Assumption #5. Antibiotic treatment is indicated for reactive arthritis.
A systematic review of randomized trials carried out by researchers at the Universities of British Columbia, Calgary, and Toronto reveals no significant effects of antibiotics on swollen joint counts, tender joint counts, pain, or patient global scores among patients with reactive arthritis. However, antibiotics were associated with a 97% increase in gastrointestinal adverse events.
See: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Antibiotic Treatment for Reactive Arthritis
