From the Research
Reiter's syndrome, now more commonly referred to as reactive arthritis, is a condition that occurs in response to a bacterial infection elsewhere in the body, typically affecting the joints, eyes, and urinary tract, causing inflammation in these areas, as described in the most recent study 1. This condition usually develops 1-4 weeks after an infection, most commonly gastrointestinal infections (like Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter) or genitourinary infections (such as Chlamydia) 1. Symptoms of reactive arthritis include:
- Joint pain and swelling (particularly in the knees, ankles, and feet)
- Eye inflammation (conjunctivitis or uveitis)
- Urethritis or cervicitis
- Some patients may also develop skin lesions, as noted in a study from 2. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen for pain and inflammation, and antibiotics are used if there's an ongoing infection 1. For severe cases, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like sulfasalazine, or biologics may be necessary, as suggested by various studies, including 3 and 4. Most people recover within 3-12 months, though some may experience chronic or recurring symptoms, and the condition is believed to have a genetic component, with HLA-B27 positive individuals being more susceptible, suggesting an autoimmune mechanism triggered by certain infections in genetically predisposed individuals 1.