Reactive arthritis in pregnancy: a case study

Abstract

Reactive arthritis is an infectious disease found around the world. An inflammatory disease that can follow enteric or venereal infection, reactive arthritis is common in third world countries and can also be found in the developed world. Little has been written about the impact of this infectious disease on pregnancy. This case report details presentation of enteral infection and subsequent diagnosis of reactive arthritis in a 23-year-old primigravida who had previously traveled and lived in sub-Saharan Africa. Difficult to diagnose, reactive arthritis has an unclear etiology and diagnosis in pregnancy is often delayed as symptoms can mimic those commonly found in pregnancy. While a normal infant can be expected, medical management during pregnancy must be attentive to the potential impact of treatment on the developing fetus.