The clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of Behçet's disease: A single-center experience

Background and AimsBeh & ccedil;et's disease is a chronic, multisystemic, and relapsing inflammatory disorder. It lacks a permanent cure, the focus of treatment is on mitigating symptoms, decreasing the frequency and severity of relapses, and preventing life-threatening complications. This study aims to report the experience of a single center in managing patients with Beh & ccedil;et's disease and discuss the treatment outcomes.MethodsThis study was a retrospective case series conducted over 2 years. All cases were clinically diagnosed according to the International Criteria for Beh & ccedil;et's Disease. The extracted data were demographics, family history, clinical findings, criteria scores, treatment, and outcomes.ResultsA total of 31 patients were included, consisting of 13 males (42%) and 18 females (58%). Most cases were over the age of 30, and both genders were nearly equally distributed among age groups. The most commonly affected site was the oral cavity, observed in 96.77% of cases. Genital, cutaneous, and vascular involvements were more common in males, while females were more likely to have oral, ocular, and musculoskeletal involvements. For various treatment regimens, oral, cutaneous, vascular, and musculoskeletal involvements showed complete response in all cases. Among cases with genital involvement, complete response was achieved in seven cases (41.2%), while four cases (23.5%) showed only partial response, and six cases (35.3%) experienced recurrence. In cases with ocular involvement, only partial responses were observed.ConclusionOral, cutaneous, vascular, and musculoskeletal involvements may have a higher likelihood of a complete response to treatment regimens. However, genital involvement may be the most recurrent manifestation, followed by ocular involvement. The incidence of the disease varies widely across different regions. The risk factors include family history, exposure to environmental factors, and genetic predisposition. Its diagnosis is challenging because the symptoms are not always concomitant and there are no specific diagnostic tests. The focus of treatment is on mitigating symptoms, decreasing the frequency and severity of relapses, and preventing life-threatening complications.