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eMedicine Journal > Emergency Medicine > Rheumatology
Reactive Arthritis

Synonyms, Key Words, and Related Terms: Reiter’s syndrome, Reiter syndrome, reactive arthritis, ReA, peripheral arthritis, arthritis, nongonococcal urethritis, conjunctivitis, seronegative spondyloarthropathies, rheumatic disease, urogenital infections, chronic arthritis, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enteritidis, Streptococcus viridans, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Cyclospora, Chlamydia trachomatis, Yersinia enterocolitica, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
Author Information | Introduction | Clinical | Differentials | Workup | Treatment | Medication | Follow-up | Miscellaneous | Test Questions | Bibliography

AUTHOR INFORMATION Section 1 of 11    Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Authored by Thomas Scoggins, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Blount Memorial Hospital

Coauthored by Igor Boyarsky, DO, Director of Triage, Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, King-Drew Medical Center, University of California at Los Angeles

Thomas Scoggins, MD, is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, and Flying Physicians Association

Edited by Dana A Stearns, MD, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Education, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Gino A Farina, MD, Program Director, Associate Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine; John Halamka, MD, Chief Information Officer, CareGroup Healthcare System, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; and Robert E O'Connor, MD, MPH, Director of Education and Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Christiana Care Health System; Professor of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University

Author's Email:Thomas Scoggins, MDClick here to view conflict-of-interest information on the author of this topic
Editor's Email:Dana A Stearns, MD 

eMedicine Journal, February 15 2007, VOLUME 8, Number 2
INTRODUCTION Section 2 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Background: In 1916, Hans Reiter described the classic triad of arthritis, nongonococcal urethritis, and conjunctivitis.

What used to be known as Reiter syndrome is now referred to as reactive arthritis (ReA). This change has occurred in part because of Hans Reiter's affiliation and activities with the Nazis during WWII.

Reactive arthritis refers to acute nonpurulent arthritis complicating an infection elsewhere in the body.

Reactive arthritis falls under the rheumatic disease category of seronegative spondyloarthropathies, which includes ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, the arthropathy of associated inflammatory bowel disease, juvenile-onset ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile chronic arthritis.

Pathophysiology: Reactive arthritis is triggered following enteric or urogenital infections. Reactive arthritis is associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–B27, although HLA-B27 is not always present in an affected individual, particularly in the presence of HIV.

Bacteria associated with reactive arthritis are generally enteric or venereal and include the following: Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enteritidis, Streptococcus viridans, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Cyclospora, Chlamydia trachomatis, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Bacteria or their components (RNA, DNA) have been identified in synovial fluid cells, synovial biopsy specimens, and circulatory monocytes.

Frequency:

Mortality/Morbidity: Most patients have severe symptoms lasting weeks to 6 months. Approximately 15-50% have recurrent bouts of arthritis. Chronic arthritis or sacroiliitis occurs in 15-30% of cases.

Race: Reactive arthritis is reported most frequently in whites. When reactive arthritis occurs in black persons, it is frequently B27-negative.

Occurrence appears to be related to HLA-B27 prevalence in the population.

Sex: The male-to-female postvenereal ratio is traditionally 5-10:1. The postenteric ratio is 1:1.

Age: The peak onset is in persons aged 15-35 years; reactive arthritis is rarely seen in children. Cases in children are almost entirely postenteric.
CLINICAL Section 3 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

History:

Physical:

Causes:

DIFFERENTIALS Section 4 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Arthritis, Rheumatoid
Conjunctivitis
Gonorrhea
Gout and Pseudogout
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Iritis and Uveitis
Rheumatic Fever
Sarcoidosis
Syphilis
Tendonitis
Tenosynovitis
Tick-Borne Diseases, Lyme


Other Problems to be Considered:

Septic arthritis
Other reactive arthritides and spondyloarthropathies

WORKUP Section 5 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Lab Studies:

Imaging Studies:

Other Tests:

Procedures:

TREATMENT Section 6 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Emergency Department Care:

Consultations:

MEDICATION Section 7 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Mainstays of therapy for joint symptoms are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Sulfasalazine may be used for patients who do not experience relief with NSAIDs or who have contraindications to NSAIDs.

No published data are available on the effectiveness of selective COX-2 inhibitors; however, COX-2 inhibitors may be tried in patients who do not tolerate NSAIDs.

Extra-articular manifestations are treated individually. Second-line therapies for reactive arthritis, such as systemic or intra-articular steroids, are left to the discretion of the consulting rheumatologist. Antibiotic treatment is indicated for cervicitis or urethritis but not generally for postdysenteric cases.

Cytotoxic therapy, such as methotrexate or azathioprine, is reserved for severe cases and should not be started in the ED. HIV testing must be completed first.

Drug Category: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- Although most NSAIDs are used primarily for their anti-inflammatory effects, they are effective analgesics and are useful for relief of mild to moderate pain. To relieve joint symptomatology, a month's treatment at maximum dose is needed before full effectiveness can be evaluated.
Drug Name
Indomethacin (Indocin) -- DOC; however, other nonsteroidal drugs often are effective. Rapidly absorbed and metabolism occurs in the liver by demethylation, deacetylation, and glucuronide conjugation.
Adult Dose25 mg PO qid; increase to 50 mg qid prn
Pediatric Dose1-2 mg/kg/d PO, divided bid/qid; not to exceed 4 mg/kg/d or 150-200 mg/d
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity (because of potential cross-sensitivity to other NSAIDs, do not give these agents to patients whom aspirin, iodides, or other NSAIDs induce hypersensitivity); GI bleed; renal insufficiency
Interactions Probenecid may increase concentrations and possibly toxicity of NSAIDs; indomethacin may decrease effect of beta-blockers, hydralazine, and captopril; also may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may prolong PT when coadministered with anticoagulants; monitor PT closely and instruct patients to watch for signs and symptoms of bleeding; indomethacin may increase serum lithium levels and risks of methotrexate toxicity, such as stomatitis, bone marrow suppression, and nephrotoxicity
Pregnancy B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
PrecautionsAcute renal insufficiency, interstitial nephritis, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion risk acute renal failure; low WBC counts occur rarely, are transient, and usually return to normal while therapy continues; persistent leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia warrants further evaluation and may require discontinuing the drug
Drug Category: Topical corticosteroids -- These agents are used for dermatologic manifestations, such as keratoderma blennorrhagica and circinate balanitis.
Drug Name
Hydrocortisone valerate (Cortaid, Dermacort, Westcort) -- Topical corticosteroids are adrenocorticosteroid derivatives suitable for application to skin or external mucous membranes and have mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid effects, resulting in a nonspecific anti-inflammatory activity.
Adult DoseApply sparingly to affected areas bid/qid
Pediatric DoseApply as in adults
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; avoid as monotherapy in primary bacterial infections such as cellulitis, angular cheilitis, impetigo, erysipelas, erythrasma (clobetasol), paronychia, or treatment of rosacea, perioral dermatitis, or acne; do not use on face, groin, or axilla
InteractionsNone reported
Pregnancy C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
PrecautionsSystemic absorption of topical corticosteroids may cause reversible HPA-axis suppression, Cushing syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glycosuria; conditions that augment systemic absorption include application of potent steroids, prolonged use, use over large surface areas, and addition of occlusive dressings
Drug Category: Antibiotics -- Empiric antimicrobial should cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.
Drug Name
Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (EryPed) -- Indicated for treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms and for prevention of corneal and conjunctival infections.
Adult DoseApply 1-cm ribbon under lid; not to exceed q4h
Pediatric DoseApply as in adults
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; epithelial herpes simplex keratitis, fungal and mycobacterial infections of the eye, and patients using steroid combinations after uncomplicated removal of a corneal foreign body
InteractionsNone reported
Pregnancy B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
PrecautionsDo not use topical antibiotics in ocular infections that are likely to become systemic; prolonged or repeated antibiotic therapy may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms; such overgrowth may lead to a secondary infection; take appropriate measures if superinfection occurs
Drug Name
Doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs) -- Interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis during active multiplication, causing cell wall death and resultant bactericidal activity against susceptible bacteria.
Adult Dose100 mg PO bid for 3 mo
Pediatric Dose <8 years: Not recommended
>8 years: 2-5 mg/kg/d PO once or divided bid; not to exceed 200 mg/d
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; severe hepatic dysfunction
InteractionsAntacids containing aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron, or bismuth subsalicylate may decrease doxycycline bioavailability; tetracyclines may increase the hypoprothrombinemic effects of anticoagulants; prothrombin activity should be monitored in patients taking both of these types of medications concurrently; coadministration of tetracyclines may decrease pharmacologic effects of oral contraceptives, causing breakthrough bleeding and increased risk of pregnancy
Pregnancy D - Unsafe in pregnancy
PrecautionsAvoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning equipment because a photosensitivity reaction may occur; use lower than usual doses in patients with renal impairment;
if therapy is prolonged, drug serum level determinations may be advisable; use of tetracyclines during tooth development (last one half of pregnancy through 8 y) may cause permanent discoloration of teeth; never administer outdated tetracyclines; degradation products of tetracyclines are highly nephrotoxic and have, on occasion, produced a Fanconilike syndrome
Drug Name
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) -- DOC for improvement in clinical parameters, except joint involvement, in enterogenic reactive arthritis. Ciprofloxacin is a bactericidal antibiotic that inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis and, consequently, growth by inhibiting DNA-gyrase in susceptible organisms.
Adult Dose250-500 mg PO bid
Pediatric Dose <18 years: Not recommended
>18 years: Administer as in adults
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity
InteractionsAntacids, iron salts, and zinc salts may interfere with GI absorption of fluoroquinolones, resulting in decreased serum levels (administer antacids 2-4 h before or after taking fluoroquinolones)
Cimetidine may interfere with metabolism of fluoroquinolones; ciprofloxacin may reduce therapeutic effects of phenytoin; probenecid may reduce ciprofloxacin renal clearance by 50% and increase serum concentration by 50%; ciprofloxacin may increase theophylline and caffeine concentrations and prolong their duration of action; ciprofloxacin may increase nephrotoxic effect of cyclosporine; digoxin serum levels may be increased when used concurrently with ciprofloxacin; digoxin levels should be monitored; ciprofloxacin may increase effects of anticoagulants; prothrombin time should be monitored
Pregnancy C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
PrecautionsIn prolonged therapy, perform periodic evaluations of organ system functions, including renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic; patients with renal function impairment may require a dose adjustment; prolonged or repeated antibiotic therapy may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms; such overgrowth may lead to a secondary infection; take appropriate measures if superinfection occurs
Drug Category: Anti-inflammatory agents -- These agents are used when NSAIDs do not control arthritis and for inflammatory lesions of intestinal mucosa.
Drug Name
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) -- Useful in management of ulcerative colitis and acts locally in colon to decrease inflammatory response and systemically inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.
Adult Dose1000 mg enteric-coated PO bid
Pediatric Dose<2 years: Not established
>2 years: 40-60 mg/kg/d PO in 3-6 divided doses; follow with a maintenance dose of 20-30 mg/kg/d divided qid
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; GI or GU obstruction
InteractionsSulfasalazine decreases effect of iron, digoxin, and folic acid, and, conversely, increases effect of oral anticoagulants, oral hypoglycemic agents, and methotrexate
Pregnancy B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
PrecautionsUse caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, blood dyscrasias, or urinary obstruction
FOLLOW-UP Section 8 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Further Inpatient Care:

In/Out Patient Meds:

Complications:

Prognosis:

Patient Education:

MISCELLANEOUS Section 9 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

Medical/Legal Pitfalls:

Special Concerns:

TEST QUESTIONS Section 10 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic

CME Question 1: A 20-year-old man presents to the ED with a history of arthralgias, tearing eyes, and a clear urethral discharge. Which of the following statements is correct?


A: Chlamydia can be cultured from joint fluid.
B: Characteristic arthropathy, enthesopathy, refers to synovial inflammation.
C: Urethritis associated with reactive arthritis may be postdysenteric or postvenereal.
D: Most patients develop chronic arthritis.
E: Conjunctivitis is caused by a chlamydial infection.

The correct answer is C: Infectious organisms cannot be cultured from a joint. Chlamydial conjunctivitis may be the inciting infection for reactive arthritis, but conjunctivitis usually is not secondary to the organism. Although recurrences are frequent, development of reactive arthritis occurs in only 15-30% of patients. Synovium is not involved; rather, an inflammatory process occurs at the tendinous insertion in the bone. Venereal and dysenteric disease can precede reactive arthritis.

CME Question 2: An ED physician diagnoses reactive arthritis in a patient with HIV. Which of the following statements regarding treatment is correct?


A: Antibiotics may decrease duration of symptoms.
B: Oral steroids are indicated for joint symptoms.
C: Ciprofloxacin has been shown to improve all symptoms of enterogenic reactive arthritis.
D: Erythromycin ointment is useful for treatment of balanitis circinata and keratoderma blenorrhagica.
E: Cytotoxic agents are useful in patients with HIV.

The correct answer is A: Identification of infectious etiology, especially from the genitourinary tract, for reactive arthritis is important. A prolonged course may decrease recurrences. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are the mainstay of therapy for joint symptoms. Ciprofloxacin is useful in all but the joint symptoms in enterogenic reactive arthritis. Skin manifestations should be treated with low-dose topical steroids. Cytotoxic therapy has no role in ED management and would be contraindicated in the patient with HIV.

Pearl Question 1 (T/F): A patient with reactive arthritis is likely to have had nongonococcal venereal disease or dysentery.

The correct answer is True: Nongonococcal venereal disease and infectious diarrhea precipitate reactive arthritis. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–B27 contributes to pathogenesis of disease.

Pearl Question 2 (T/F): Asymmetric oligoarthritis, genital ulceration or urethritis, and cervicitis within 1 month are the clinical points needed to make the diagnosis of Reiterlike spondyloarthropathy.

The correct answer is False: Asymmetric oligoarthritis, sausage-shaped fingers or toes, conjunctivitis or iritis, genital ulceration or urethritis, cervicitis, or acute diarrhea within 1 month are clinical points needed to make the diagnosis of Reiterlike spondyloarthropathy.

Pearl Question 3 (T/F): Canaliculitis and corneal ulcerations are eye manifestations of reactive arthritis.

The correct answer is False: Conjunctivitis and iritis are eye manifestations of reactive arthritis.

Pearl Question 4 (T/F): Many agents are likely to be cultured from joint fluid aspirated from a knee in a patient with suspected reactive arthritis.

The correct answer is False: No agents can be cultured from joint fluid aspirated from a knee in a patient with suspected reactive arthritis. Infectious antigens have been detected in synovium.
BIBLIOGRAPHY Section 11 of 11   Click here to go to the next section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page

NOTE:
Medicine is a constantly changing science and not all therapies are clearly established. New research changes drug and treatment therapies daily. The authors, editors, and publisher of this journal have used their best efforts to provide information that is up-to-date and accurate and is generally accepted within medical standards at the time of publication. However, as medical science is constantly changing and human error is always possible, the authors, editors, and publisher or any other party involved with the publication of this article do not warrant the information in this article is accurate or complete, nor are they responsible for omissions or errors in the article or for the results of using this information. The reader should confirm the information in this article from other sources prior to use. In particular, all drug doses, indications, and contraindications should be confirmed in the package insert. FULL DISCLAIMER
eMedicine Journal, February 15 2007, VOLUME 8, Number 2
© Copyright 2001, eMedicine.com, Inc.

eMedicine Journals > Emergency Medicine > Rheumatology > Reactive Arthritis
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