Adult onset Still's disease(AOSD0 is a disorder of unknown etiology characterized by systemic symptoms including fever, evanescent rash, arthritis and sore throat. It has been recognized as an important possible cause of fever of undetermined
origin.
The diagnostic frequency of this disease would be increased by sufficient clinical suspicion. We analysed the cinical features and courses of seven cases of AOSD admitted to Asan medical Center from may 1990 to July 1991. The following data wee
obtained.
1. The average age of the patients were 34(range27-43) and six of seen patients were females.
2. The dursations of the patients' fever, whether continuous or relapsing, were 2 to 84 months.
3. The common clinical features of the patients were fever, arthritis, evanescent maculopapular rash, sore throat, lymphadenophaty, hepatomegay, pericarditis and pleuritis, etc.
4. The common laboratory labnormalities were anemia, neutroplilic leukocytosis, increased ESR and elevation of hepatic enzymes. Tests for rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies and blood cultures wee negative in all patients.
5. One patient was successfully treated by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, but six patients required steroids for symptomatic control. Methotrexate was administered in two patients to induce clinical remission.
6. Clinical remissions were induced in fire patients during the period of observation, although 3 of thern experienced recurrences.
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