CLINICAL TRIAL OF SULFASALAZINEFOR TREATMENT OF UVEITIS IN BEHCET'S DISEASE

Background: Behcet uveitis ia a blinding disease with no standard treatment. New medications with less side effects are being evaluated for this disease. Objective: This study was done to evaluate the effect of sulfasalazine on uveitis in Behcet disease. Method: This study was conducted in Behcet Research Clinic of Shiraz, Nemazi Hospital. A clinical trial was carried out for 15 months to observe the efficacy of two therapeutic regimen; regimen I: sulfasalazine + low dose prednisolone (PO) and regimen II: cyclophosphamide + regular dose of Prednisolone (PO) in the treatment of uveitis in Behcet disease. 13 patients received regimen I and 22 patients received regimen H. After at least 3 months, 11 patients in the second group who had no response to regimen H were switched to regimen I and reevaluated for response to therapy. These patients were followed for at least 12 months after starting the trial and were followed every 3 weeks by a vitreoretinal specialist and a rheumatologist. The eye examination included visual acuity (V/A), slit lamp examination for reaction, indirect ophthalmoscopy, IOP and when needed fleurecin angiography (F/A) for suspected posterior segment leisions. Uveitis was classified according to the Uveitis Scoring System. Results: of 13 patients who were initially on regimen I, group A (n= 13)85% (11 patient) had good to moderateresponse during 2-8 weeks. Only 50% of the patients who were on regimen H group B (n=22) had good to moderate response. Therefore, the remaining 50% were selected as group C (n= 11) and were put on regimen I. all of This entire group had favorable response to medication. Conclusion: Sulfasalazine 1.5-3 g/day with low dose prednisolone (PO) (0.5 mg/Kg) could be a good substitute for the treatment of uveitis in Behcet disease.