Reiter’s syndrome

Reiter’s syndrome: Introduction

Reiter's syndrome is a rare type of arthritis that causes inflammation of the urinary tract, eyes, skin, mucus membranes, and joints. Reiter's syndrome, also called reactive arthritis, is believed to occur as a reaction to certain infections of the reproductive system and the digestive system.

Infections that can lead to the complication of Reiter's syndrome include a common sexually transmitted disease called chlamydia. This is the most common cause of Reiter's syndrome. A less common cause of Reiter's syndrome is food poisoning due to Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia or Campylobacter infection. Why some people develop Reiter's syndrome in reaction to these infections and other people don't is not known, but having a certain genetic factor called HLA-B27 increases a person's chance of developing Reiter's syndrome.

Hallmark symptoms of Reiter's syndrome affect the urinary tract, eyes, skin, mucus membranes, and joints. Complications include the development of chronic arthritis. For details about additional important complications and symptoms, refer to symptoms of Reiter's syndrome.

Making a diagnosis of Reiter's syndrome begins with taking a thorough medical history, including symptoms and history of Chlamydia infection or food poisoning, and completing a physical examination. A referral is generally made to a rheumatologist for definitive diagnosis and treatment. There is no specific test that can diagnose Reiter's syndrome. Diagnosis is made by evaluating the symptoms and interpreting them in conjunction with tests that rule out other diseases and conditions and/or increase the suspicion of a diagnosis of Reiter's syndrome.

For example, a blood rheumatoid factor (RF) test will generally be positive in rheumatoid arthritis, which has some similar symptoms, but generally negative in Reiter's syndrome. Other tests may include a C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which indicate an inflammatory process occurring somewhere in the body. A chlamydia test can diagnose the presence of a chlamydia infection, one of the infections that can lead to Reiter's syndrome. A test may also be run to check for the genetic factor HLA-B27, which increases the risk of developing Reiter's syndrome. X-rays may show some changes that are characteristic of Reiter's syndrome and may rule-out some other possible causes of symptoms.

It is possible that a diagnosis of Reiter's syndrome can be missed or delayed because symptoms can vary amongst individuals and can come and go. In addition, some symptoms may be similar to symptoms of other diseases and conditions. For more information on diseases and conditions that can mimic Reiter's syndrome, refer to misdiagnosis of Reiter's syndrome.

Treatment for Reiter's syndrome varies depending on the underlying infection, the severity of symptoms, the presence of complications, a person's age and medical history, and other factors. Reiter's syndrome cannot be cured, but treatment can help to reduce symptoms until the disorder resolves spontaneously on its own. Most people with Reiter's syndrome have a good long-term prognosis and symptoms disappear within about a year.

Treatment:

Treatment of Reiter's syndrome varies depending on the type of symptoms, the severity, and other factors. Treatment includes a multifaceted plan that addresses the symptoms and treats any underlying infection, such as chlamydia.

Reiter's syndrome cannot be cured, but treatment can minimize symptoms until the disorder resolves spontaneously on its own. Most people with Reiter's syndrome have a good long-term prognosis and symptoms disappear within about a year.

Commonly used medications for treatment of the pain and inflammation of Reiter's syndrome include acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) and aspirin. These medications can have serious side effects and should only be taken as recommended by a physician. Corticosteroids may also be used to reduce inflammation. If bacterial conjunctivitis occurs, it is treated with antibiotic eye drops.

Physical therapy is also often recommended for Reiter's syndrome. Physical therapy includes exercises that can help to strengthen joints, relieve pain, and maintain flexibility and mobility.