Adult Still Disease

Adult Still disease, also called adult-onset Still disease, is a rare type of inflammatory arthritis. It causes daily high fevers, joint pain and a salmon-colored rash. The condition is considered an autoinflammatory disease, meaning the immune system becomes overactive and causes widespread inflammation without a clear trigger.

Adult Still disease can affect people of any age, but it most often begins between ages 15 and 35. In some people, symptoms occur once and then go away. In others, the condition becomes long-lasting or comes and goes over time. Ongoing inflammation can damage joints and other organs if not treated.

There is no cure for adult Still disease, but medicines can help control inflammation, reduce symptoms and prevent complications.

Symptoms

Symptoms of adult Still disease may appear suddenly and can vary in severity. Many people experience flares, where symptoms worsen, followed by periods of improvement.

Common symptoms include:

• Daily high fevers that often spike in the late afternoon or evening

• Joint pain and swelling, most commonly affecting the knees, wrists and ankles

• A pink or salmon-colored rash that often appears with fever

• Muscle pain

• Sore throat

Other possible symptoms include:

• Extreme tiredness

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Enlarged liver or spleen

• Chest pain caused by inflammation of the lining of the heart or lungs

Symptoms that last longer than six weeks are more likely to indicate a chronic form of the disease.

When to see a doctor

See a healthcare professional if you have persistent high fevers, joint pain or swelling, or a recurring rash with no clear cause. Seek medical care right away if symptoms worsen quickly or if you develop chest pain, trouble breathing or severe weakness.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important to limit inflammation and reduce the risk of long-term joint or organ damage.

Causes

The exact cause of adult Still disease is not known. It is believed to involve an abnormal immune system response that leads to widespread inflammation.

Some researchers think infections may trigger the disease in people who are genetically prone, but no single virus or bacteria has been identified as the cause. Adult Still disease is not contagious.

The inflammation affects many parts of the body, including joints, skin and internal organs, which explains the wide range of symptoms.

Risk factors

There are no clear risk factors that reliably predict who will develop adult Still disease. However:

• The condition most often affects adolescents and young adults

• Both males and females can be affected equally

• Having a history of immune system disorders may increase susceptibility, though this link is not fully understood

Adult Still disease does not appear to run strongly in families.

Complications

If adult Still disease is severe or long-lasting, complications can develop. These may include:

• Chronic joint damage, especially in the wrists, hips and knees

• Macrophage activation syndrome, a rare but life-threatening immune reaction

• Inflammation of the heart or lungs, such as pericarditis or pleuritis

• Liver inflammation or abnormal liver function tests

• Osteoporosis related to long-term inflammation or steroid treatment

Regular medical follow-up is important to monitor for complications.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent adult Still disease because the cause is not clear. However, steps can be taken to reduce complications and improve quality of life:

• Start treatment early to control inflammation

• Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare professional

• Attend regular follow-up visits to monitor disease activity and medication side effects

• Report new or worsening symptoms promptly

With appropriate treatment and monitoring, many people with adult Still disease are able to manage symptoms and maintain daily activities.