Still's Disease (cont.)
How is Still's disease diagnosed?
Still's disease is diagnosed purely on the basis of the typical clinical features of the
illness. These features include high intermittent fever, joint inflammation and
pain, muscle pain, faint salmon-colored skin rash, swelling of the lymph glands
or enlargement of the spleen and liver, and inflammation around the heart (pericarditis)
or lungs
(pleuritis). Persistent arthritis (arthritis
lasting at least six weeks) is required to make a firm diagnosis of Still's disease. Other
diseases (especially infections, cancers, and other types of
arthritis) are excluded.
Many patients with Still's disease develop
markedly elevated white blood cell counts, as if they have a serious infection,
but no infection is found. Low red blood counts (anemia) and elevated blood tests
for inflammation (such as sedimentation rate and
C-reactive protein) are common. However, the classic blood tests
for rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatoid
factor) and systemic lupus erythematosus (antinuclear antibodies) are usually negative.
What is the frequency of Still's disease and its features?
Still's disease accounts for 10%-20% of all cases of JRA. It affects about 25,000-50,000 children in the United States. It is rare in
adults, a majority of whom are between 20 and 35 years of age at onset of symptoms.
Of all patients with Still's disease, 100% have high intermittent fever, and 100% have joint inflammation and pain, muscle pain with fevers, and develop persistent
chronic arthritis. Approximately 95% of Still's disease patients have the faint salmon-colored skin rash, 85% have swelling of the lymph glands or enlargement of the spleen and liver, 85% have a marked increase in the white blood cell count, 60% have inflammation of the lungs (pleuritis) or around the heart (pericarditis), 40% have severe anemia,
and 20% have abdominal pain.
Next: What is the outlook with Still's disease? »
- ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc. - Explains the medication ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Medipren) a drug used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
- Cortisone Injection - Read about cortisone injection treatment for inflammation, allergic reaction, sciatica and arthritis. Learn about side effects and complications of a cortisone shot.
- Arthritis - Arthritis symptoms include pain, joint inflammation and swelling. Get the facts on arthritis types, causes, research information, statistics and diagnosis.
Latest Medical News
Arthritis RSS