Alternative Names
Still’s disease – adult; AOSD
Definition of Adult Still’s disease
Adult Still’s disease is a rare illness marked by high fevers, rash, and joint pain. It may lead to long-term (chronic) arthritis.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Fewer than 1 out of 100,000 people develop adult Still’s disease each year. It affects women more often than men.
Symptoms
Almost all patients will have fever, joint pain, sore throat, and a rash.
Signs and tests
Adult Still’s disease can only be diagnosed after other diseases are ruled out. You may need many medical tests before a final diagnosis is made.
Treatment
The goal of treatment for adult Still’s disease is to control the symptoms of . Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are usually the first form of treatment.
Expectations (prognosis)
Studies show that in about 20% of patients, all symptoms go away in a year and never come back. In about 30% of patients, all symptoms go away but then come back several times over the next years.
Review
Mark James Borigini, MD, Rheumatologist in the Washington, DC Metro area. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 2/3/2009
