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Blood and immune system diseases

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Still's disease)

A type of joint inflammation seen in children. Joint swelling comes with high fever and a rash. Internal organs can also be affected.

Not part of the panel of Türkiye's National Newborn Screening Programme (heel-prick test). Source

Orphanet has a guideline for emergency doctors for this disease (language: French). See on Orphanet

Prepare an emergency card

This page is translated from the Turkish original.

This disease is followed through the “Blood and immune system diseases” group.

Understanding the disease

This section has not yet been reviewed by a physician. It summarises patient information from sources such as MedlinePlus, Orphanet and the NHS in plain language. The disease can differ from person to person; talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment.

What happens in this disease?

The immune system gives an excessive and misdirected inflammatory response. The joints become swollen and painful, and movement is limited. This comes with fever, rash and inflammation in internal organs. The disease begins before the age of 16.

Which symptoms can occur?

Fever can begin before the joint inflammation or together with it. Symptoms may include:

  • Fever that rises every day and lasts at least 2 weeks (common)
  • A rash that comes and goes with the fever
  • Swelling and pain in one or more joints
  • Enlarged liver, spleen or lymph nodes
  • Inflammation of the lining of the heart or lungs (sometimes)
  • Muscle pain and weakness

How is it diagnosed?

No single test makes the diagnosis. It is made through examination, blood tests and ruling out other diseases. Inflammation markers and the blood count are checked. If needed, the eyes, heart and chest are examined.

Treatment and care

The aim is to reduce pain and inflammation and to protect the joints. Anti-inflammatory medicines and cortisone can be used. Biological medicines that block substances called IL-1 or IL-6 play an important role. There are approved biological treatments for this disease. Physiotherapy and regular exercise protect the joints. Treatment is planned together by a pediatric rheumatologist, a physiotherapist and an eye doctor. The doctor who follows the disease decides which treatment is suitable.

For the family: inheritance and genetic counselling

This disease is not passed directly from parent to child. Some genes may create a tendency. Environmental factors, perhaps infections, may trigger the disease. It is very rare for two children in the same family to be affected.

Source: MedlinePlus Genetics: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis · MedlinePlus: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis · PRINTO/PReS: Juvenil İdiopatik Artrit

Key facts

How common is it?
Prevalence: 1-9 per 100 000 (Worldwide) · New cases per year: 1-9 per 1 000 000 (Worldwide)
How is it inherited?
Multigenic / multifactorial · Unknown
When does it usually start?
Childhood
Gene(s) involved
LACC1

These facts are taken from Orphanet and MedlinePlus records (last checked: October 7, 2026). Frequency values are approximate ranges.

You are not alone: patient associations in Türkiye

Non-profit patient and family organizations in Türkiye working on this disease or disease group. Links are for information; Doktorclub is not affiliated with these organizations and does not endorse them.

We could not find a patient association specific to this disease.

For all rare diseases: Nadir Hastalıklar Federasyonu

Support and help

Doktorclub does not diagnose, recommend treatments or refer you to hospitals or doctors. These pages are meant to help you talk with your doctor.

News about Systemic JIA

Clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov)

A clinical trial is a regulated study that tests whether a new treatment is safe and whether it works, in patients who volunteer. Most trials look for a certain age, genetic change and health condition. Taking part is voluntary.

This list is not a treatment recommendation. Treatments tested in phase 1–3 trials are investigational (experimental): their efficacy and safety have not yet been proven and they are not approved treatments. Taking part depends on each trial’s criteria and a physician’s assessment; the first step is to talk to the doctor who manages your care.

Questions you can ask your doctor

  • Could this trial be suitable for us?
  • If we take part, how would current treatment and check-ups be affected?
  • Where does the trial take place, and how are travel and accommodation handled?
  • What happens if we want to leave the trial?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 6 active interventional studies for this disease. 2 are recruiting now; 1 has a site in Türkiye. Last checked: October 7, 2026.

Selected records (studies with a site in Türkiye first):

See all studies on ClinicalTrials.gov · Joining clinical trials

Blood and immune system diseases: other news

Medical codes (for talking with your doctor and finding sources)

These codes identify the disease in international classifications and databases. They can help when you talk with your doctor or look for reliable sources.

Orphanet code: ORPHA:85414 · ICD-11 FA24.4

Codes checked against WHO ICD-11 and Orphanet on October 7, 2026.

This page provides general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

The information on these pages is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment decisions. In an emergency in Türkiye, call 112.

Every update is based on an open source and labeled with its level of evidence. No advertising and no drug brand names. Our scientific principles

This page was translated from Turkish by the Doktorclub editorial team.