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Reactive arthritis

• Overview
• Symptoms
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Definition:

Reactive arthritis is a group of inflammatory conditions that involves the joints, urethra, and eyes. There may also be lesions on the skin and mucuous membranes.

Alternative Names:

Reiter syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The exact cause of reactive arthritis unknown. It occurs most commonly in men before the age of 40. It may follow an infection with chlamydia , campylobacter, salmonella, or yersinia. Certain genes may make you more prone to the syndrome.

The disorder is rare in younger children, but may occur in adolescents.

References:

Kasper DL, ed: Reactive arthritis. In: Harrison's Online . Part 13. Section 2. Chap 305. McGraw Hill; 2004.

• Review Date: 4/27/2007
• Reviewed By: Steve Lee, DO, Rheumatology Fellow, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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