Reactive arthritis: Characteristics in southern New Zealand

Aim. To review the clinical characteristics of patients with reactive arthritis and their associated triggering infections in a New Zealand community. Method. We reviewed the records of 60 patients with reactive arthritis. For comparison data was also collected on 30 randomly selected patients with psoriatic arthritis. Results. Reactive arthritis affected a young age group. Half the episodes occurred in the age range 16-24 years and the mean age, (SD) of affected patients was 27 (10) years cf psoriatic arthritis 40 (17) years, p<0.001. Almost half had a disease course longer than 2 yr and erosive joint damage occurred in one quarter. Two thirds required treatment with sulphasalazine or methotrexate and patients with reactive arthritis were admitted to hospital frequently: 37% vs psoriatic arthritis 7%, p<0.001. Antecedent diarrhoea was documented in 23 episodes whereas a diagnosis of sexually acquired reactive arthritis was made in 11. Conclusion. Reactive arthritis has a significant impact on a young age group in this community. This provides a further reason for action to contain the rapidly increasing prevalence in the community of gastrointestinal infections known to trigger reactive arthritis.