What is Behçet's disease and how is it treated?

Behçet's disease is frequently seen in Turkey, as well as in Middle Eastern countries and Asia.

This disease is more commonly encountered in men, and the initial symptoms are typically detected in the 20s. However, Behçet's disease can emerge at any age.

IT IS A CHRONIC CONDITION

Behçet's disease is a chronic condition that shows intermittent flare-ups. However, there are periods in patients known as remission, where symptoms disappear.

The disease can vary from person to person.

While some patients lead a normal life, legal blindness becomes inevitable in 20% of patients who do not receive full treatment.

TREATMENT OF BEHÇET'S DISEASE

• Behçet's disease is a treatable condition. However, if recurrent uveitis attacks associated with Behçet's disease are not treated, permanent vision loss, particularly due to posterior uveitis, may occur.
• In treatment, depending on the location and severity of the uveitis, methods such as eye drops, injections, or systemic treatment (oral or via injection) are applied.
• The goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency and severity of uveitis attacks in the eye and thereby prevent associated vision loss.
• The most commonly used medications in systemic treatment are steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, interferon, and biological agents. These medications can be used alone or in combination.
• Blood tests should be performed at regular intervals to monitor for potential side effects of the systemic medications used.