Still's Disease (Adult Onset)

Definition

Adult Still's disease is a rare illness marked by high fevers, rash, and joint pain. It may lead to long-term (chronic) arthritis.

It is more commonly called adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD).

Symptoms

Almost all patients will have fever, joint pain, sore throat, and a rash.

• Joint pain, warmth, and swelling are common. Usually, several joints are involved at the same time. Often, patients have morning stiffness of joints that lasts for several hours.
• The fever usually comes on quickly once per day, most commonly in the afternoon or evening.
• The skin rash is typically salmon pink colored and comes and goes with the fever.

Additional symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Pain with a deep breath (pleurisy)
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes (glands)
• Weight loss

Occasionally, the spleen or liver may become swollen. Lung and heart inflammation may occur.

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