Two cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome resulting from adult-onset Still's disease

Abstract

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown origin. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a rare complication of AOSD, with only nine cases having been reported in the literature. Here, we describe two cases of AOSD complicated with ARDS that were successfully treated with immunosuppressive therapy, including corticosteroids. Although ARDS is a life-threatening complication in AOSD, early commencement of high-dose corticosteroids and mechanical ventilation improve the prognosis.

Key words::

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD)
• High-dose corticosteroids
• Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)