DIAGNOSIS
Unlike the other autoimmune diseases that have serologic testing to detect its presence or absence, Behcet’s Syndrome relies on the presentation of the patient in question.
Three (3) episodes of oral sores or ulcers within one year with at least 2 of the following:
- Eye irritation with the presence of blurring of vision or sudden vision loss
- Ulcers on the private parts or reproductive areas (lesions on this area causes scarring), Pain on the testicular area in males
- Skin testing- defined as an induration of >2mm, a day or two after pricking the skin with a g 26 needle. This test has high specificity but, in some ethnicity, yields a false negative result.
- Presence of lumps and bumps in areas where the hair grows (folliculitis), far too many pimples among people who have surpassed their adolescent years.
TREATMENT
Treatment for Behcet’s Syndrome is geared towards preventing the body from attacking its own. The following treatment options are available though some of them are still on the process of being studied on their indication.
- Steroids– These types of drugs are known to affect slowing down the hyperactivity of the immune system.
- Anti- Tumor Necrosis Factor (Anti TNF) can lessen the symptoms associated with ocular symptoms of Behcet’s Syndrome.
- Thalidomide, an anti-neoplastic drug when administered to patients with such syndrome, reduces the activity of natural killer cells of the body and prevents them from attacking the body.
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin– An expensive alternative to treatment but is reserved for severe cases.