Post-streptococcal reactive arthritis in children: a distinct entity from acute rheumatic fever

Abstract

There is a debate whether post-streptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA) is a separate entity or a condition on the spectrum of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). We believe that PSRA is a distinct entity and in this paper we review the substantial differences between PSRA and ARF. We show how the demographic, clinical, genetic and treatment characteristics of PSRA differ from ARF. We review diagnostic criteria and regression formulas that attempt to classify patients with PSRA as opposed to ARF. The important implication of these findings may relate to the issue of prophylactic antibiotics after PSRA. However, future trials will be necessary to conclusively answer that question.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: An overview

“…Reactive arthritis following viral infections is usually short lived 14 . Rheumatic fever and post streptococcal reactive arthritis 15 are also seen among our children. Mechanical types of joint pains can be due to joint hypermobility 16 .…”

How to investigate new-onset polyarthritis

“…Post-streptococcal reactive arthritis is another condition belonging to this group. Although the entity is well described in children as being distinct from rheumatic fever, in adults doubts have been raised about its existence [34,35].…”

Infections and arthritis

“…The classical age distribution of poststreptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA) is bimodal e peak at 8e14 years and another at 21e37 years [101]. Additive, symmetric arthritis involving small and large joints and axial skeleton develop approximately 4e12 days after pharyngitis/tonsillitis by GAS.…”