Long-Term Effects of Interferon Alpha 2A Treatment in Behçet’s Disease

Abstract

Background: Between May 1995 and April 1996, 20 patients with Behçet’s disease were successfully treated with interferon α2a (IFN-α2a) 9 million IU/day three times a week and 16 patients with colchicine 1.5 mg/day orally for 3 months. Objective: To study the long-term effects of IFN treatment in Behçet’s disease. Methods: Between the years of 1996 and 1999, the patients were followed up every 3 months or whenever indicated. Retrospective evaluation was performed. Results: In 56% of the patients with complete remission or partial remission at the end of IFN-α2a treatment, long-term remissions ranging from 36 to 48 months were observed. Conclusion: IFN-α2a treatment is an effective treatment modality in Behçet’s disease with the advantage of inducing prolonged remissions.