15 February 2023
We're working together with the British Association of Dermatologists to develop a new guideline for the management of people with Behçets.
Behçets is a rare, multi-system, chronic, and recurrent inflammatory condition. The presentation is often insidious, typically characterised in the UK by recurrent oral and genital ulceration and skin symptoms, but with the potential to involve other organs such as the eyes, which can be sight-threatening.
With many organs potentially involved, there is a major need for multidisciplinary input to:
- aid prompt diagnosis;
- holistic management;
- ensure safe and effective therapeutic intervention;
- prevent organ damage;
- and improve patients’ quality of life.
The guideline development group (GDG) includes representatives across dermatology and rheumatology, those from other disciplines, including ophthalmology, oral medicine, gastroenterology, neurology, clinical psychology, and also lay members.
Professor Robert Moots, consultant rheumatologist and co-chair of the GDG, said, “It’s fantastic to be involved in this vital work to produce up-to-date, evidence-based guidance on Behçets, as well as raising awareness about this rare disease”.
Laura Forrest, a patient with Behçets, mother of a child with Behçets, and lay member of the GDG, said, “I am so pleased to participate in the development of this guideline so that people with Behçets get the best possible care to manage this condition, which can seriously impact our quality of life.”
The guideline will cover clinical questions related to approaches to therapy for general management, mucocutaneous, arthritis/arthralgia, gastrointestinal, ocular, neurological, vascular, psychological, and alternative interventions.
The joint BAD-BSR guideline is anticipated to be co-published in Rheumatology and British Journal of Dermatology later this year and will be available for free via the BSR and BAD websites.
NICE accredits both the BSR and BAD clinical guideline processes.