Update on the Treatment of Intestinal Behcet's Disease

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.