints, axial skeleton, and entheses findings are characteristic of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which skin and nail findings are characteristic of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which ocular findings are characteristic of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which urogenital findings are characteristic of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What are findings of circinate balanitis in patients with reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What are findings of circinate vulvitis in patients with reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which GI findings are characteristic of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which cardiac findings suggest reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which renal findings suggest reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What are the possible complications of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

DDX

How are other types of arthritis differentiated from reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which conditions should be included in the differential diagnoses of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Workup

How is reactive arthritis (ReA) diagnosed?

What is the role of blood tests and urinalysis in the workup of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of serology and cultures in the workup of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of HLA-B27 testing in the workup of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of a tuberculin skin test in the workup of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of radiography in the workup of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which radiographic findings are characteristic of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of imaging in the workup of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of arthrocentesis, synovial fluid analysis, and synovial biopsy in the workup of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which tests are performed in the workup of reactive arthritis (ReA) when poststreptococcal infection is suspected?

What is the role of ECG in the workup of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which histologic findings are characteristic of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Treatment

How is reactive arthritis (ReA) treated?

What is included in the pharmacologic therapy for reactive arthritis (ReA)?

How are the joint symptoms of reactive arthritis (ReA) treated?

How are conjunctivitis and uveitis treated in patients with reactive arthritis (ReA)?

How are urethritis and gastroenteritis treated in patients with reactive arthritis (ReA)?

How are mucocutaneous lesions treated in patients with reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of NSAIDs in the treatment of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of corticosteroids in the treatment of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of antibiotics in the treatment of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of DMARDs in the treatment of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

How is reactive arthritis (ReA) prevented?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Medications

Which medications are used in the treatment of reactive arthritis (ReA)?

Which medications in the drug class Tumor Necrosis Factor Blockers are used in the treatment of Reactive Arthritis?

Which medications in the drug class Retinoid-like Agents are used in the treatment of Reactive Arthritis?

Which medications in the drug class Antimalarials are used in the treatment of Reactive Arthritis?

Which medications in the drug class Antineoplastic Agents are used in the treatment of Reactive Arthritis?

Which medications in the drug class Vitamins, Fat-Soluble are used in the treatment of Reactive Arthritis?

Which medications in the drug class Aminosalicylic Acid Derivatives are used in the treatment of Reactive Arthritis?

Which medications in the drug class Antibiotics are used in the treatment of Reactive Arthritis?

Which medications in the drug class Keratolytic Agents are used in the treatment of Reactive Arthritis?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Reactive Arthritis?

Which medications in the drug class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are used in the treatment of Reactive Arthritis?