Interferon-alpha treatment of Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is effective in Behçet's disease (BD).

METHODS

Ten patients having active BD were entered into a 6 month open label trial of IFN-alpha therapy given by self-administered dose of 3 million units subcutaneously daily. Provision was made for downward or upward dosing depending on predetermined responses. Four study centers followed the same protocol. Patients having ocular or neurologic inflammation at onset of the study were excluded.

RESULTS

Seven patients completed the trial, while 3 were removed at 3 and 4 months for side effects or lack of efficacy. There was a substantial reduction in the number of oral and genital ulcers, cutaneous lesions, and articular signs and symptoms by the end of the study. Pain scores, global assessments, and prednisone dose also declined. The IFN-alpha dose at end of study averaged 1.5 million units. Significant side effects, besides the anticipated flu-like syndrome experienced by all the patients, included single instances of seizure, psychosis, psoriasis, and hyperthyroidism.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that IFN-alpha is effective therapy for some manifestations of Behçet's disease.