Efficacy of anti-TNF alpha in severe and refractory major vessel involvement of Behcet's disease: A multicenter observational study of 18 patients

Objective To describe the outcome and tolerance in patients treated with anti-TNFα in severe and refractory major vessel disease in Behcet's disease (BD). Methods A multicenter study evaluating 18 refractory BD patients with major vessel involvement [pulmonary artery (n = 4), aorta (n = 4) or peripheral artery aneurysm (n = 1) and/or pulmonary artery (n = 7), inferior vena cava (n = 5), or intra-cardiac (n = 3) thrombosis or Budd Chiari Syndrome (n = 2)] treated with anti-TNFα agents. Results Vascular remission was achieved in 16 (89%) patients. The 9 months risk of relapse was significantly higher with conventional immunosuppressants used prior anti-TNFα agents as compared to anti-TNFα therapy [OR = 8.7 (1.42–62.6), p = 0.03]. The median daily dose of corticosteroids significantly decreased at 12 months. Side effects included infection (n = 4) and pulmonary edema (n = 1). Conclusion TNFα-antagonists are safe and might be associated with a decreased risk of relapse at 9 months compared to conventional immunosuppressants in BD patients with major vessels disease.