Beneficial effects of apremilast on genital ulcers, skin lesions, and arthritis in patients with Behcet's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives This study aimed to determine the clinical efficacy of apremilast for oral ulcers (OUs), extra-oral manifestations, and overall disease activity in patients with Behcet's disease (BD). Methods A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science Core Collection. Studies assessing the treatment effects of apremilast in BD were included. The odds ratios (ORs) of being symptom-free for individual manifestations and mean difference (MD) of Behcet's Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) scores were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) at 12 and 24 weeks using a random-model meta-analysis. Results Of 259 screened articles, eight were included. After 12 weeks of apremilast treatment the OR of symptom-free was as followings: OUs, 45.76 (95% CI, 13.23-158.31); genital ulcers, 4.56 (95% CI, 2.47-8.44); erythema nodosum, 3.59 (95% CI, 1.11-11.61); pseudofolliculitis, 2.81 (95% CI, 1.29-6.15); and arthritis, 3.55 (95% CI, 1.71-7.40). Furthermore, BDCAF scores at 12 weeks were significantly reduced (MD=-1.38; -1.78 to -0.99). However, the proportion of oral-ulcer-free patients increased at 24 weeks (OR = 14.88; 4.81 to 46.07). Conclusions The currently accumulated data indicate an improvement in mucocutaneous and articular symptoms by short-term apremilast treatment in patients with BD.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of apremilast in treating oral ulcers, extra-oral manifestations, and overall disease activity in patients with Behcet's disease. The results showed that after 12 weeks of treatment, there was a significant improvement in the symptoms of oral ulcers, genital ulcers, erythema nodosum, pseudofolliculitis, and arthritis. Furthermore, the BDCAF scores were significantly reduced. After 24 weeks, the proportion of patients with oral ulcer disappearance increased. These findings suggest that short-term apremilast treatment can improve mucocutaneous and articular symptoms in patients with Behcet's disease.