Causes, symptoms and treatment chlamydial arthritis

Chlamydial arthritis refers to the acute autoimmune disorder of the peripheral joints. with the Disease develops after infection of human chlamydia and is part of Reiter's syndrome.

Symptoms of chlamydial arthritis

Medical conditions

Chlamydial arthritis occurs in men and women aged 20-40 years. Rarely Reiter's syndrome occurs in children. This disease, in addition to chlamydia arthritis includes diseases of the urinary tract (urethritis, prostatitis) and conjunctivitis. Arthritis, which manifests itself after infectious disease that develops due to the formation in the tissues of the joints of the immune complex. They cause inflammatory process. Chlamydia not able to independently destroy the tissue of the joints. Their functions include the launch of the autoimmune process, the immune system confuses its own cells with pathogenic microbes. With the development of chlamydial arthritis specialists distinguish the following stages:

  • toxic
  • autoimmunity.

The Disease can occur in acute, protracted, chronic or recurrent form. Physicians distinguish low, medium, high degree of development of the disease. Chlamydial arthritis is the main manifestation of the disease, which makes itself felt within 1-3 months after the onset of urethritis. When this disease affects the following joints:

  • ankle
  • the knee
  • shoulder.

the Chills when chlamydial arthritis

The Lack of or late treatment of the disease contributes to the spread of the inflammatory process on a large number of joints. The symptoms of the disease presented in the form of rapid swelling of the joint, increasing its size. Experts identify the following signs of chlamydial arthritis:

  • fever
  • chills
  • weakness
  • high fatigability.

Inflammation of the vertebrae characterized by the following symptoms:

  • back pain
  • reduction in the amount of muscle
  • pathology of the joint capsule and tendons;
  • lameness and flat feet.

Diagnosis of Reiter's syndrome

The syndrome Reiter's experts can identify urethritis 7-30 days after sexual contact with an infected patient. This disease is without symptoms. Rarely, the patient may experience heavy discharge, itching, frequent urination.

Chronic fatigue during chlamydial arthritis

In acute cystitis are observed dizuricheskie disorders white cells in the urine. For lesions of the skin and mucous membranes characterized by the appearance of ulcers. To identify any disease Reiter's syndrome, carried out a full examination of the patient. To confirm or refute chlamydial arthritis are:

  • radiography
  • thermography
  • podography;
  • an ultrasound scan.

With the development of the inflammatory process there is an increase level of blood and accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate in blood. In the urine when conducting a General analysis reveals a high density, protein, leukocytes and erythrocytes. Biochemical blood test indicates elevated levels of alpha-globulins and proteins. When chlamydial arthritis doctor may order the following tests:

  1. a Swab from the cervix or urethra detects chlamydia.
  2. Microscopic examination indicates a low viscosity and turbidity of the synovial fluid, the high content of protein and leukocytes.
  3. Serological methods detect antibodies in the blood.
  4. PCR diagnostics is designed to detect RNA and DNA of microbes.
  5. X-rays of the joints determines the decrease in bone density.
  6. MRI shows the condition of the tissues around the joints.
  7. Arthroscopy presented in the form of input into the cavity of the joints of the endoscope. With the help of the specialist detects changes of the articular membrane. If necessary, a biopsy is assigned.

blood test for chlamydial arthritis

Drug therapy

The mainstay of treatment is the use of drugs. Not necessary to let the disease take its course or to self-medicate. Should be promptly examined by an expert. After the examination, the doctor will prescribe all the necessary drugs.

The Treatment of the disease includes testing the sexual partner of the patient. Antibiotics are 2 partners at the same time. Treatment consists in reception means, such as the “Azithromycin”, “Doxycycline”, “Levofloxacin”.

Doctors do not recommend taking the penicillin and the cephalosporin. Otherwise, if chlamydia develops resistance to drugs. To reduce the inflammatory process, the patient is prescribed the appropriate medications: “Ibuprofen”, “celebrex”, diclofenac sodium. These tools can be purchased in the form of gels, ointments, injections, tablets, powder, rectal suppository.

If chlamydial arthritis occurs in the chronic form, patients are prescribed the adrenal cortex hormones and cytotoxic drugs (“Kenalog”, “Ftorafur”, “Sulfasalazine”).