Refractory Behçet's disease treated with low-dose interleukin-2: A case report

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Dermatology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers, uveitis, and skin lesions.
• Cutaneous manifestations in BD are frequently resistant to conventional therapies, necessitating novel treatment strategies.

Observation:

• A 37-year-old female patient presented with a 12-month history of debilitating oral ulcers and erythema nodosum.
• Previous treatments including Methylprednisolone, Thalidomide, and Hydroxychloroquine were ineffective in managing her refractory symptoms.

Findings:

• The patient was treated with low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) administered intramuscularly every other day for three months.
• Following IL-2 therapy, the patient experienced complete resolution of oral ulcers and erythema nodosum, remaining symptom-free for six months.

Implications:

• Low-dose IL-2 demonstrates potential as a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with refractory Behçet's disease.
• This case highlights the efficacy of IL-2 in managing severe mucocutaneous manifestations of BD, offering a new avenue for treatment.