Reiter's Syndrome

From Wacklepedia - The Free Encyclopedia

Reiter's Syndrome, characterized by the triad of urethritis, conjunctivitis, and arthritis, is a seronegative spondyloarthropathy (autoimmune damage to the cartilages of joints) often precipitated by genitourinary or gastrointestinal infections. There is asymmetrical joint distribution occurring mostly in the feet. The syndrome may present with sacroiliitis.

Persons with HLA-B27 are at increased risk for developing Reiter's Syndrome after sexual contact or exposure to certain enteric bacterial infections.

The goal of treatment is to eradicate the infectious source, and symptomatic arthritis relief that is similar to rheumatoid arthritis', i.e. NSAIDs.

Reiter's Syndrome was first described during World War I by German doctor Hans Reiter, who identified the "classic triad" of urethritis, arthritis and conjunctivitis after observing it in a soldier-patient.

External Link

• Merck Manual on Reiter's Syndrome