General Information About Adult-Onset Still's Disease
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the adult-onset systemic form of childhood arthritis (JIA), where the immune system initiates inflammation throughout the body for an unknown reason.
The most typical finding of the disease is daily episodes of 'spiking fever' that exceed 39 degrees Celsius usually at the same time every day (mostly in the evening or at night) and then return to normal.
Symptoms include salmon (pale pink) colored rashes on the trunk and legs that appear simultaneously with the high fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and severe joint/muscle pains.
It generally begins in young adults between the ages of 16-35. The disease progresses in a pattern of attacks and periods of recovery (remission).
There is no specific blood test. Diagnosis is made by evaluating the combination of prolonged fever, the typical skin rash, and joint findings. Excessively high levels of Ferritin (iron stores) and inflammatory markers (CRP) in blood tests support the diagnosis.
Corticosteroids and immune-regulating drugs like methotrexate are used to suppress the inflammatory attacks of the disease. In stubborn cases, modern biological agents (smart drugs) are highly successful in treatment.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
