Treatment of reactive arthritis with biological agents: a review.

The pathogenesis of reactive arthritis (ReA) has not been fully elucidated. In recent years, many researchers have confirmed that multiple cytokines are involved in the occurrence and development of ReA. Although ReA is self-limiting, it is still incurable for some patients who have no or a weak response to traditional drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents. This is called refractory reactive arthritis. Currently, there is insufficient evidences for the treatment of refractory ReA with biological agents, though biological agents against cytokines have been developed over the past few years. This review summarizes the current development of clinical treatments of ReA with biological agents, which provides future investigations on refractory ReA with more evidence and references.

Zeng H ，Luo B ，Zhang Y ，Xie Z ，Ye Z ... -  《-》

[Reactive arthritis - a disease almost forgotten?].

Reactive arthritis (ReA) is an aseptic, immune mediated arthritis with typical manifestations following urogenital, gastrointestinal or respiratory tract infections. The interval between the antecedent infection and arthritis is ranging from several days to 4-6 weeks. ReA is classified as member of the group of spondyloarthritides. The triggering microorganisms are not culturable by routine methods from the affected joints. In the pathogenesis of ReA, bacterial and immunological as well as genetic factors (HLA-B27) play an important role. Post-streptococcal arthritis, Lyme arthritis (Borreliosis) and viral arthritis are not classified as ReA within the spondyloarthritis group. In the treatment of ReA, antibiotics are not used. Acute ReA is treated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and refractory (chronic) arthritis by steroids, sulfasalazine and TNF inhibitors. Notably, only a few original papers on ReA have been published within the last years.

Märker-Hermann E 《-》

Joint approach.

Palmer K 《-》

Successful treatment of reactive arthritis with a humanized anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody, tocilizumab.

Tanaka T ，Kuwahara Y ，Shima Y ，Hirano T ，Kawai M ，Ogawa M ，Arimitsu J ，Hagihara K ，Narazaki M ，Ogata A ，Kawase I ，Kishimoto T ... -  《ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM》

Management of reactive arthritis.

Palazzi C ，Olivieri I ，D'Amico E ，Pennese E ，Petricca A ... -  《EXPERT OPINION ON PHARMACOTHERAPY》