Still’s disease in adults

Overview

The clinical features of Still’s disease with the onset in adult age are described in this review. With respect to the clinical and laboratory manifestations, this disease resembles its juvenile counterpart. The influence of the disease on child’s organism is more severe and often leads to serious disability. It is difficult to diagnose both forms of the disease. It usually can be diagnosed when other causes of systemic manifestations including fevers, rush, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and serositis are excluded. Arthritis that can occur at any time of the disease is variable. In about half of the patients, it proceeds into severe erosive polyarthritis. The treatment of Still’s disease is based on administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids. Methotrexate, as a disease modifying drug, is used most often. In more severe cases, biologicals or surgery may be considered.

Key words:
Still’s disease, systemic manifestations, arthritis, classification criteria, treatment