Rheumatology » Articular Rheumatism

Reactive arthritis

Reactive arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which develops in response to another systemic infection. It is so called as it involves an immune system that is "reacting" to the presence of bacterial infections in the genital, urinary or GI tracts. It has symptoms similar to arthritis or rheumatism. The aberrant reaction of the immune system leads to spontaneous inflammation in the joints and eyes. It most commonly strikes individuals aged 20-40, it is more common in men than in women. Reactive arthritis is an RF-seronegative, HLA-B27-linked spondyloarthropathy often precipitated by genitourinary or gastrointestinal infections. Diagnosis id based on detailed history, relevant investigations like ESR, CRP, culture(s) to identify the offending organisms. Treatment is two fold - symptomatci with NSAIDs, oral steroids and specific with the right antibiotics for 14 day onwards.

In order to proceed further, you need to have an account on IDG.
Create a new account now

Registered users, you can login below to access this page.