Diagnosis of Still’s disease

In order to arrive at the correct diagnosis, the exact anamnesis, i.e. the collection of the medical history, is crucial. Especially the symptoms are important. In addition, various blood tests are performed.

A characteristic feature of Still’s disease is a significant increase in the inflammatory parameters in the blood. These include the CRP and blood sedimentation rate (BSG) values as well as the number of white blood cells (leukocytosis). In most cases, an increase in the number of blood platelets (thrombocytosis) and anemia are also common.

Typically, no antibodies typical for autoimmune diseases are detectable in the blood. However, these findings are not specific for the disease. There is no specific test that can detect Still’s disease.

Rather, a compilation and evaluation of different tests leads to the diagnosis in the end. In the infantile form of Still’s disease, the eyes are usually examined closely for further diagnosis, since in various types of infantile rheumatism, eye involvement can occur which – if left untreated – can lead to loss of vision. Typically, there is no evidence of eye involvement in Still’s disease. To confirm the diagnosis, further examinations such as ultrasound of the abdomen or ultrasound X-ray MRI images of certain joints may be considered.

Causes of Still’s disease

So far, the cause of Still’s disease has not been fully clarified. It is a so-called multifactorial disease, i.e. a disease that results from the interaction of many factors. It is assumed that certain genetic conditions increase the risk of developing Still’s disease.

If other factors are then added, the disease breaks out. The current state of research suggests that Still’s disease is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body’s own immune system falsely attacks structures in the body, leading to repeated strong inflammatory reactions.

Life expectancy in breastfeeding morbus

Life expectancy is usually not limited by Still’s disease, provided it is adequately treated. Due to the progress in anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapy, the rate of lethal (fatal) complications has decreased significantly in the last decades. Only rarely are there still highly complicative courses with a fatal outcome.