Reiter's Syndrome

Reactive arthritis, formerly referred to as Reiter's syndrome, is a form of arthritis that affects the joints, eyes, urethra, and skin.

Causes of Reiter’s Syndrome

The cause of reactive arthritis is still unknown, but research suggests the disease is caused, in part, by a genetic predisposition: Approximately 75% of those with the condition have a positive blood test for the genetic marker HLA-B27.
In sexually active males, most cases of reactive arthritis follow infection with Chlamydia trachomatis or Ureaplasma urealyticum, both sexually transmitted diseases.
In other cases, people develop the symptoms following an intestinal infection with shigella, salmonella, yersinia, or campylobacter bacteria.

Mouth ulcers
Inflammation of the eye
Keratoderma blennorrhagica (patches of scaly skin on the palms, soles, trunk, or scalp)
Back pain from sacroiliac (SI) joint involvement
Pain from inflammation of the ligaments and tendons at the sites of their insertion into the bone (enthesitis)

There is no specific test for diagnosing reactive arthritis, but the doctor may check the urethral discharge for sexually transmitted diseases.
Stool samples may also be tested for signs of infection.
Blood tests of reactive arthritis patients are typically positive for the HLA-B27 genetic marker, with an elevated white blood cell count and an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) both signs of inflammation.
The patient may also be mildly anemic (having too few red blood cells in the bloodstream).
X-rays of the joints outside the back do not usually reveal any abnormalities unless the patient has had recurrent episodes of the disease.
On an X-ray, joints that have been repeatedly inflamed may show areas of bone loss, signs of osteoporosis, or bony spurs.
Joints in the back and pelvis (sacroiliac joints) may show abnormalities and damage from reactive arthritis.

Bacterial infections, such as chlamydia, will need to be treated with antibiotics.
Joint inflammation from reactive arthritis is usually treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
Skin eruptions and eye inflammation can be treated with steroids.
Those with chronic disease may be prescribed other medications, including methotrexate.
Patients with chronic arthritis also may be referred to a physical therapist and may be advised to exercise regularly.