Reiter’s syndrome is an inflammatory reaction to an infection somewhere in the body. It usually follows a urogenital or intestinal infection. Symptoms of the disorder primarily involve three body systems:
Reiter's syndrome is triggered by certain infections in a genetically susceptible person. The infection often starts in the urinary or genital tract, and is usually caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.Chlamydia is passed between people through sexual activity.
The infection can also begin in the digestive system. In these cases, the infection occurs after eating food tainted with bacteria, usually Shigella , Salmonella , Yersinia , or Campylobacter .
About 1 to 4 weeks after the infection, a susceptible person may develop Reiter’s syndrome. Doctors do not know why some people develop the disease and others do not. But most patients with the condition carry a specific genetic factor called HLA-B27 (or the B27 gene).
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for Reiter's syndrome include:
Symptoms occur in three main areas of the body: the joints, the eyes, and the urinary tract and genitals. Men and women may experience different symptoms. The disease may be milder in women. Symptoms may come and go. In rare cases, heart problems may develop later in the disease.
Specific symptoms include the following:
In men:
In women:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Your doctor uses these findings to help make the diagnosis. There is no specific test to check for Reiter’s syndrome.
Testing may include:
There is no cure for Reiter’s syndrome. However, early treatment of the infection may slow or stop the course of the disease. Most patients recover from the initial episode within six months. But some develop a mild, chronic arthritis. Some patients suffer from additional bouts of the disorder.
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and may include:
Short-term bed rest to take strain off the joints
This includes:
This includes:
Your doctor may prescribe some of the following:
The key to preventing Reiter's syndrome is avoiding the triggering infection. To do so, take these steps:
RESOURCES:
Arthritis Foundation
http://www.arthritis.org
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
http://www.niams.nih.gov
Spondylitis Association of America
http://www.spondylitis.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Arthritis Foundation of Canada
http://www.arthritis.ca/
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/
References:
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology website. Available at: http://www.acog.org .
Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 21st ed. WB Saunders Co; 2000.
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine .14th ed. The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2000.
Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology . 6th ed. WB Saunders Co.; 2001.
Primary Care Medicine . 4th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000.
Textbook of Primary Care Medicine . 3rd ed. Mosby Inc.; 2001.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Jill D. Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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