J Rheum Dis.  2014 Aug;21(4):176-181. 10.4078/jrd.2014.21.4.176.

Update on the Treatment of Intestinal Behcet's Disease

• Kim KJ

• KMID: 2222957
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4078/jrd.2014.21.4.176

Abstract

Behcet's disease is a chronic relapsing disease with unknown etiology, involving the multiorgan system characterized clinically by oral and genital aphthae, cutaneous lesions, and ophthalmologic, neurologic, or gastrointestinal manifestations (or some combination of these). Since intestinal Behcet's disease has been treated anecdotally with various therapeutic modalities, clinical evidence regarding the management of intestinal Behcet's disease is still lacking. 5-aminosalycylic acid, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and surgical therapy have been considered as traditional therapies for intestinal Behcet's disease. The treatment with thalidomide and anti-TNF agents, such as infliximab or adalimumab, is increasing. Future clinical trials are still needed.

Keyword

Intestine; Behcet's disease

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Adalimumab
Infliximab
Immunosuppressive Agents
Intestines
Stomatitis, Aphthous
Thalidomide
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Immunosuppressive Agents
Thalidomide

Figure

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  Figure 1. Colonoscopic findings of typical intestinal Behcet's disease. Single round to oval shaped ulcer with clean ulcer base is noted in the terminal ileum.

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  Figure 2. A suggested algorithm for the treatment of intestinal Behç et's disease. *Refractory abdominal pain and diarrhea on 5-aminosalcylates. #5-ASA, 5-amino salicylicacids; PD, prednisolone; AZA/6MP, azathioprine/6-mercap-topurine; anti-TNF agents, anti-tumor necrosis factor.

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