What Is the Prognosis for People Who Have Reiter’s Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis?
Most people with reactive arthritis recover fully from the initial flare of symptoms and are able to return to regular activities 2 to 6 months after the first symptoms appear. In some cases, the symptoms of arthritis may last up to 12 months, although these symptoms are usually very mild and do not interfere with daily activities. Approximately 20% of people with reactive arthritis will have chronic (long-term) arthritis, which usually is mild. Studies show that between 15 and 50% of patients will develop symptoms again sometime after the initial flare has disappeared (Yu et al., 2001; National Institutes of Health, 2004). Back pain and arthritis are the symptoms that most commonly reappear. Up to one-third of affected individuals will have chronic, severe arthritis that is difficult to control with treatment and may cause joint deformity (Kataria & Brent, 2004; Leirisalo-Repo et al., 1997; National Institutes of Health, 2004; Yu et al., 2001). One study found that two-thirds of indiv
