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Alternative names Return to top
Reactive arthritisDefinition Return to top
Reiter's syndrome is a group of symptoms consisting of arthritis (inflammation of the joints), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), conjunctivitis (inflammation of the lining of the eye), and lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. The cause is unknown.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The exact cause of Reiter's syndrome is unknown. It occurs most commonly in men before the age of 40. It may follow an infection with Chlamydia, Campylobacter, Salmonella, or Yersinia. There may be a genetic predisposition to the syndrome.Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
The diagnosis is based on symptoms. Since the symptoms may occur at different times, the diagnosis may be delayed. A physical examination may reveal conjunctivitis or typical skin lesions.Treatment Return to top
The objective of treatment is to alleviate the symptoms associated with the syndrome and to treat any underlying infection. In general, the conjunctivitis and skin lesions associated with the syndrome do not require treatment, and will resolve on their own.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The illness may resolve in 3 to 4 months, but up to one-half of those affected experience recurrences of the arthritis or other symptoms of the syndrome over a period of several years. The condition may become chronic.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of Reiter's syndrome develop.Prevention Return to top
The prevention of sexually transmitted diseases through condom use, and the prevention of gastrointestinal infection through hand washing and careful food preparation, may affect the prevalence of this disease. Update Date: 8/3/2003 Updated by: Megan Clowse, M.D., Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |