Still's disease

Diseases of children (1916)

Still's disease is a rare type of arthritis that can affect both children and adults. It is characterized by high fevers, rash, and joint pain. The disease is named after the British physician Sir George Frederic Still, who first described the condition in 1897.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Still's disease can vary widely, but they often include:

• High, spiking fevers that may reach 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) or higher, usually in the late afternoon or early evening
• A salmon-colored, flat or slightly raised rash, usually on the trunk, arms or legs
• Joint pain or stiffness, often in the knees, wrists, and ankles

Causes

The exact cause of Still's disease is unknown. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease, which means the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Some researchers believe that a viral or bacterial infection may trigger the disease in people who are genetically predisposed to it.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Still's disease can be challenging because there is no specific test for it. Doctors usually diagnose the disease based on a patient's symptoms and a process of elimination to rule out other conditions. Blood tests, imaging tests, and sometimes a joint fluid analysis may be used to help make the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for Still's disease typically involves medications to control inflammation and relieve symptoms. These may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In severe cases, a class of drugs known as biologics may be used.

Prognosis

The prognosis for people with Still's disease varies. Some people have a single episode of the disease and then recover completely, while others may have recurring episodes or chronic symptoms. Long-term complications can include joint damage and growth problems in children.

See also

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Still's disease

Still's disease is a rare disease.