Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
long term
medium

Inflammatory arthritis can lead to cartilage destruction and bony erosions with resultant secondary osteoarthritis. Chronic arthritis can develop in approximately 50% of patients with ReA.[46][82][83][84][85][86]

If patients develop chronic ReA (>6 months' duration), immunosuppressants are used in an attempt to slow down or halt joint destruction.

Osteoarthritis

variable
low

Patients may experience painful, blurry vision with photophobia and eye redness.

This complication is treated with ophthalmic corticosteroids. Occasionally, oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressants are used.

variable
low

Pustular or plaque-like lesions, typically on the soles or palms.[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Keratoderma blenorrhagia in a patient with reactive arthritis.Image provided by the CDC Public Health Image Library [Citation ends].com.bmj.content.model.Caption@43976309

Topical corticosteroid preparations are used for treatment.

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