Treatment of Behçet's Disease with Gastrointestinal Involvement Confirmed by Endoscopy
This protocol covers Behçet's syndrome in patients where gastrointestinal involvement has been
confirmed by endoscopy or imaging and mimicking conditions have been systematically excluded.
Clinical Scenario
Gastrointestinal involvement in Behçet's syndrome must be confirmed by endoscopy and/or imaging.
NSAID-induced ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, and infections including tuberculosis
must be ruled out before this pathway is applied.
Treatment Approach
In confirmed cases, the approach involves biologic agents — specifically monoclonal antibodies —
alongside other immunomodulatory options. The full regimen includes specific indications,
sequencing considerations, and combination criteria not captured here.
References
- Gastrointestinal involvement of BS should be confirmed by endoscopy and/or imaging.
- NSAID ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease and infections such as tuberculosis should be ruled out.
- For severe and/or refractory patients, monoclonal anti-TNF antibodies and/or thalidomide should be considered.
- Retrospective data showed that infliximab, adalimumab and thalidomide may be beneficial in patients with severe involvement, refractory to azathioprine.
- Infliximab and thalidomide may be used concomitantly in selected cases.
DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-213225
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