Interferon Alfa-2b Therapy in Mucocutaneous Manifestations of Behcet's Disease

Background: viral infections such as epstein-barr virus andherpes simplex virus may playa role in the pathogenesis ofbehcet's disease (bo). interferons (lnf) are natural defensemechanisms against viruses and inhibit their activities byenhancing major histocompatibility complex class i and cytokineexpression. this study evaluated the efficacy of inf-a-2b onmucocutaneous lesions of bo.methods: in this open label clinical trial, 12 patients werechosen sequentially from cases referred to the rheumatologyunit of the ghaern hospital of mashhad university of medicalsciences, mashhad, iran, with inclusion criteria of active bowithout central nervous system or ophthalmic involvement.they received subcutaneous injections of 3 million units ofifn-a-2b three times a week for six months. the numbers andthe sizes of lesions were evaluated monthly with the objectiveand subjective assessments of disease activity.results: the average dose of interferon prescribed was 2.7]million units during six months. the numbers and sizes oforal, genital and cutaneous lesions decreased significantlywith less pain and longer duration of remission. the mostcommon side effects were flu-like symptoms and bone painreported by 8 patients with temporary impotence in twomales and local reactions as erythema and edema of the upperextremities in two patients.conclusion: inf-a-2b seems to be an effective therapy formucocutaneous lesions of behcets disease