The EULAR points to consider regarding the development of criteria for the assessment of the disease activity in adult-onset Still's disease.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to formulate European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) points to consider (PtCs) regarding the development of criteria for the assessment of the disease activity in adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD).

METHODS

The Task Force consisted of 23 members from 7 different European countries. A systematic literature review and a 3-round Delphi exercise involving European Experts were conducted to support the formulation of overarching principles and PtCs.

RESULTS

Based on retrieved evidence and Experts' opinions, results of Delphi Rounds, and discussions, 3 overarching principles and 11 PtCs were developed. The Task Force agreed on the importance of an appropriate definition for the disease activity in AOSD to be valid, reliable, and easily transferable in a clinical setting. The development of specific criteria for the assessment of disease activity should include a precise definition of the clinical features that could better describe the patient condition. A clear definition of disease activity would help clinicians to adjust therapy and to identify refractory patients. A validated assessment of the disease activity is important to establish specifically designed and powered studies for comprehensive management of patients with AOSD. A uniform and reproducible definition of remission may facilitate the inclusion of a new therapeutic target into daily practice and clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

The EULAR PtCs were produced regarding the development of criteria for the assessment of the disease activity in AOSD, to provide the basis for a clinical tool to be readily, reliably, and easily applied in clinical settings in order to improve patient management.