[Ocular prognosis in Behçet's disease].

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Context:

• Behçet's disease is a rare multisystem inflammatory disorder.
• Ocular involvement is a common and potentially sight-threatening complication.
• Understanding the long-term ocular prognosis is crucial for patient management.

Purpose:

• To assess the ocular prognosis of Behçet's disease in a cohort of French patients.
• To identify factors influencing ocular involvement and its severity.
• To evaluate the long-term visual outcomes and treatment strategies.

Summary:

• 31 French patients with ocular Behçet's disease were followed for a mean of 6 years.
• Ophthalmologic manifestations were the initial presentation in 29% of cases.
• Severe forms (77%) required systemic therapy (steroids and/or immunosuppressants), while minor forms (23%) stabilized with colchicine.
• At 6 years, visual acuity remained good in most patients (71% > 8/10), with only a slight increase in severe visual impairment (16% < 1/10).
• HLA B5, sex, and disease completeness were not predictive of ocular involvement or severity.

Impact:

• Highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmologists and internists for optimal visual outcomes.
• Demonstrates that with appropriate management, a good visual prognosis is achievable in the majority of patients with ocular Behçet's disease.
• Provides valuable long-term data on visual acuity and treatment response in this patient population.