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Rech J, Schett G, Tufan A, Kuemmerle-Deschner JB, Özen S, Tascilar K, Geck L, Krickau T, Cohen E, Welzel T, Kuehn M, Vetterli M. Patient Experiences and Challenges in the Management of Autoinflammatory Diseases-Data from the International FMF & AID Global Association Survey. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1199. [PMID: 38592017 PMCID: PMC10931825 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051199] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs) are rare, mostly genetic diseases that affect the innate immune system and are associated with inflammatory symptoms. Both paediatric and adult patients face daily challenges related to their disease, diagnosis and subsequent treatment. For this reason, a survey was developed in collaboration between the FMF & AID Global Association and the Erlangen Center for Periodic Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases. METHODS The aim of the survey was to collect the personal assessment of affected patients with regard to their current status in terms of diagnostic timeframes, the interpretation of genetic tests, the number of misdiagnoses, and pain and fatigue despite treatment. RESULTS In total, data from 1043 AID patients (829 adults and 214 children/adolescents) from 52 countries were collected and analyzed. Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) (521/50%) and Behçet's disease (311/30%) were the most frequently reported diseases. The average time to diagnosis was 3 years for children/adolescents and 14 years for adults. Prior to the diagnosis of autoinflammatory disease, patients received several misdiagnoses, including psychosomatic disorders. The vast majority of patients reported that genetic testing was available (92%), but only 69% were tested. A total of 217 patients reported that no increase in acute-phase reactants was detected during their disease episodes. The intensity of pain and fatigue was measured in AID patients and found to be high. A total of 88% of respondents received treatment again, while 8% reported no treatment. CONCLUSIONS AID patients, particularly adults, suffer from significant delays in diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and a variety of symptoms, including pain and fatigue. Based on the results presented, raising awareness of these diseases in the wider medical community is crucial to improving patient care and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Rech
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (G.S.); (K.T.); (L.G.)
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
- Center for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (G.S.); (K.T.); (L.G.)
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
- Center for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Abdurrahman Tufan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University Ankara, 06560 Ankara, Turkey;
| | - Jasmin B. Kuemmerle-Deschner
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Autoinflammation Reference Center Tübingen, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Tübingen, 72016 Tübingen, Germany;
| | - Seza Özen
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey;
| | - Koray Tascilar
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (G.S.); (K.T.); (L.G.)
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
- Center for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Leonie Geck
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (G.S.); (K.T.); (L.G.)
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
- Center for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tobias Krickau
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
- Center for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Paediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ellen Cohen
- FMF & AID Global Association, 8306 Zurich, Switzerland; (E.C.); (M.V.)
| | - Tatjana Welzel
- Pediatric Rheumatology, University Children’s Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland;
| | | | - Malena Vetterli
- FMF & AID Global Association, 8306 Zurich, Switzerland; (E.C.); (M.V.)
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Ozguler Y, Esatoglu SN, Hatemi G. Epidemiology of systemic vasculitis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2024; 36:21-26. [PMID: 37800639 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Epidemiology of vasculitides exhibit geographic variation and data from some parts of the world are still scarce. Increased recognition of these rare diseases and improvement in diagnosis and patient care may lead to changes in their epidemiology. In this review, we aimed to highlight the most recent work on the epidemiology of systemic vasculitis. RECENT FINDINGS New data from countries where information on the epidemiology of giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis and Behçet syndrome were limited have revealed that these conditions are not as rare as previously believed. The incidence rates during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic highlight the link between Kawasaki disease and respiratory pathogens. The use of different classification criteria hampers the comparison of true incidence and prevalence rates in antineutophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis and its subtypes between geographies and over time. SUMMARY Recent studies have highlighted the epidemiology of vasculitides in different parts of the world and changing trends. Standardization of study design and disease definitions is needed to improve the reliability and comparability of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesim Ozguler
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
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3
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D'Onghia M, Cinotti E, Cartocci A, Vitale A, Caggiano V, Tognetti L, La Marca F, Sota J, Gentileschi S, Rubegni G, Lopalco G, Guerriero S, Govoni M, Monti S, Ruscitti P, Angeli F, Carubbi F, Giacomelli R, Ciccia F, Piga M, Emmi G, Costi S, Sebastiani GD, Iannone F, Spedicato V, Alessio G, Ruffilli F, Milanesi A, Gentile M, Crisafulli F, Alunno A, Navarini L, Iacono D, Cauli A, Ricci F, Gaggiano C, Tarsia M, Bartoloni E, Conti G, Viapiana O, Gobbi FL, de Paulis A, Parronchi P, Del Giudice E, Barone P, Olivieri AN, Bizzi E, Maggio MC, Balistreri A, Frediani B, Tosi GM, Fabiani C, Rubegni P, Cantarini L. Unfolding dermatologic spectrum of Behçet's disease in Italy: real-life data from the International AIDA Network Behçet's disease Registry. Intern Emerg Med 2023; 18:2245-2252. [PMID: 37803193 PMCID: PMC10635974 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-023-03410-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Behçet's disease (BD) is a heterogeneous multifactorial autoinflammatory disease characterized by a plethora of clinical manifestations. Cutaneous lesions are considered hallmarks of the disease. However, their evolution over time and a thorough description are scarcely reported in non-endemic regions. The aim of this study was to detail BD skin manifestations and their evolution over time in Italy, as well as the dermatological prognostic impact of specific cutaneous features in long-standing disease. Data were collected in a double fashion, both retrospectively and prospectively, from the AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance (AIDA) international registry dedicated to BD, between January 2022 and December 2022. A total of 458 Italian patients were included. When assessing skin manifestations course, the constant or sporadic presence or absence of cutaneous involvement between onset and follow-up was considered. Oral ulcers (OU) (88.4%) and genital ulcers (GU) (52.6%), followed by skin involvement (53.7%) represented the most common presenting mucocutaneous manifestations at disease onset. Up to the time of enrolment into the AIDA registry, 411 (93.8%) patients had suffered from OU and 252 (57.9%) from GU; pseudofolliculitis (PF) accounted for the most common skin manifestation (170 patients, 37.1%), followed by erythema nodosum (EN) (102 patients, 22.3%), skin ulcers (9 patients, 2%) and pyoderma gangrenosum (4 patients, 0.9%). A prospective follow-up visit was reported in 261/458 patients; 24/148 (16.2%) subjects with skin involvement as early as BD onset maintained cutaneous lesions for the entire period of observation, while 120 (44.1%) patients suffered from sporadic skin involvement. Conversely, 94/113 (83.2%) with no skin involvement at disease onset did not develop skin lesions thereafter. At follow-up visits, cutaneous involvement was observed in 52 (20%) patients, with a statistically significant association between PF and constant skin involvement (p = 0.031). BD in Italy is characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical presentations and skin manifestations in line with what is described in endemic countries. Patients with skin disease at the onset are likely to present persistent cutaneous involvement thereafter; mucocutaneous lesions observed at the onset, especially PF, could represent a warning sign for future persistent skin involvement requiring closer dermatological care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina D'Onghia
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elisa Cinotti
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cartocci
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Vitale
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet's Disease Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center] Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Valeria Caggiano
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet's Disease Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center] Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Linda Tognetti
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca La Marca
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Jurgen Sota
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet's Disease Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center] Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gentileschi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet's Disease Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center] Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rubegni
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, 9298, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lopalco
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), Policlinic Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvana Guerriero
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna-Ferrara, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sara Monti
- Rheumatology Department, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Fondazione, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Piero Ruscitti
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Angeli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili and Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Carubbi
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences and Internal Medicine and Nephrology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of L'Aquila and ASL Avezzano-Sulmona-L'Aquila, San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Roberto Giacomelli
- Clinical and Research Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Fondazione Policlinico Campus Bio-Medico, Via Álvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Rome "Campus Biomedico", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ciccia
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Matteo Piga
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University and AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giacomo Emmi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stefania Costi
- Unit of Pediatric Rheumatology, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Florenzo Iannone
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), Policlinic Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Veronica Spedicato
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), Policlinic Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Alessio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Ruffilli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna-Ferrara, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Milanesi
- Rheumatology Department, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Fondazione, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Martina Gentile
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca Crisafulli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili and Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessia Alunno
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences and Internal Medicine and Nephrology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of L'Aquila and ASL Avezzano-Sulmona-L'Aquila, San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Luca Navarini
- Clinical and Research Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Fondazione Policlinico Campus Bio-Medico, Via Álvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Rome "Campus Biomedico", Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Iacono
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Cauli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University and AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Ricci
- Pediatric Clinic, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carla Gaggiano
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet's Disease Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center] Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Tarsia
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center] Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Bartoloni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Conti
- Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology Unit, AOU Policlinic G Martino, Messina, Italy
| | - Ombretta Viapiana
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Verona, Policlinico G. B. Rossi, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Amato de Paulis
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Section of Clinical Immunology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), World Allergy Organization (WAO) Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Parronchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuela Del Giudice
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Polo Pontino, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Barone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alma Nunzia Olivieri
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele Bizzi
- Medicina Interna, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Maggio
- University Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alberto Balistreri
- Bioengineering and Biomedical Data Science Lab, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Bruno Frediani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet's Disease Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center] Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Tosi
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Fabiani
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Pietro Rubegni
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Cantarini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet's Disease Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center] Siena, Siena, Italy.
- Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet's Disease Clinics, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Rheumatology Unit, University of Siena, Policlinico "Le Scotte", Viale Bracci 16, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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Álvarez Pérez LF, Vila S. Exacerbation of Behcet's Disease and Pyoderma Gangrenosum Following COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e49386. [PMID: 38146565 PMCID: PMC10749583 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Behcet's disease (BD) and pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) are rare autoimmune inflammatory diseases that have been reported to relapse following COVID-19 infection. BD is a multisystemic syndrome that may involve multiple body organs. PG is a skin disease that can be a part of the skin involvement of BD. We report a 33-year-old woman with BD and PG who developed headaches, arthralgias, and rapidly progressive painful skin ulcers after COVID-19. She had not complained about BD or PG symptoms for two years prior to admission. Treatment at admission comprised infliximab 560 mg every eight weeks, azathioprine 50 mg daily, and low-dose aspirin. Due to the suspicion of neuro BD and the rapid appearance and progression of the ulcers, she was treated with intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone 1000 mg daily three times followed by prednisone at 1 mg/kg/day. Azathioprine was increased to 100 mg bid. Local ulcer care was provided. She was discharged home on the eighth hospital day. The arthralgias were completely gone, and the headaches and skin ulcers had improved. Six months after discharge, she was off prednisone and continued infliximab and azathioprine. She had no headaches or joint pains, and the ulcers had completely healed. One year after admission, BD and PG signs and symptoms had completely disappeared. This case highlights the importance of recognizing that autoimmune diseases may exacerbate COVID-19. Timely management is crucial to prevent complications and morbidity. To our knowledge, this is a rare case report describing BD and PG exacerbation following COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F Álvarez Pérez
- Department of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PRI
| | - Salvador Vila
- Department of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PRI
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5
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Gaggiano C, Del Bianco A, Sota J, Gentileschi S, Ruscitti P, Giacomelli R, Piga M, Crisafulli F, Monti S, Emmi G, De Paulis A, Vitale A, Tarsia M, Caggiano V, Nuzzolese R, Parretti V, Fabiani C, Lopalco G, Maier A, Cattalini M, Rigante D, Govoni M, Li Gobbi F, Guiducci S, Parronchi P, Marino A, Ciccia F, Maggio MC, Aragona E, Bartoloni E, Iagnocco A, Viapiana O, Sebastiani GD, Guerriero S, Insalaco A, Del Giudice E, Conti G, Barone P, Olivieri AN, Brucato A, Carubbi F, Triggianese P, Mauro A, Tosi GM, Fonollosa A, Giardini HAM, Ragab G, Tharwat S, Hernández-Rodríguez J, Sfikakis PP, Laskari K, Karamanakos A, Espinosa G, Shahram F, Direskeneli H, Hinojosa-Azaola A, Opris-Belinski D, AlMaghlouth IA, Hatemi G, Eksin MA, Önen F, Więsik-Szewczyk E, Akkoç N, Tufan A, Şahin A, Erten Ş, Ozen S, Batu ED, Frediani B, Balistreri A, Cantarini L. A patient-driven registry on Behçet's disease: the AIDA for patients pilot project. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1188021. [PMID: 37396916 PMCID: PMC10313381 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1188021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This paper describes the creation and preliminary results of a patient-driven registry for the collection of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and patient-reported experiences (PREs) in Behçet's disease (BD). Methods The project was coordinated by the University of Siena and the Italian patient advocacy organization SIMBA (Associazione Italiana Sindrome e Malattia di Behçet), in the context of the AIDA (AutoInflammatory Diseases Alliance) Network programme. Quality of life, fatigue, socioeconomic impact of the disease and therapeutic adherence were selected as core domains to include in the registry. Results Respondents were reached via SIMBA communication channels in 167 cases (83.5%) and the AIDA Network affiliated clinical centers in 33 cases (16.5%). The median value of the Behçet's Disease Quality of Life (BDQoL) score was 14 (IQR 11, range 0-30), indicating a medium quality of life, and the median Global Fatigue Index (GFI) was 38.7 (IQR 10.9, range 1-50), expressing a significant level of fatigue. The mean Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) necessity-concern differential was 0.9 ± 1.1 (range - 1.8-4), showing that the registry participants prioritized necessity belief over concerns to a limited extent. As for the socioeconomic impact of BD, in 104 out of 187 cases (55.6%), patients had to pay from their own pocket for medical exams required to reach the diagnosis. The low family socioeconomic status (p < 0.001), the presence of any major organ involvement (p < 0.031), the presence of gastro-intestinal (p < 0.001), neurological (p = 0.012) and musculoskeletal (p = 0.022) symptoms, recurrent fever (p = 0.002), and headache (p < 0.001) were associated to a higher number of accesses to the healthcare system. Multiple linear regression showed that the BDQoL score could significantly predict the global socioeconomic impact of BD (F = 14.519, OR 1.162 [CI 0.557-1.766], p < 0.001). Discussion Preliminary results from the AIDA for Patients BD registry were consistent with data available in the literature, confirming that PROs and PREs could be easily provided by the patient remotely to integrate physician-driven registries with complementary and reliable information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Gaggiano
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Siena, Italy
| | | | - Jurgen Sota
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gentileschi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Siena, Italy
| | - Piero Ruscitti
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological & Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Roberto Giacomelli
- Rheumatology and Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Rome “Campus Biomedico”, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Piga
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University and AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Crisafulli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Monti
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Emmi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Amato De Paulis
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Section of Clinical Immunology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), WAO Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Vitale
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Tarsia
- Clinical Paediatrics, Department of Molecular Medicine and Development, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Siena, Italy
| | - Valeria Caggiano
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Siena, Italy
| | - Rossana Nuzzolese
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Siena, Italy
| | - Veronica Parretti
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Fabiani
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lopalco
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Armin Maier
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Marco Cattalini
- Pediatric Clinic, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili di Brescia [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Brescia, Italy
| | - Donato Rigante
- Department of Life Sciences and Global Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Rare Diseases and Periodic Fevers Research Centre, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna-Ferrara, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Li Gobbi
- Rheumatology Unit, Hospital S. Giovanni di Dio, Azienda USL-Toscana Centro, Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Parronchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Immunology and Cellular Therapies Unit, University Hospital Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Achille Marino
- Unit of Pediatric Rheumatology, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Gaetano Pini-Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico (CTO), Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Ciccia
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Maggio
- University Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Emma Aragona
- Division of Gastroenterology, Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia-Vincenzo Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Bartoloni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Iagnocco
- Academic Rheumatology Center, Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Biologiche, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Ombretta Viapiana
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Silvana Guerriero
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Insalaco
- Division of Rheumatology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Del Giudice
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Conti
- Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (AOU) G Martino, Messina, Italy
| | - Patrizia Barone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alma Nunzia Olivieri
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Brucato
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Carubbi
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences and Internal Medicine and Nephrology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of L’Aquila and ASL Avezzano-Sulmona-L’Aquila, San Salvatore Hospital, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Paola Triggianese
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mauro
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Department of Childhood and Developmental Medicine, Fatebenefratelli-Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Tosi
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Siena, Italy
| | - Alex Fonollosa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | - Gaafar Ragab
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Faculty of Medicine, New Giza University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Samar Tharwat
- Rheumatology and Immunology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Horus University, New Damietta, Egypt
| | - José Hernández-Rodríguez
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic of Barcelona [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Petros P. Sfikakis
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Laskari
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Gerard Espinosa
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic of Barcelona [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Farhad Shahram
- Behcet’s Disease Unit, Rheumatology Research Center, Shariati Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haner Direskeneli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Marmara University, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Andrea Hinojosa-Azaola
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas Y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniela Opris-Belinski
- Rheumatology and Internal Medicine Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ibrahim A. AlMaghlouth
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine Research Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gülen Hatemi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
- Behçet’s Disease Research Center, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Fatos Önen
- Department of Internal Medicine Division of Rheumatology, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ewa Więsik-Szewczyk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumonology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of National Defense, Military Institute of Medicine, National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nurullah Akkoç
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Abdurrahman Tufan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ali Şahin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University Medical Faculty, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Şükran Erten
- Rheumatology Clinic, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seza Ozen
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Deniz Batu
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bruno Frediani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Siena, Italy
| | - Alberto Balistreri
- Bioengineering and Biomedical Data Science Lab, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Cantarini
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Siena, Italy
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Mastrolia MV, Bettiol A, Marrani E, Maccora I, Taddei E, Pagnini I, Canfora M, Emmi G, Silvestri E, Prisco D, Simonini G. Behçet syndrome in children and adults: discovering similarities and differences by a comparative study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:SI189-SI195. [PMID: 35703922 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Behçet's syndrome (BS) is a rare disorder with a relapsing-remitting course. Clinical variance across geographical regions and different age groups has been observed. This study matched the demographic, clinical and treatment features of adult- and juvenile-onset BS in the Italian population. METHODS Two clinical databases of BS patients were compared. The paediatric BS database was collected at the Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, while the adult BS database was collected at the Careggi University Hospital, Florence. RESULTS A familiar predisposition for BS was significantly more frequent in the paediatric cohort (3/33 vs 1/165, P = 0.015). No difference emerged in terms of prevalence of HLA-B51 positivity. The proportion of patients meeting the revised ICBD and/or the ISG criteria at BS diagnosis was comparable in the two cohorts. No significant difference emerged between the two cohorts in terms of muco-cutaneous, ocular and neurological involvement, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Articular manifestations resulted as more common in the paediatric cohort, whereas venous vascular events were more frequent in the adult cohort. Regarding treatment strategy, paediatric patients more frequently received no treatment or corticosteroid monotherapy. Conversely, the use of DMARDs, both traditional and biologic, was significantly higher in the adult cohort. CONCLUSION Remarkable differences between juvenile-onset and adult-onset BS, both in terms of gender, familiar predisposition and clinical manifestations have been observed and a different therapeutic approach in the real clinical practice of the two settings emerged. Prospective, comparison studies with a longer follow-up are encouraged to provide further data about the disease course for juvenile- and adult-onset BS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Bettiol
- Unit of Internal Interdisciplinary Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, and Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Edoardo Marrani
- Rheumatology Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, and NEUROFARBA Department
| | - Ilaria Maccora
- Rheumatology Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, and NEUROFARBA Department
| | - Emilia Taddei
- Unit of Internal Interdisciplinary Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, and Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pagnini
- Rheumatology Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, and NEUROFARBA Department
| | - Maria Canfora
- Unit of Internal Interdisciplinary Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, and Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giacomo Emmi
- Unit of Internal Interdisciplinary Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, and Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Silvestri
- Unit of Internal Interdisciplinary Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, and Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Domenico Prisco
- Unit of Internal Interdisciplinary Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, and Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriele Simonini
- Rheumatology Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, and NEUROFARBA Department
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7
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Wang Z, Zu X, Xiong S, Mao R, Qiu Y, Chen B, Zeng Z, Chen M, He Y. The Role of Colchicine in Different Clinical Phenotypes of Behcet Disease. Clin Ther 2023; 45:162-176. [PMID: 36732153 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Behcet disease (BD) is a multisystemic disorder characterized by variable clinical manifestations that affect nearly all systems and organs. Colchicine, an alkaloid plant extract, is considered as the first-line therapy for gout, pericarditis, and familial Mediterranean fever. However, the role of colchicine in the treatment of different clinical phenotypes of BD has not been clearly described. This narrative review summarizes the clinical use of colchicine in BD. METHODS All relevant literature from 1980 to March 2021 was searched in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library. The Medical Subject Heading terms and related words that were searched are as follows: Behcet's disease, Behcet's syndrome, BD, colchicine, management, treatment, and therapy. FINDINGS BD is an autoimmune systemic vasculitis with various clinical phenotypes, with involvement of skin mucosa, joints, eyes, and gastrointestinal, vascular, and neurologic systems. Colchicine has been used for centuries, acts by binding to tubulin to prevent the mitotic process, and has anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antifibrotic properties. Colchicine has been reported to be an effective option for the treatment of skin, mucosal, and joint involvement in patients with certain BD clinical phenotypes. IMPLICATIONS Colchicine reduces the severity of certain clinical phenotypes and may improve the overall disease activity index in patients with BD. More randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the value of colchicine in the treatment of BD, and further elucidation of the mechanisms is also needed, which may reveal new application of colchicine that has been used for centuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyuan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoman Zu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ren Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baili 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, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minhu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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8
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Abstract
Behçet Disease is a relapsing and remitting variable vessel vasculitis characterized by recurrent mucocutaneous ulcers that can involve almost every organ system in the body. Indeed, the presence of recurrent oral or genital ulcers with other auto-inflammatory symptoms should raise suspicion for this elusive disease. It is unique among the vasculitides in that it can affect vessels of small, medium, and large size and tends to involve venous rather than arterial circulation, and its effects on the pulmonary venous circulation are particularly notable for their role in disease mortality. Classically seen in Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern, and eastern Asian countries, and relatively rare in the United States, prevalence has been increasing, prompting an increased need for internists to be aware of Behcet's clinical presentation and treatment. As early recognition and diagnosis of the disease is key to successful treatment and better prognosis, this review provides a brief summary of the current etiological theories, important clinical manifestations, and treatments including newer biologic alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pak
- Internal Medicine, St Mary Medical Center, Langhorne, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hyon Ju Park
- Internal Medicine, Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, USA
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