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Behçet’s disease: an algorithmic approach to its treatment

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Abstract

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic, relapsing, systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology with the clinical features of mucocutaneous lesions, ocular, vascular, articular, gastrointestinal, urogenital, pulmonary, and neurologic involvement. Mucocutaneous lesions figure prominently in the presentation and diagnosis, and may be considered the hallmarks of BD. Therefore, their recognition may permit earlier diagnosis and treatment. Although, the treatment has become much more effective in recent years, BD is still associated with severe morbidity and considerable mortality. The main aim of the treatment should be the prevention of irreversible organ damage. Therefore, close monitoring, early and appropriate treatment is mandatory to reduce morbidity and mortality. We reviewed the current state of knowledge regarding the therapeutic approaches for BD and designed a stepwise, symptom-based, algorithmic approach, mainly based on controlled studies and our clinical experience in this field to provide a rational framework for selecting the appropriate therapy along the various treatment choices.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, 07070, Turkey

    Erkan Alpsoy & Ayse Akman

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  1. Erkan Alpsoy
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  2. Ayse Akman
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Correspondence to Erkan Alpsoy.

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The study was supported by Akdeniz University Scientific Research Projects Unit.

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Alpsoy, E., Akman, A. Behçet’s disease: an algorithmic approach to its treatment. Arch Dermatol Res 301, 693–702 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-009-0990-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-009-0990-2

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