Released on = February 10, 2006, 9:07 am

Press Release Author = Suffolk First

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = Most people with reactive arthritis recover fully from the
initial flare of symptoms and are able to return to regular activities 2 to 6 months
after the first symptoms appear. In such cases, the symptoms of arthritis may last
up to 12 months, although these are usually very mild and do not interfere with
daily activities.

Press Release Body = Most people with reactive arthritis recover fully from the
initial flare of symptoms and are able to return to regular activities 2 to 6 months
after the first symptoms appear. In such cases, the symptoms of arthritis may last
up to 12 months, although these are usually very mild and do not interfere with
daily activities. Approximately 20 percent of people with reactive arthritis will
have chronic (long-term) arthritis, which usually is mild. Studies show that between
15 and 50 percent of patients will develop symptoms again sometime after the initial
flare has disappeared. It is possible that such relapses may be due to reinfection.
Back pain and arthritis are the symptoms that most commonly reappear. A small
percentage of patients will have chronic, severe arthritis that is difficult to
control with treatment and may cause joint deformity.

Researchers continue to investigate the causes of reactive arthritis and study
treatments for the condition. For example:
· Researchers are trying to better understand the relationship between infection and
reactive arthritis. In particular, they are trying to determine why an infection triggers arthritis and why some people who develop infections get reactive arthritis while others do not. Scientists also are studying why people with the genetic factor HLA-B27 are more at risk than others.
· Researchers are developing methods to detect the location of the triggering bacteria in the body. Some scientists suspect that after the bacteria enter the body, they are transported to the joints, where they can remain in small amounts indefinitely.