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Shah JM, Fong W, De Silva DA. NeuroBehcet's-related intracranial hypertension without cerebral venous thrombosis: case report and review of literature. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:203. [PMID: 38877431 PMCID: PMC11177394 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03708-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We present a rare case of NeuroBehcet's-related intracranial hypertension without cerebral venous thrombosis (NBrIHwCVT), occurring as the first presentation of NeuroBehcet's. In addition, we describe the novel use of subcutaneous tocilizumab for this indication. This is followed by a review of the literature on this topic. CASE The patient was a 28-year-old lady of Southern Chinese origin with a known history of Behcet's disease with oral ulcers and ocular findings for which she was on mycophenolate mofetil and adalimumab. She presented with a headache and bilateral disc swelling associated with an intracranial pressure (ICP) of > 40cmH20. There were no structural lesions or cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) on imaging. Initial lumbar puncture had raised leucocytes and protein. We discuss diagnostic challenges given persistently elevated ICP despite subsequent non-inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profiles and non-response to acetazolamide. She eventually showed a response to immunosuppressant therapy in the form of pulsed methylprednisolone, cyclophosphamide and subsequently subcutaneous tocilizumab, supporting the diagnosis of NBrIHwCVT. Complete normalization of ICP remains challenging. Her disease course was severe, unusual for her ethnicity. LITERATURE REVIEW We identified 34 patients (including ours) from 14 publications. We found that the majority of NBrIHwCVT patients were young (average age of 34 years), with a slight female preponderance. Of the 17 cases in the literature with available data on CSF profile, none had raised leucocytes whilst one patient had elevated protein. Patients were generally treated with steroids and occasionally azathioprine, in line with the suspected autoimmune pathophysiology. Of 22 patients with data on outcome, six (27%) were noted to have recurrence of symptoms generally occurring a few months later. CONCLUSION As demonstrated by this case, NBrIHwCVT can present with BD with raised ICP even if there is no prior history of NB, central Asian ethnicity, cerebral venous thrombosis or features of inflammation on the CSF. We demonstrated how novel use of Tocilizumab may have a role in the management of NBrIHwCVT. Based on our literature review, patients were more likely to be young, female, display a non-inflammatory CSF picture, be treated with steroids and harbour a possibility of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinesh Mukesh Shah
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital Campus, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Warren Fong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Deidre Anne De Silva
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital Campus, Singapore, Singapore
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Moriano Morales C, Graña Gil J, Brito García N, Martín Varillas JL, Calvo Del Río V, Moya Alvarado P, Narváez García FJ, Espinosa G, Díaz Del Campo Fontecha P, Guerra Rodríguez M, Mateo Arranz J, López Gómez M, Francisco Hernández FM, Trujillo MM, Dos Santos Sobrín R, Martín Sánchez JI, Maese Manzano J, Suárez Cuba J. SER recommendations on treatment of refractory Behçet's syndrome. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2024; 20:204-217. [PMID: 38614885 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop multidisciplinary recommendations based on available evidence and expert consensus for the therapeutic management of patients with refractory Behçet's syndrome (BS) (difficult to treat, severe resistant, severe relapse) to conventional treatment. METHODS A group of experts identified clinical research questions relevant to the objective of the document. These questions were reformulated in PICO format (patient, intervention, comparison and outcome). Systematic reviews of the evidence were conducted, the quality of the evidence was evaluated following the methodology of the international working group Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). After that, the multidisciplinary panel formulated the specific recommendations. RESULTS 4 PICO questions were selected regarding the efficacy and safety of systemic pharmacological treatments in patients with BS with clinical manifestations refractory to conventional therapy related to mucocutaneous and/or articular, vascular, neurological parenchymal and gastrointestinal phenotypes. A total of 7 recommendations were made, structured by question, based on the identified evidence and expert consensus. CONCLUSIONS The treatment of most severe clinical manifestations of BS lacks solid scientific evidence and, besides, there are no specific recommendation documents for patients with refractory disease. With the aim of providing a response to this need, here we present the first official Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology for the management of these patients. They are devised as a tool for assistance in clinical decision making, therapeutic homogenisation and to reduce variability in the care of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenaro Graña Gil
- Servicio de Reumatología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Noé Brito García
- Unidad de Investigación, Sociedad Española de Reumatología, Madrid, Spain.
| | - José Luis Martín Varillas
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital de Laredo, Laredo, Cantabria, Spain; Grupo de Inmunopatología, Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| | - Vanesa Calvo Del Río
- Grupo de Inmunopatología, Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| | | | | | - Gerard Espinosa
- Servicio de Enfermedades Autoinmunes, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - José Mateo Arranz
- Unidad de Hemostasia y Trombosis, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - M Mar Trujillo
- Fundación Canaria Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Raquel Dos Santos Sobrín
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Juan Ignacio Martín Sánchez
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Julio Suárez Cuba
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
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Hu D, Guan JL. The roles of immune cells in Behçet's disease. Adv Rheumatol 2023; 63:49. [PMID: 37814339 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-023-00328-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis that can affect multiple systems, including the skin, mucous membranes, joints, eyes, gastrointestinal and nervous. However, the pathogenesis of BD remains unclear, and it is believed that immune-inflammatory reactions play a crucial role in its development. Immune cells are a critical component of this process and contribute to the onset and progression of BD. By regulating the function of these immune cells, effective control over the occurrence and development of BD can be achieved, particularly with regards to monocyte activation and aggregation, macrophage differentiation and polarization, as well as T cell subset differentiation. This review provides a brief overview of immune cells and their role in regulating BD progression, which may serve as a theoretical foundation for preventing and treating this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Huadong Hospital affiliated with Fudan University, #221 Yan'an West Road, Shanghai, 200040, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Long Guan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Huadong Hospital affiliated with Fudan University, #221 Yan'an West Road, Shanghai, 200040, P.R. China.
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Yazici Y, Hatemi G. Difficult-to-treat Behçet syndrome: A therapeutic approach. Clin Immunol 2023; 249:109272. [PMID: 36822253 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Behcet syndrome is a systemic vasculitis which can involve many different organ systems. As such, treatment decisions need to be based on organ system involved. In addition, specific patient characteristics potentially predict milder or more severe course, and all these factors need to be taken into consideration when making treatment decisions. In this paper, we review the current approaches to treating Behcet syndrome patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Yazici
- Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Gulen Hatemi
- Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, and Behçet's Disease Research Center, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa, Turkey
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Giani T, Luppino AF, Ferrara G. Treatment Options in Pediatric Behçet's Disease. Paediatr Drugs 2023; 25:165-191. [PMID: 36626047 PMCID: PMC9838500 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-022-00548-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Behçet's disease is a rare and poorly understood vasculitis affecting blood vessels of all types and sizes. Uveitis and oral and genital ulcers represent the typical clinical triad. Populations along the ancient trading route connecting the Mediterranean basin with the Middle and Far East are most affected. Up to a quarter of the cases has a pediatric onset, typically around puberty. The aim of the treatment is early intervention to control inflammation, with symptom relief and prevention of relapses, damage, and complications. The heterogeneous clinical presentation often requires a multidisciplinary and tailored approach. Ocular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and vascular involvement is associated with a worse prognosis and needs more aggressive treatments. In young patients with expected prolonged disease, treatment should also focus on preventive measures and lifestyle advice. In recent years, the pharmacological armamentarium has grown progressively, although only a limited number of drugs are currently authorized for pediatric use. Most evidence for these drugs still derives from adult studies and experience; these are prescribed as off-label medications and are only available as adult formulations. Corticosteroids frequently represent the mainstay for the management of the initial acute phases, but their potential serious adverse effects limit their use to short periods. Different conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs have long been used. Many other biologic drugs targeting different cytokines such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and interleukin-17 and treatments with small molecules including the phosphodiesterase 4 and Janus kinase inhibitors are emerging as novel promising therapeutic agents. In recent years, a growing interest has developed around anti-tumor necrosis factor agents that have often proven to be effective in severe cases, especially in those with a gastrointestinal and ocular involvement.
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Gandhi SE, Fullerton NE, Ramachandran Nair J, Gall C. Headache with ataxic hemiparesis. Pract Neurol 2022; 23:257-260. [DOI: 10.1136/pn-2022-003555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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Zhan S, Liu C, Li N, Li T, Tian Z, Zhao M, Wu D, Chen M, Zeng Z, Zhuang X. Anti-TNF-α agents for refractory intestinal Behçet's disease: case series and meta-analysis. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2022; 15:17562848221116666. [PMID: 36082178 PMCID: PMC9445467 DOI: 10.1177/17562848221116666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behçet's disease (BD) is a relapsing systemic immune disorder, and intestinal BD is a significant cause of mortality in patients with BD. Conventional therapeutic strategies for intestinal BD showed unsatisfactory outcomes, especially in those patients with refractory subtypes. In recent years, biologic agents have exhibited promising results in this field. While the sample sizes of existing studies were limited, the results were heterogeneous. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to observe the efficacy of different biologics in clinical symptomatic improvement and intestinal mucosal healing. DESIGN This is a study including the report of case series and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES AND METHODS This meta-analysis was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Free-text words and subject terms, including 'Behcet's Syndrome', 'Biologics', 'Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonist', were used to systematically research the relevant studies in the electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library). All retrieved articles were from inception to July 2021, and the data from our institution were also included in this meta-analysis. A double arcsine transformation was performed to stabilize the variance of the original ratio. Heterogeneity was evaluated via Q-test and I 2 statistics. Random-effects or fixed-effects model was used to calculate the pooled parameters, and the results were presented as forest plots with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Twelve studies were included, but only antitumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) agents were prescribed as biologicals for refractory intestinal BD. The symptom improvement rates at our institution ranged from 57.1 to 81.8%, and the mucosal healing rates were from 20 to 60% in different therapeutic periods. A total of 514 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis, and the synthesized ratios showed that 59.8% (n = 377) and 73.7% (n = 317) of patients who received maintenance therapy with anti-TNF-α agents could achieve clinical symptomatic improvement during short-term (10-14 weeks) and long-term (48-54 weeks) periods, respectively. Furthermore, 77.8% (n = 229) of patients with intestinal BD maintained therapeutic efficacy for a longer time (100 weeks). In addition, 60.9% (n = 120) of the patients achieved sustained intestinal mucosal healing during a long-term follow-up (24-52 weeks). CONCLUSION Anti-TNF-α treatment is effective in treating refractory intestinal BD but more studies are required to evaluate the effects of new biologics for intestinal BD in the near future. REGISTRATION This study has been registered on PROSPERO, the ID is CRD42022329211. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Anti-TNF-α agents are effective and safe in patients with intestinal Behçet's disease Behçet's disease (BD) is a disease affecting several organs including the gastrointestinal tract. Nowadays, the efficacy of existing therapy strategies is still unsatisfactory and some patients are suffering from repeated attacks of the disease. We noticed that a new kind of medicine, called antitumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) agents, was applied to these patients recently. The therapeutic efficacy is not convincing enough to evaluate since the number of patients receiving this new medicine was small in every individual study. Regarding this, we conducted a research to learn about the efficacy of this medicine at our own institution. Besides, we composed the results of other studies in an appropriate way. Then, we drew a conclusion on the exact efficacy of anti-TNF-α agents after the data analysis. We unveiled that the anti-TNF-α agents appeared both effective and safe in the management of intestinal BD patients when the classical therapy failed. More than half of the patients could achieve discomfort remission when they got the therapy of the new medicine at our institution. We also found that intestinal ulcers in most patients improved after they received the treatment. All in all, it offered another foothold for getting relief in these patients who were caught in this mire.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenyi Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongxuan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minhu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhirong Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
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Abstract
Behcet's syndrome (BS) is a chronic systemic inflammatory vasculitis with a wide range of clinical manifestations including recurrent oral and genital ulcers; cutaneous lesions; and ophthalmic, neurologic, and gastrointestinal involvement. BS has a global distribution but is particularly prevalent in so-called Silk Road populations. Disease onset is usually around the third or fourth decade of life, and the sex ratio is roughly 1:1. Both environmental and genetic factors contribute to the etiology of BS, although the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. At present, there is no laboratory examination with diagnostic value for BS; therefore, a diagnosis is made based on clinical manifestations. The International Study Group diagnostic criteria published in 1990 is the most widely used and recognized, but in order to improve sensitivity, the International Criteria for Behcet's Disease is developed in 2014. Evaluating disease activity in BS is an important basis for treatment selection and monitoring, the simplified Behcet's Disease Current Activity Form (2006 version) is a well-established scoring method. Given that multiple organs are affected in BS, it must be differentiated from other diseases with similar manifestations or that may be induced by drug treatment. The goal of BS treatment is to eradicate triggers and/or aggravating factors, alleviate and control clinical symptoms, prevent and treat any damage to organs, slow disease progression, and improve the patient's quality of life. The clinical management of BS depends on the affected organs and disease severity. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge of BS pathogenesis and therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Chen
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 12 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Xu Yao
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 12 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing, 210042, China.
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