Epidemiological clinical behavior of Behçet's disease

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Behcet's disease is defined as a vasculitis affecting all types of vessels, presenting with local and systemic clinical manifestations that may involve concern any organ or organ system. Objective To describe the clinical and epidemiological behavior of Behcet's disease in Cuba. Methods An observational, longitudinal, retrospective, and descriptive study was conducted on a group of 8 patients with Behcet's disease, who were evaluated and followed-up by the National Rheumatology Centre of the “10 October” Clinical Surgical Hospital, Havana, Cuba. Results The mean age of the 8 patients (6 women and 2 men) found was 47±17 years old. The most common clinical manifestations were oral (100%) and genital (100%) ulcers, and bone, muscle and joint system involvement, followed by psychological disorders (62.5%). An increased C-reactive protein (100%) was the most common laboratory finding. Colchicine (100%), combined with steroids and methotrexate (87.5%) is the most commonly treatment used. Conclusions There was a predominance of females and patients over 40 years, with a higher incidence of general symptoms, oral and genital ulcers, arthralgia, arthritis, and psychological disorders. Combined therapy with steroids, methotrexate and colchicine was the most commonly found.