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Published on: September 20, 2018
Behçet disease in children
Leyla Atmaca1, Ayse Boyvat, F Nilüfer Yalçındağ
1Department Ophthalmology, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey. leylaatmaca@ttmail.com
Insights
Behçet disease in children is rare, affecting 3.3% of patients, with ocular involvement common. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are crucial for managing this childhood uveitis condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Behçet disease is a rare multisystemic inflammatory disorder.
- Childhood-onset Behçet disease requires specific diagnostic considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and clinical features of Behçet disease in pediatric patients.
- To highlight the importance of considering Behçet disease in childhood uveitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 3382 Behçet disease patients from 1986-2005.
- Analysis focused on 110 diagnosed pediatric cases.
Main Results:
- Children constituted 3.3% of all Behçet disease patients reviewed.
- Ocular involvement was present in 30.9% of pediatric cases, with uveitis being a common manifestation.
- The mean age at onset was 11.6 years and at diagnosis was 14.1 years, with a female predominance (62.7%).
Conclusions:
- Behçet disease is an important differential diagnosis for childhood uveitis, especially in endemic regions.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration among pediatricians, rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, and dermatologists is essential for accurate diagnosis and management.
- Prompt recognition and management can improve outcomes for children with Behçet disease.
Purpose:
To investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of Behçet disease in children.
Methods:
The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of 3382 patients with Behçet disease from October 1986 to December 2005 at Ankara University Medical School Behçet Unit and/or Atmaca private clinic.
Results:
110 children were diagnosed with Behçet disease. The 110 children represented 3.3% of the total number of Behçet patients that were reviewed. 62.7% were girls and 37.3% were boys. The mean age at initial manifestation was 11.63 ± 3.46 years and at diagnosis was 14.15 ± 2.13 years. Ocular involvement was found in 30.9% of the children. Of these, 61.8% were bilateral and 38.2% were unilateral. Anterior uveitis was found in 18 eyes (32.8%), posterior uveitis in 24 eyes (43.6%), and panuveitis in 13 eyes (23.6%).
Conclusion:
Behçet disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of childhood uveitis, particularly in endemic areas. The collaboration of pediatricians, rheumatologists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists when necessary is required in the diagnosis and management of children with Behçet disease.
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