HLA—Bw35 and Prognosis in Adult Still's Disease

Abstract

Twenty‐five patients with adult Still's disease were studied to determine clinical course and possible HLA associations. Two types of disease evolution were distinguishable clinically: a self‐limited remitting disease with or without recurrent cyclic exacerbations was found in 11 patients, and a persistent disease with continuous activity for more than 1 year, generally accompanied by progressive joint disease, was determined in 8. Disease course could not be classified in 6 patients. The antigen frequencies of HLA—Bw35 (40%, P < 0.05) and Cw4 (44%, P < 0.05) were increased in adult Still's disease as compared to controls (18% and 20%, respectively). Because HLA—Bw35 was associated with the self‐limited remitting type disease (P < 0.02), this antigen may be a favorable prognostic marker in adult Still's disease.