To evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD).
Eleven patients with AOSD who were regularly followed-up during the past 13 years, even after discontinuation of treatment, were evaluated for the long-term prognosis of the disease and its possible complications.
No exacerbation of the symptoms was noted during therapy. Only two of the 11 patients exhibited relapse of the systemic disease after discontinuation of treatment. Both patients had previously been on corticosteroids and responded well to reinitiation of therapy. Progressive deforming arthritis was not noted in any patient. Hepatic failure, central nervous system involvement, renal involvement or systematic amyloidosis did not complicate the course of any of the patients.
Long-term prognosis of AOSD may be benign in a significant subset of patients. Further studies should clarify characteristics of the subset of patients for whom disease-modifying therapy is warranted.