Comparison of presenting features and three-year disease course in Turkish patients with Behçet uveitis who presented in the early 1990s and the early 2000s.

PURPOSE: To compare Behçet uveitis patients who presented in the 1990s and 2000s.

METHODS

Records of 170 patients seen in 1990-1994 and 258 patients seen in 2000-2004 were reviewed. Presenting features were analyzed in the whole cohort. Uveitis attacks, vision, complications, and immunomodulatory treatment (IMT) were compared in patients with 3-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Posterior segment involvement was less common, visual acuity was better, and more patients received IMT before referral in the 2000s. Follow-up revealed no significant difference in number of uveitis attacks in the first 3 years. Less eyes lost useful vision, no patient became legally blind, and fewer severe ocular complications occurred in the 2000s. IMT was started within 3 months in more patients and interferon alfa-2a was used only in the latter study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest a milder disease at referral, lower rate of severe complications, and a better 3-year visual outcome in patients who presented in the early 2000s.