Reiter's Syndrome

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Definition

Reiter's syndrome (RS), which is also known as arthritis urethritica, venereal arthritis, reactive arthritis, and polyarteritis enterica, is a form of arthritis that affects the eyes, urethra, and skin, as well as the joints. It was first described by Hans Reiter, a German physician, during World War I.

Description

Reiter's syndrome is marked by a cluster of symptoms in different organ systems of the body that may or may not appear simultaneously. The disease may be acute or chronic, with spontaneous remissions or recurrences.

RS primarily affects sexually active males between ages 20–40, particularly males who are HIV positive. Most women and children who develop RS acquire the disease in its intestinal form.

— Rebecca J. Frey

(medicine) The triad of idiopathic nongonococcal urethritis, conjunctivitis, and subacute or chronic polyarthritis. Also known as arthritis urethritica; idiopathic arthritis; infectious uroarthritis.

A syndrome that consists of arthritis (often of the rheumatoid type), conjunctivitis, nonspecific urethritis, and occasionally aphthous ulcers of the oral mucosa.

A triad of arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis, commonly associated with infection of the urinary tract. Reiter's syndrome can restrict movements; typically, it affects the ankle, knee, or elbow joints. Treatment includes long-term antibiotic therapy. Mechanical stress on the affected joints should he avoided, but active exercise, under the direction of the treating doctor, is important to maintain joint mobility.