Treatment strategies for Behcet's disease

Abstract

Background: Behcet's disease (BID) is a multisytemic vasculitis characterized by oral and genital ulceration, other skin lesions, uveitis and manifestations affecting the blood vessels, CNS and gastrointestinal system. It is rare in the Western world but is frequent in the Middle and Far East. Objective: The aim of this review is to discuss treatment strategies in BD. These might vary between simple reassurance and a combination of immunosuppressives. Methods: A systematic literature search was done using the Cochrane and Medline databases in June 2008. The EULAR recommendations for the management of BID were also taken into account. Conclusion: The last two decades have witnessed considerable improvement in eye disease and musculoskeletal involvement. However, the treatment of thrombophlebitis, CNS, and gastrointestinal manifestations remains problematic.