Reiter's Syndrome
Other Names: Reactive Arthritis, Seronegative Spondyloarthropathy
Reiter's Syndrome is a group of autoimmune conditions
affecting the joints, urethra and eyes. Typically,
the onset includes Painful and swollen joints in the
knees, ankles and feet. It can also cause inflammation
in your eyes, skin and the tube that carries urine
from your bladder (urethra). Less common symptoms
are mouth ulcers, skin rashes, and heart valve problems.
Symptoms generally appear within 1–3 weeks but
can range from 4 to 35 days from the onset of the
inciting episode of the disease.
The exact cause of the Reiter's isn't known, but
it is known that Reiter's is usually a reaction to
something else going on in the body, whether it be
an infection or virus or some other cause. Once Reiter's
has been triggered, it will become a chronic condition
that will be triggered again when other conditions
present. That is why the term "Reactive Arthritis"
is used, because it is dependent on another condition
in order to present.
Symptoms:
Blisters and pustules on the palms of hands and soles
of the feet
Diarrhea
Discharge from penis
Enlarged prostate
Eyes sensitive to light
General joint pain and stiffness
Gritty feeling in eyes
Joint stiffness in ankles and feet
Knee pain with stiffness
Pain in Achilles Tendon
Pain in mouth
Pain in the penis
Pain in the sole of foot
Pain when moving eyes
Painful prostate
Stiffness and pain in lower spine
Swollen eyes
Tearing eyes
Diagnosis:
Besides physical examinations and history of symptoms,
the
American College of Rheumatology has published sensitivity
and specificity guidelines.(citation in Wikipedia)
| Percent Sensitivity
and Specificity of Various Criteria for Typical
Reiter's Syndrome [Reactive Arthritis] |
| Method of diagnosis |
Sensitivity |
Specificity |
| 1.
Episode of arthritis of more than 1 month with
urethritis and/or cervicitis |
84.3% |
98.2% |
| 2.
Episode of arthritis of more than 1 month and
either urethritis or cervicitis, or bilateral
conjunctivitis |
85.5% |
96.4% |
| 3.
Episode of arthritis, conjunctivitis, and urethritis |
50.6% |
98.8% |
| 4.
Episode of arthritis of more than 1 month, conjunctivitis,
and urethritis |
48.2% |
98.8% |
Treatment:
Treatment is usually aimed at treating the underlying
condition that the arthritis is reacting to as well
as managing the symptoms being caused by the Reiter's
Syndrome.
The most common methods of treatment are Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Corticosteroids,
TNF Blockers, and physical therapy to help keep mobility
in the joints and areas affected by the Reiter's.
Prognosis:
Reiter's may be a chronic and recurring condition
for the rest of the patient's life. Most patients
can expect to live full lives, though the Reiter's,
when active, may cause limitations to their lifestyles.
With proper symptom management, most pain and symptoms
can be controlled in normal flair ups. In severe cases,
Reiter's may be disabling.
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