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Review
. 2023 Feb;51(1):37-45.
doi: 10.1007/s15010-022-01858-z. Epub 2022 Jun 2.

Reactive arthritis occurring after COVID-19 infection: a narrative review

Maroua Slouma  1   2 , Maissa Abbes  3   4 , Takoua Mehmli  1   2 , Rim Dhahri  1   2 , Leila Metoui  1   2 , Imen Gharsallah  1   2 , Bassem Louzir  5   2
Affiliations
Review

Reactive arthritis occurring after COVID-19 infection: a narrative review

Maroua Slouma et al. Infection. 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Purpose: Reactive arthritis is acute aseptic arthritis occurring 1 to 4 weeks after a distant infection in a genetically predisposed individual. It may occur after COVID-19 infection. We summarize, in this article, the current findings of reactive arthritis following COVID-19 infection.

Methods: A literature search has been performed from December 2019 to December 2021. We included case reports of reactive arthritis occurring after COVID-19 infection. We collected demographic, clinical, and paraclinical data.

Results: A total of 22 articles were reviewed. There were 14 men and 11 women with a mean age of 44.96 + 17.47 years. Oligoarticular involvement of the lower limbs was the most frequent clinical presentation. The time between arthritis and COVID infection ranged from 6 to 48 days. The diagnosis was based on clinical and laboratory findings. The pharmacological management was based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in 20 cases. Systemic or local steroid therapy was indicated in 13 patients. Sulfasalazine was indicated in two cases. Alleviation of symptoms and recovery were noted in 22 cases. The mean duration of the clinical resolution was 16 + 57 days.

Conclusion: The diagnosis of reactive arthritis should be considered in patients with a new onset of arthritis following COVID-19 infection. Its mechanism is still unclear.

Keywords: COVID-19; Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Oligoarthritis; Reactive arthritis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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References

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