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Reactive arthritis following tetanus vaccination: a case report
Nilay Sahin1, Ali Salli, Ayse Unal Enginar
1Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Selcuk University, Meram Faculty of Medicine, 42001 Meram/Konya, Turkey. nilaysahin@gmail.com
Modern Rheumatology
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Reactive arthritis can occur after tetanus vaccination. This case study shows a patient who developed knee pain and swelling post-vaccination, which resolved with anti-inflammatory medication.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Tetanus vaccination is a common preventative health measure.
- Reactive arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis.
- Vaccine-induced reactive arthritis is a rare but recognized phenomenon.
Observation:
- A healthy 55-year-old woman experienced acute right knee pain and swelling two days post-tetanus vaccination.
- Laboratory tests revealed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein.
- Rheumatoid factor and human leukocyte antigen B-27 tests were negative.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms of knee arthritis significantly improved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Complete resolution of knee swelling and pain was observed within one week of treatment.
- This case supports a potential link between tetanus vaccination and reactive arthritis.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider reactive arthritis in patients presenting with joint pain after tetanus vaccination.
- Early diagnosis and management with anti-inflammatory agents can lead to prompt symptom relief.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms underlying vaccine-associated reactive arthritis.
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