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Q: What is Reiter's syndrome?
A: This is a common form of arthritis in young men, and which is characterized by four main symptoms, consisting of arthritis, conjunctivitis, inflammation of the urethra, and characteristic skin and mucous membrane lesions. Most causes of Reiter's disease occur within days or weeks of a sexually transmitted infection or following a dysenteric infection. The disease usually affects the knees and the ankles and the joints are commonly affected in an asymmetric manner. Furthermore, patients often also complain of back pain, and symptoms such as fever and weight loss are frequent. Also, inflammation of the heart and insufficiency of the aortic valve may be present. Although this syndrome usually lasts from one to several months, the arthritis may, however, persist for several years. In addition, recurrences of the disease with various degrees of disability are frequent.
Therapy of this condition usually consists in use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents such as motrin, ibuprofen etc. In particular, antibiotic treatment may be useful in cases associated with the Reiter's syndrome associated with Chlamydia. Patients who fail treatment with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents and antibiotics may require treatment with sulfalazine or methrotexate. In very severe cases, therapy with steroids may be required to avoid the quick destruction of the joints.
Updated: 08/29/99
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