Comparison Between Behçet's Uveitis Patients with Immunologically Positive and Immunologically Negative Tuberculosis Test.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical features of patients with Behçet's Uveitis in the presence or absence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI).

Methods: A retrospective comparative study was carried out, examining patients with Behçet's disease who visited the Uveitis subspecialty clinic at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital, Cairo University Hospitals. A total of 20 consecutive patients with positive tuberculosis immunology (group 1) and 20 consecutive patients with negative tuberculosis immunology (group 2) were included.

Results: Patients in group 2 showed a higher incidence of macular edema (p value = 0.013) and were more likely to receive systemic corticosteroids compared to group 1 (p value = 0.011). Conversely, vascular occlusion was more prevalent among group 1 patients (p value = 0.044). There was a significant increase in the use of systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, biologics, and anti-TB medications from the initial visit to the last visit (p value < 0.001). Genital ulcers, oral ulcers, GIT ulcers, and nodular erythema decreased significantly by the last visit compared to the initial presentation (p value < 0.05). Significant differences in laboratory findings such as anemia, high ESR, high C-reactive protein, and high HBA1c were observed between the two groups (p value < 0.001).

Conclusion: Patients with immunologically negative TB tests were more likely to develop macular edema, whereas those with immunologically positive TB tests had a higher risk of vascular occlusion. Additionally, patients who have immunologically positive TB tests often present with elevated inflammatory markers like high ESR and C-reactive protein.