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Reiter’s syndrome An inflammatory disorder
commonly associated with INFECTION by the
MICROBE Chlamydia trachomatis. Other pathogens
that cause GASTROENTERITISor SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED
DISEASES(STDS) may also be responsible. Reiter’s
syndrome involves three components: URETHRITIS,
reactive arthritis (arthritis that develops in reac-
tion to infection elsewhere in the body), and CON-
JUNCTIVITIS. People who have Reiter’s syndrome
often have the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
B27, which is also associated with the autoim-
mune arthritis ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS. Some peo-
ple develop INFLAMMATIONof the AORTAand other
major arteries as a consequence of the involve-
ment of vascular connective tissue.

Symptoms and Diagnostic Path
Any of the three components of Reiter’s syndrome
may appear first, though commonly the urethritis
is the first to manifest symptoms. The other two
components generally appear within 28 to 35 days
of the first component. Symptoms typically
include

• general feeling of malaise


• low-grade FEVER


• MUSCLEaches and soreness, particularly when
  resting


• burning, itchy eyes


• conjunctivitis or IRITIS


• inflammation of the TENDONinsertion point in
  affected joints (a unique arthritic symptom)


• genital discharge and painless, shallow ulcers

The diagnostic path includes laboratory testing
for CHLAMYDIAin urethral and genital discharges as
well as any fluid the doctor aspirates (withdraws

with a needle and syringe) from affected joints. X-

RAYstudies may show characteristic changes in the

affected joints.

Treatment Options and Outlook

The mainstay of treatment for Reiter’s syndrome is

therapy with NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

DRUGS (NSAIDS). NSAIDs, usually prescription

forms, control both inflammation and PAIN. An

active bacterial infection requires treatment with

the appropriate ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS. Symptoms

tend to last three to six months in most people;

sometimes longer. In about a third of people, the

arthritis component becomes chronic. Two thirds

of people fully recover without residual effects.

Risk Factors and Preventive Measures

Men who develop Reiter’s syndrome outnumber

women about 10 to 1. Sexually transmitted

chlamydia infection is the most common cause of

the syndrome, so measures to reduce exposure to

STDs can significantly reduce the development of

Reiter’s syndrome.

See alsoBACTERIA; HUMAN LEUKOCYTE ANTIGENS

(HLAS); INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS; PATHOGEN; SEXUAL

HEALTH.

repetitive motion injuries Soft tissue injuries

that occur as a result of overuse or performing the

same motion over and over. Repetitive motion

injuries, sometimes called cumulative trauma

injuries, may occur as occupational injuries or

ATHLETIC INJURIES. The most common repetitive

motion injuries are TENDONITIS(INFLAMMATIONof a

TENDON) and BURSITIS (inflammation of a BURSA).

These injuries may develop near any JOINTthough

are most common in the knees, hips, wrists,

elbows, and shoulders.

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