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February 10, 2012

Reactive Arthritis (cont.)

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What does the future hold for reactive arthritis?

In the future, new medications will be developed that are more specific in the treatment of reactive arthritis. Trials with long-term antibiotic treatment are under way, and it is possible that these may be especially effective in reactive arthritis that is associated with Chlamydia infection.

The TNF-blockers, such as etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab (Remicade) have potential for treating severe, resistant reactive arthritis. These drugs may improve both the joint and non-joint areas of inflammation. Further studies of these drugs are underway.

Reactive Arthritis At A Glance
  • Reactive arthritis involves inflammation of joints (arthritis), eyes (conjunctivitis), and the genital, urinary, or gastrointestinal systems.
  • Reactive arthritis can occur after genital (venereal) infection or bowel infection (dysentery).
  • Reactive arthritis shares many features with psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and the arthritis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
  • Reactive arthritis can affect the joints, the spine, the eyes, urinary tract, mouth, colon, and heart.
  • There is no single laboratory test for diagnosing reactive arthritis. HLA-B27 genetic marker is commonly found in the blood.
  • Treatment of reactive arthritis is directed toward the specific body area(s) inflamed or affected.

For further information about reactive arthritis, please visit the following site:

The Arthritis Foundation

You can also contact:

The Arthritis Foundation
P.O. Box 19000
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
or contact your local chapter

National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Clearinghouse
Box AMS
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
301-495-4484

References:

Koopman, William, et al., eds. Clinical Primer of Rheumatology. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2003.
Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, W B Saunders Co, edited by Shaun Ruddy, et al., 2000.


Last Editorial Review: 1/29/2008


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