Behcet Disease

New findings in Behcet disease therapy described from Tokai University, Division of General Medicine

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"Three groups of Japanese gastroenterology specialists were involved in the study: moderators, an expert panel, and a professional group. Clinical statements for ratings were extracted from relevant literature, a survey of the professional group, and by discussion among the expert panel. The expert panel rated the clinical statements according to a nine point scale. After the first round of ratings, a panelist meeting was held to discuss areas of disagreement and to clarify areas of uncertainty. The list of clinical statements was revised after the panelist meeting, and a second round of rating was conducted. Thirty-two relevant articles were selected in a literature search, and 35 clinical statements were extracted. An additional 209 clinical statements were developed from the survey and discussion among gastroenterology specialists. In the first and second rounds, 56% and 60% of statements, respectively, received median scores >or=7. The range of scores decreased considerably from the first to the second round. 5-Aminosalycylic acid, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, enteral nutrition, total parenteral nutrition, and surgical therapy were considered standard therapy for intestinal Beh(gamma)et's disease. Infliximab, colchicines, thalidomide, other pharmacological therapy, endoscopic therapy, and leukocytapheresis were deemed experimental therapy," wrote K. Kobayashi and colleagues, Tokai University, Division of General Medicine.

The researchers concluded: "Based on a two-round modified Delphi approach, practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of intestinal Beh(gamma)et's disease were developed."

Kobayashi and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Gastroenterology (Development of consensus statements for the diagnosis and management of intestinal Beh(gamma)et's disease using a modified Delphi approach. Journal of Gastroenterology, 2007;42(9):737-45).

For more information, contact K. Kobayashi, Division of General Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan.

Publisher contact information for the Journal of Gastroenterology is: Springer Tokyo, 3-3-13, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.

Keywords: Japan, Isehara, Behcet Disease Therapy, Behcet Disease, Behcet Syndrome, Biotechnology, Drugs, Gastroenterology, Infliximab, Monoclonal Antibodies, Pharmaceuticals, Rheumatology, Therapy, Treatment.

This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.