Proposing an algorithm for treatment of different manifestations of neuro-Behcet's disease

Clin Rheumatol. 2010 Jun;29(6):683-6. doi: 10.1007/s10067-010-1414-6. Epub 2010 Mar 13.

Abstract

"Neuro-Behcet's disease" (NBD) is the constellation of neurologic manifestations as a direct consequence of Behcet's disease usually confirmed by imaging studies and/or cerebrospinal fluid analysis. The authors propose a therapeutic algorithm for neuro-Behcet's disease based upon pathological, clinical, prognostic, and medico-economical issues based on available evidences. The authors divide anti-NBD armamentarium to first-line, second-line, and experimental drugs. These drugs should be administered hierarchically in treatment of parenchymal manifestations of neuro-Behcet's disease. First-line drug include corticosteroids, azathioprine, methotrexate, and cyclophosphamide. Second-line drugs are tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha blocking drugs, interferon-alpha, chlorambucil, and mycophenolate mofenil. Experimental drugs include other "targeted therapies" than anti-TNF antibodies, tolerization therapy and stem cell transplantation. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis associated with Behcet's disease should be treated by short-term corticosteroids and anticoagulation with or without immunosuppressive drugs.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Algorithms
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use
  • Behcet Syndrome / pathology
  • Behcet Syndrome / therapy*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Decision Support Techniques*
  • Humans
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Azathioprine
  • Methotrexate