Reiter Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis)
Description
A reactive arthritis associated with inflammation of the eyes, the urethra and the genitalia. Symptoms frequently follow a bacterial infection, with Chlamydia being the most common organism. It is unknown why some patients develop the disorder but those with the HLA B27 genetic factor have an increased risk.
Symptoms
Arthritis symptoms include: Achilles tendon pain, heel pain, joint pain in the large joints (hip pain, knee pain, and ankle pain), low back pain. Eye symptoms include: eye pain, eye burning, eye redness, eye discharge, sensitivity to light. Urogenital symptoms include: painless ulcers on penis, urinary urgency, burning with urination, urethral discharge. Other symptoms include: skin lesions on the palms and soles that may resemble psoriasis, small painless ulcers in the mouth and tongue.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additonal tests are done to establish the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease.
- UA
- X-Ray
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and treat any underlying infection. Treatment may include: antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol), intra-articular steroid injection, and/or physical therapy. Immunosuppressive medications may be recommended for severe cases.
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