INTERFERON-ALPHA TREATMENT OF BEHCETS-DISEASE

Objective. To determine if interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is effective i n Behcet's disease (BD). Methods. Ten patients having active ED were e ntered into a 6 month open label trial of IFN-alpha therapy given by s elf-administered dose of 3 million units subcutaneously daily, Provisi on was made for downward or upward dosing depending on predetermined r esponses. Four study centers followed the same protocol. Patients havi ng ocular or neurologic inflammation at onset of the study were exclud ed. 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 su bstantial reduction in the number of oral and genital ulcers, cutaneou s lesions, and articular signs and symptoms by the end of the study. P ain scores, global assessments, and prednisone dose also declined. The IFN-alpha dose at end of study averaged 1.5 million units. Significan t 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 I FN-alpha is effective therapy for some manifestations of Behcet's dise ase.