From the Research
The recommended initial dose of prednisone for treating Reiter's syndrome (reactive arthritis) is typically 20-40 mg per day. This moderate dose is usually sufficient to control the inflammatory symptoms while minimizing potential side effects. Treatment should be continued until symptoms improve, usually for 1-2 weeks, followed by a gradual taper over several weeks to prevent rebound inflammation. The tapering schedule might involve reducing the dose by 5 mg every 5-7 days, depending on symptom control. Prednisone works by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation in the affected joints, eyes, and urogenital tract. It's essential to note that corticosteroids like prednisone are generally used as a second-line treatment when NSAIDs have failed to provide adequate relief, as suggested by 1.
Some key points to consider when treating Reiter's syndrome with prednisone include:
- Patients should take prednisone with food to reduce gastrointestinal irritation
- Those on longer courses may need calcium and vitamin D supplementation to prevent bone density loss, as recommended by 2
- Regular monitoring for side effects such as elevated blood glucose, increased blood pressure, and mood changes is recommended during treatment
- The use of low-dose prednisone has been shown to be safe and effective in managing rheumatoid arthritis, and similar principles may apply to Reiter's syndrome, as discussed in 2
It's also worth noting that other treatment options, such as infliximab, have been explored for Reiter's syndrome, particularly in patients who are unresponsive to NSAIDs or have HIV, as reported in 3 and 4. However, prednisone remains a commonly used and effective treatment for managing the symptoms of Reiter's syndrome.