Korean J Med.  2013 Sep;85(3):245-249. 10.3904/kjm.2013.85.3.245.

Reactive Arthritis

• Park KS

• KMID: 1722632
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2013.85.3.245

Abstract

Reactive arthritis (ReA) is an inflammatory joint disease following genitourinary or gastrointestinal bacterial infection, most commonly by Chlamydia trachomatis. It is characterized by the inflammation in the large joints of lower extremities such as ankles and knees and sometimes accompanied by enthesitis (Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis) and sacroiliitis, which made it classified as spondyloarthritis. Although there are various theories about the role of persistent bacterial infection, toll-like receptor, and human leukocyte antigen-B27 in the pathogenesis of ReA, many things are still unknown. Clinical studies about the ReA have not been done well due to the absence of widely recognized diagnostic criteria. Although the evidence of prior infection is necessary for the diagnosis, it is not uncommon that preceding infection is asymptomatic, which make it difficult to diagnose ReA. Therefore, it is necessary to consider ReA in patients suffering from inflammation in the joints of lower extremities with unknown cause. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid, and sulfasalazine have been used in the treatment of ReA but antibiotics don't seem to work. Regarding the therapeutic role of anti-tumor necrosis factor agents, there are some controversies.

Keyword

Reactive arthritis; Infection; Chlamydia trachomatis; Spondyloarthritis

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Animals
Ankle
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Arthritis, Reactive
Bacterial Infections
Chlamydia trachomatis
HLA-B27 Antigen
Humans
Inflammation
Joint Diseases
Joints
Knee
Lower Extremity
Sacroiliitis
Sulfasalazine
Tendinopathy
Toll-Like Receptors
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Sulfasalazine
Toll-Like Receptors