Search

The pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of baricitinib in Behcet's Disease (BD) patients with refractory vascular involvement. We consecutively enrolled vascular/cardiac BD patients who received baricitinib (2 mg/day) along with glucocorticoids (GCs) and immunosuppressants in our center. Efficacy assessment mainly depends on the proportion of clinical remission and side effects were recorded. 17 patients (12 males) were included with a mean follow-up of 10.7 ± 5.3 months. At 3 months of follow-up, 76.5% of patients achieved a complete response and the proportion increased to 88.2% at the last visit. During follow-up, ESR (p < 0.01) and hsCRP (p < 0.0001) decreased significantly, as well as Behçet's Disease Current Activity Form score (p < 0.01). In addition, baricitinib showed a GCs-sparing effect. No serious adverse events were noted. Our study suggests that baricitinib is well-tolerated and effective in treating refractory vascular/cardiac BD patients. • New treatments are warranted for refractory vascular BD patients due to its high mortality and poor clinical prognosis. • Baricitinib appeared to be potentially effective and well-tolerated in refractory vascular BD patients. • Baricitinib had a glucocorticoid-sparing effect on refractory vascular BD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pilot study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in treating refractory intestinal Behçet's disease (BD). We consecutively enrolled patients with refractory intestinal BD from October 2020 to September 2022. They were treated with baricitinib 2-4 mg daily, with background glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. Efficacy assessment included the global gastrointestinal symptom scores, the endoscopy scores, the Disease activity index for intestinal Behçet's disease (DAIBD), and the inflammatory parameters. Side effects were recorded. The thirteen patients (six males and seven females) had a median follow-up of eleven months, 76.92% (10/13) patients achieved complete remission of global gastrointestinal symptom scores, and 66.7% (6/9) had mucosal healing on endoscopy. The DAIBD scores decreased significantly, as well as the C-reactive protein level. Baricitinib showed a glucocorticoid-sparing effect, and the safety profile is favorable. Baricitinib might be a potential choice in treating refractory intestinal BD. • Treating patients with intestinal Behçet's disease (BD) refractory to conventional therapies and (or) biologics is challenging • Baricitinib showed a favorable efficacy and safety profile in treating refractory intestinal BD. • Baricitinib had a favorable glucocorticoid-sparing effect on refractory intestinal BD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]