Reiter’s syndrome /rī″tərz/ [Hans Reiter, German physician, 1881–1969] , an arthritic disorder predominantly of adult males, resulting from infection with Shigella flexneri, Salmonella, Yersinia, or Chlamydia or from enterocolitis. See also dactylitis, reactive arthritis. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Reiter’s syndrome most often affects the ankles, feet, and sacroiliac joints and is usually associated with conjunctivitis and urethritis. The onset may be marked by unexplained diarrhea and low-grade fever, followed in 2 to 4 weeks by conjunctivitis. Superficial ulcers may form lesions on the palms and the soles. Arthritis usually persists after the conjunctivitis and urethritis subside, but it may become episodic. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Treatment includes a short course of tetracycline to treat the infection and phenylbutazone to relieve pain and inflammation in the joint. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: Sexual partners should be tested. Recovery is expected, but recurrent arthritic symptoms may continue for several years.
