Full Papers
Behçet’s syndrome, gender and lifestyle factors
P. Leccese1, A.A. Padula2, N. Lascaro3, S. D'angelo4, M.C. Padula5
- Rheumatology Department of Lucania, San Carlo Hospital, Potenza and Madonna delle Grazie Hospital, Matera, Italy.
- Rheumatology Department of Lucania, San Carlo Hospital, Potenza and Madonna delle Grazie Hospital, Matera, Italy.
- Rheumatology Department of Lucania, San Carlo Hospital, Potenza and Madonna delle Grazie Hospital, Matera, Italy.
- Rheumatology Department of Lucania, San Carlo Hospital, Potenza and Madonna delle Grazie Hospital, Matera, Italy.
- Rheumatology Department of Lucania, San Carlo Hospital, Potenza and Madonna delle Grazie Hospital, Matera, Italy. mcpadula25@gmail.com
CER28
Full Papers
Received: 20/05/2026
Accepted : 15/06/2026
In Press: 29/06/2026
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
Behçet’s syndrome (BS) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disease characterised by various clinical manifestations. Emerging literature evidence supports the role of a healthy lifestyle as an environmental factor able to modulate disease activity, severity and quality of life. We aim to evaluate gender differences in the main lifestyle-related aspects within a cohort of patients with BS.
METHODS:
We collected data on demographics (age, sex), anthropometric measures (weight, height), lifestyle factors (dietary habits, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption) and the impact of the disease on professional life in a group of consecutive BS patients.
RESULTS:
We recruited 105 BS patients (55M:50 F). Males recorded significantly higher rates of grade I obesity (9.1%M vs. 0.0%F, p<0.005) and greater alcohol consumption (58.3%M vs. 26.6%F, p<0.005), despite reporting higher levels of physical activity (29.0%M vs. 10.0%F, p<0.005). Female exhibited significantly less pro-inflammatory dietary habits, characterised by higher fruit consumption p<0.005) and a lower intake of refined products (p<0.005). The occupational impact was higher in female group compared with males (no work repercussions were recognised in 76.4%M vs. 28.0%F, p<0.005).
CONCLUSIONS:
This study highlights gender-specific patterns in BS. In men, pro-inflammatory dietary habits and BMI alterations was found. Conversely while women maintain a nutritionally healthier lifestyle, the disease is related to a significant occupational burden. Although our tests are preliminary and our data need to be validated in a larger study cohort, the present study emphasises the importance of a personalised and holistic approach for BS management also considering the disease heterogeneity.
