What is Still’s Disease?

Adult Still’s disease (ASD) is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by fever, arthritis, and rash. Persons affected by the condition may experience daily fevers. They may also experience joint pain and muscle pain. The joints of the knees, wrists, ankles, and elbows are commonly affected. Sore throat can also occur as a result of the condition. Adult Still’s disease can last less than one year, fluctuate between flares and remissions, or occur persistently. Women are more commonly affected than men.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics are treatment options for ASD. If the condition is mild, NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn), may be prescribed. Glucocorticoids, such as methylprednisolone (Medrol, Solu-Medrol), may be used for more severe symptoms. For persons that are affected by Still’s disease over a long period of time, medications that suppress the immune system may be needed. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) inhibitor medications, such as anakinra (Kineret) and rituximab (Rituxan) may be prescribed. DMARDs, such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex) and cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), may be used if other medications do not work well.