Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

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Reiter’s syndrome An inflammatory disorder
commonly associated with INFECTION by the
MICROBE Chlamydia trachomatis. Other pathogens
that cause GASTROENTERITIS or SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED
DISEASES (STDS) may also be responsible. Reiter’s
syndrome involves three components: URETHRITIS,
reactive arthritis (arthritis that develops in reaction
to infection elsewhere in the body), and CON-
JUNCTIVITIS. People who have Reiter’s syndrome
often have the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
B27, which is also associated with the autoimmune
arthritis ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS. Some people
develop INFLAMMATION of the AORTA and other
major arteries as a consequence of the involvement
of vascular connective tissue.
with a needle and syringe) from affected joints. X-
RAY studies may show characteristic changes in the
affected joints.
Treatment Options and Outlook
The mainstay of treatment for Reiter’s syndrome is
therapy with NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
DRUGS (NSAIDS). NSAIDs, usually prescription
forms, control both inflammation and PAIN. An
active bacterial infection requires treatment with
the appropriate ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS. Symptoms
tend to last three to six months in most people;
sometimes longer. In about a third of people, the
arthritis component becomes chronic. Two thirds
of people fully recover without residual effects.
Symptoms and Diagnostic Path
Any of the three components of Reiter’s syndrome
may appear first, though commonly the urethritis
is the first to manifest symptoms. The other two
components generally appear within 28 to 35 days
of the first component. Symptoms typically
include
• general feeling of malaise
• low-grade FEVER
• MUSCLE aches and soreness, particularly when
resting
• burning, itchy eyes
• conjunctivitis or IRITIS
• inflammation of the TENDON insertion point in
affected joints (a unique arthritic symptom)
• genital discharge and painless, shallow ulcers
The diagnostic path includes laboratory testing
for CHLAMYDIA in urethral and genital discharges as
well as any fluid the doctor aspirates (withdraws
352
Risk Factors and Preventive Measures
Men who develop Reiter’s syndrome outnumber
women about 10 to 1. Sexually transmitted
chlamydia infection is the most common cause of
the syndrome, so measures to reduce exposure to
STDs can significantly reduce the development of
Reiter’s syndrome.
See also BACTERIA; HUMAN LEUKOCYTE ANTIGENS
(HLAS); INFECTIOUS
HEALTH.
ARTHRITIS; PATHOGEN; SEXUAL
repetitive motion injuries Soft tissue injuries
that occur as a result of overuse or performing the
same motion over and over. Repetitive motion
injuries, sometimes called cumulative trauma
injuries, may occur as occupational injuries or
ATHLETIC INJURIES. The most common repetitive
motion injuries are TENDONITIS (INFLAMMATION of a
TENDON) and BURSITIS (inflammation of a BURSA).
These injuries may develop near any JOINT though
are most common in the knees, hips, wrists,
elbows, and shoulders.