Treatment of Behcet's Disease

Abstract

Behcet disease is a chronic disease of unknown etiology. It is a systemic vasculitis which can affect many systems and the disease course may be severe in young males. The main aim of treatment is to reduce inflammation and control symptoms of the disease. The main principle of treatment is to prevent attacks of inflammation, reduce symptoms and prevent relapses. Antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs are used for these aims. In this paper, double blinded placebo controlled studies, open studies and case reports have been reviewed to form an update of current treatments. Interferon alpha and TNF antagonists are preferred especially for severe eye involvement. TNF alpha inhibitors have been shown to be effective for neurologic involvement, one of the most severe complications of the disease. Besides these, the guidelines of the Behcet Disease Expert Commission of the European Rheumatism Association (EULAR) have been reviewed. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to assess the patients' clinical and laboratory status and prevent side effects of treatment. (Turkderm 2009; 43 Suppl 2: 92-7)