Reactive Arthritis / 대한내과학회지

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.