[Treatment of Behçet's disease yesterday and today]

Ophthalmologe. 2012 Jun;109(6):568-74. doi: 10.1007/s00347-011-2504-9.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Uveitis due to Behçet's disease belongs to those types of intraocular inflammation with a poor visual prognosis. Despite early treatment with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, patients often become blind. With the so-called biologicals, highly effective drugs are now available which very rapidly lead to quiescence of intraocular inflammation and which successfully avoid further uveitis relapse. Recently, an interdisciplinary group of experts on behalf of the EULAR developed nine recommendations for the treatment of Behçet's disease. Two of these address ocular involvement. Compared with TNF alpha antagonists, interferon alpha offers the advantage that even after cessation of treatment a high percentage of patients remain in remission. This article provides an overview on current medical treatment of ocular Behçet's disease.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Behcet Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Behcet Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • Blindness / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Immunosuppressive Agents