Treatment:

The goal of treatment for adult Still's disease is to control the symptoms of arthritis. Salicylates (aspirin) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are usually the first form of treatment.

Prednisone may be used for more severe cases.

If the disease persists for a long time (becomes chronic), medicines that suppress the immune system (which helps reduce inflammation) might be needed. Such medicines include:

• Methotrexate
• Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists such as Enbrel (etanercept)

Expectations (prognosis):

Studies show that in about 20% of patients, all symptoms go away in a year and never come back. In about 30% of patients, all symptoms go away but then come back several times over the next years.

Symptoms continue for a long-time (chronic) in about half of patients with adult Still's disease.

Complications:

• Arthritis in several joints
• Liver disease
• Spleen enlargement
• Pericarditis
• Pleural effusion

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of Adult Still's disease.

If you have already been diagnosed with the condition, you should call your health care provider if you have a cough or difficulty breathing.