Thalidomide in Behçet’s disease

Behçet’s disease is a chronic relapsing multisystem disease of unknown aetiology. It has a relapsing cyclical course, and is characterized by the triad of aphthous stomatitis, genital ulcerations and uveitis. There is familial and geographical clustering of cases, especially around the Mediterranean, the Middle East and East Asia. The condition is uncommon, but lesions sometimes are recalcitrant and can be debilitating to the affected individual. The treatment of Behçet’s currently involves the use of steroids, immunomodulaters and immunosuppressives. Thalidomide has been used in cases of Behçet’s disease with some success. This review will discuss Behçet’s disease and the current information we have about using thalidomide for its treatment.