15 October 2024
Our new guideline for Behçets represents our first living guideline publication. Co-produced with the British Association of Dermatologists, the management recommendations for this rare, multi-system, inflammatory condition will continue to always represent the best available evidence at the time.
The guideline development group (GDG) set out to provide an up-to-date, holistic and evidence-based approach to optimise the management of people with Behçets, factoring in patient values and preferences.
GDG co-chair, Prof Robert Moots, Consultant Rheumatologist and director of the Liverpool Centre of Excellence for Behçets, said:
“I'd like these guidelines to be raising awareness. There's plenty of advice about straightforward ways to manage symptoms: ulcers in the mouth, skin problems, genital ulcers. Just by thinking of the disease, just by being aware and providing simple treatments, that can provide a lot of help to patients. Furthermore, we've really emphasised the importance of having an appropriate expert, multidisciplinary team.”
The GDG comprised a multi-professional working group, with adult and paediatric representatives across dermatology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, oral medicine, neurology, obstetrics and gynaecology, clinical psychology, pharmacy, as well as members with lived experience of Behçets.
The guideline also includes recommended audit points. We strongly encourage the recruitment of patients (aged 16 and above) with a confirmed diagnosis of Behçets in England and Wales to the National Early Inflammatory Arthritis Audit (NEIAA).
In addition to the guideline, there are a number of resources developed to support accessibility, all available at rheumatology.org.uk/guidelines, including a:
- Guideline plain language summary
- Patient management algorithm
- Behçets patient information leaflet
- Talking Rheumatology podcast episode
- Presentation slides with all key recommendations
It also includes a patient management pathway algorithm and a psychological management algorithm.
The guideline is available to view for free on our website.
The Behçets living guideline is published in Rheumatology free to view and also available for free via the British Society for Rheumatology website.