Adult-Onset Still's Disease: Molecular Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Advances

Drugs. 2018 Aug;78(12):1187-1195. doi: 10.1007/s40265-018-0956-9.

Abstract

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology generally characterized by persistent high spiking fever, evanescent rash, and polyarthritis. The pathogenesis of AOSD is only partially known. The pivotal role of macrophage cell activation, which leads to T-helper 1 (Th1) cell cytokine activation, is now well-established in AOSD. Moreover, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1, -6, and -18 seem to play a key role in this disorder, giving rise to the development of new targeted therapies. For years, treatment of AOSD has been largely empirical, using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Patients with steroid- and methotrexate-refractory AOSD can now benefit from efficient and well-tolerated biologic agents such as IL-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α antagonists.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cytokines / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Still's Disease, Adult-Onset / drug therapy*
  • Still's Disease, Adult-Onset / etiology
  • Still's Disease, Adult-Onset / immunology
  • Still's Disease, Adult-Onset / metabolism
  • Treatment Failure
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Cytokines
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Methotrexate