View source for Adult-onset Still's disease overview

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{{Adult-onset Still’s disease}}
{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{HK}}

== Overview ==

== Historical Perspective ==
Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is an [[inflammatory]] condition characterized by high spiking [[fever]], [[rash]], [[sore throat]], and [[joint pain]]. In 1896, an English doctor named George Frederick Still, described the condition in children and the disease is named after him. In 1971, EG Bywaters described the term "adult Still's disease" which was later used for adults who had a condition similar to systemic onset JRA. There's no cure for adult-onset Still's disease; however, [[symptomatic]] treatment using [[corticosteroids]], anti-[[interleukin]]<nowiki/>agents and [[Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug|disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs]] ([[DMARDs]]) may provide relief, and aid in remission.

== Classification ==
Adult-onset Stiil's disease (AOSD) may be classified based on the predominant clinical picture with which the patient presents into [[systemic]] sub-type and chronic [[arthritis]] sub-type. The sub-types differ based on the [[cytokine]] profile, clinical course and response to treatment.

== Pathophysiology ==
Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is an [[Autoimmunity|autoimmune]] inflammatory arthritis that typically affects adolescents and adults ranging from age 16-40 years. Major [[Etiology|etiological]] mechanisms behind cause a dysfunction of the [[Innate immunity|innate]] and [[cellular immunity]] (limited) leading to activation of effector [[Cells (biology)|cells]] of the disease. Although the [[pathogenesis]] of adult-onset Still's disease is largely knwon to be [[idiopathic]]. Triggers of AOSD lead to activation of [[toll-like receptors]] (TLR) and activation of [[immune system]]. [[Pathogen-associated molecular pattern|Pathogen-associated molecular patterns]] ([[Pathogen-associated molecular pattern|PAMPs]]) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of AOSD. They lead to release of various [[cytokines]] in the body such as [[Interleukin 1 beta|interleukin-1 beta]] ([[IL-1]]), [[interleukin-6]] ([[Interleukin 6|IL-6]]), [[Interleukin 17|interleukin-17]], [[Interleukin 18|interleukin-18]], interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) . These cytokines play major roles in modifying the normal working of the body and produce the typical clinical pictiure associated with AOSD. Some distinct HLA alleles have been shown to be associated with AOSD such as [[HLA-DR4]], HLA-Bw35 (associated with good [[prognosis]]), [[HLA-DRB1]], HLA-DRw6 ([[joint]] root involvement), HLA-B17, HLA-B35 and HLA-DR2. On gross examination, the involved joints may exhibit [[soft tissue]] swelling, [[cartilage]] loss, [[joint]]<nowiki/>erosions and carpal ankylosis (late during the disease process). On microscopic examination of the joint fluid, typical features associated with inflammatory joint disease may be observed.


==References==
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