Chronic Urticaria (chronic + urticaria)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Terms modified by Chronic Urticaria

  • chronic urticaria patient

  • Selected Abstracts


    Parameters for the Treatment of Urticaria and Angioedema

    JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 11 2002
    APRN-C, Mary Jo Goolsby EdD
    This month's CPG column reviews "The Diagnosis and Management of Urticaria: a Practice Parameter Part I: Acute Urticaria/Angioedema and Part II: Chronic Urticaria/Angioedema." As many as 15%-24% of the U.S. population may experience at least one episode of urticaria and/or angioedema in their lifetime. Evaluation and treatment is dependent on whether the urticaria/angioedema is acute or chronic because they are fundamentally different disorders. Acute urticaria is frequently self-limited and usually caused by an allergic reaction to an identifiable agent. Chronic urticaria is usually due to an endogenous cause, one that is difficult to identify and to treat. Due to the magnitude, potential seriousness and chronicity of urticaria and angioedema, this CPG should be quite useful to nurse practitioners in a variety of settings. [source]


    Second- and third-generation antihistamines in the treatment of urticaria

    DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 4 2000
    Anne K. Ellis
    ABSTRACT: Chronic urticaria is mainly idiopathic in nature and can be difficult to treat. While less responsive to antihistamine therapy than acute urticaria, antihistamines still play a key role in the management of symptomatology. While many of the antihistamines still commonly used to treat urticaria are first generation H1 antagonists (e.g., diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine), the more recently developed second-generation agents (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine) and their metabolites,the third-generation antihistamines (e.g., fexofenadine, norastemizole, descarboxyloratadine),possess many of the desirable clinical effects of the first-generation agents with a more tolerable side effect profile. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each of the various second- and third-generation agents available, and presents some of the data showing the differences among these agents in the treatment of chronic urticaria. [source]


    The Schnitzler syndrome: Chronic urticaria and monoclonal gammopathy , an autoinflammatory syndrome?

    JOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 8 2008
    Elisabeth Eiling
    Summary Schnitzler syndrome describes the simultaneous occurrence of monoclonal gammopathy and chronic urticaria with at least two additional minor symptoms (arthralgia, bone pain, fever of uncertain origin, hepato- or splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leukocytosis/thrombocytosis or increased bone density). Schnitzler syndrome is not wellknown and very likely under-recognized. Comprehensive diagnostic examinations are necessary to rule out other diseases, especially those of hematologic origin. Close interdisciplinary collaboration is mandatory. The etiology of Schnitzler syndrome is unclear, but the rapid response to the interleukin-1 receptor inhibitor anakinra underlines the pivotal role which the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 may play in the pathophysiology of this potentially autoinflammatory disorder. [source]


    Chronic urticaria , which clinical parameters are pathogenetically relevant?

    JOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 1 2007
    A retrospective investigation of 339 patients
    Summary Background: Urticaria is a clinical reaction pattern triggered by many factors causing liberation of vasoactive substances such as histamine, prostaglandins and kinins. It presents as transient itching wheals which are either limited to the local stimulus area or more widespread. Urticaria is classified according to its duration into acute (duration , 6 weeks) and chronic (duration 6 weeks) forms. Various clinical investigations may be initiated to diagnose the cause. This study critically evaluates the relevance of frequently performed laboratory investigations and searches for infectious foci, as well as the results of physical provocation testing and oral provocation with food additives. Patients and Methods: The laboratory and clinical data of 339 patients who had been treated for urticaria at the Christian-Albrechts-University in Kiel over a period of four years were collected in a data entry form and statistically evaluated. Nominal values were analyzed by their relative and absolute quantities, quantitative parameters with the help of statistical data such as minimum, maximum, median and 25th and 75th percentiles. Results: Chronic recurrent urticaria was most common, accounting for 52% of cases. Women were affected 1.8 times more often than men. One-third of the patients also had angioedema. The medians of all laboratory parameters evaluated were within normal values. Only rarely were elevated antinuclear antibody titers, abnormal thyroid function tests or active infections such as hepatitis B or borreliosis detected. The search for infectious foci identified tonsillitis or sinusitis in almost 50% of analyzed patients. Positive reactions to physical testing occurred in 30% of patients and in 11% to oral provocation with various food additives. Conclusions: This study of a large patient group stresses the relevance of individually- tailored evaluations in patients affected with urticaria rather than an expensive initial broad diagnostic testing. More specific searches should be based on individual clues. [source]


    Parameters for the Treatment of Urticaria and Angioedema

    JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 11 2002
    APRN-C, Mary Jo Goolsby EdD
    This month's CPG column reviews "The Diagnosis and Management of Urticaria: a Practice Parameter Part I: Acute Urticaria/Angioedema and Part II: Chronic Urticaria/Angioedema." As many as 15%-24% of the U.S. population may experience at least one episode of urticaria and/or angioedema in their lifetime. Evaluation and treatment is dependent on whether the urticaria/angioedema is acute or chronic because they are fundamentally different disorders. Acute urticaria is frequently self-limited and usually caused by an allergic reaction to an identifiable agent. Chronic urticaria is usually due to an endogenous cause, one that is difficult to identify and to treat. Due to the magnitude, potential seriousness and chronicity of urticaria and angioedema, this CPG should be quite useful to nurse practitioners in a variety of settings. [source]


    The German version of the chronic urticaria quality-of-life questionnaire: factor analysis, validation, and initial clinical findings

    ALLERGY, Issue 6 2009
    ynek
    Background:, Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common skin disorder that causes a substantial burden on patients' quality-of-life (QoL). The aim of this work was to generate and validate a German version of the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL) and to provide reference assessments of QoL. Methods:, The Italian CU-Q2oL was translated into German and administered to 157 CU patients. They also completed two well-established general dermatology QoL questionnaires, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex-29. Factor analysis was used to identify scales of the German CU-Q2oL. Correlation to the DLQI and Skindex-29 was used for validation. Multiple linear regression was used to determine which patient characteristics were associated with which dimensions of QoL. Results:, The factor analysis identified six scales of the German CU-Q2oL: functioning, sleep, itching/embarrassment, mental status, swelling/eating, and limits looks, which accounted for 70% of the data variance. Five of these six scales showed good internal consistency, and another five demonstrated convergent validity. On a percentile scale, they had these median CU-Q2oL scores: 29 functioning, 44 sleep, 50 itching/embarrassment, 50 mental status, 31 swelling/eating, 31 limits looks. Disease severity significantly predicted scores on all scales. Age predicted functioning, sleep, itching/embarrassment, and swelling/eating. Sex predicted itching/embarrassment and limits looks. Conclusion:, This study yielded a robust validation of the German version of the CU-Q2oL. It confirmed previous studies that CU has a clinically meaningful burden on QoL, especially for sleep and mental health, and that women are more severely affected by pruritus. The German CU-Q2oL should be widely adopted in clinical research on the treatment of CU. [source]


    Chronic urticaria: a patient survey on quality-of-life, treatment usage and doctor,patient relation

    ALLERGY, Issue 4 2009
    M. Maurer
    Background:, Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common skin disorder characterized by recurrent spontaneous outbreaks of itchy wheals and/or angioedema. It has been shown to have substantial impact on patient quality-of-life, but little else is known about patient perspectives on CU and its treatment. Methods:, An internet survey was conducted with 321 randomly selected, representative adults in Germany and France who were diagnosed with CU. The survey included the Skindex-29 questionnaire on quality-of-life and questions about treatment usage and patients' relation to their physician. Regression analyses were used to identify predictors of quality-of-life, use of prescription medication and various aspects of the doctor,patient relation. Results:, The survey confirmed that CU has substantial impact on quality-of-life, with median Skindex scores of 68 for symptoms, 50 for functioning and 53 for emotions. Only two in three respondents were taking prescription medication for their CU. Older respondents, French respondents and fully employed respondents were significantly (P < 0.01) more likely to be taking prescription medication. Only three in five respondents under a physician's care reported that their physician had discussed the emotional impact of CU on them. Patients whose physicians had discussed this emotional impact were significantly (P < 0.001) more satisfied with treatment and more trusting of their physician. Conclusions:, CU has a heavy impact on quality-of-life. Physicians need to be aware that many patients are not taking second generation anti-histamines and counsel them better on this point. Physicians should also discuss the emotional impact of CU with patients, because it improves their satisfaction and trust. [source]


    Chronic urticaria caused by Hymenolepis nana in an adopted girl

    ALLERGY, Issue 7 2007
    G. L. Marseglia
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Rupatadine in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled multicentre study

    ALLERGY, Issue 5 2007
    A. Gimenez-Arnau
    Background:, Chronic urticaria is one of the most common and disturbing cutaneous condition. The treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is still a challenge. Antihistamines are recommended as first-line treatment. Rupatadine is a new potent nonsedative anti-H1. Objective:, To study rupatadine efficacy and safety for moderate to severe CIU treatment. Methods:, This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicentre, study was designed to assess primarily mean pruritus score (MPS) reduction with rupatadine, 10 and 20 mg, administered once daily for 4 weeks. Three hundred and thirty-three patients with active episodes of moderate-to-severe CIU were included. Results:, A 57.5% (P < 0.005) and 63.3% (P = 0.0001) significative MPS reduction from baseline, was observed at week 4 with 10 and 20 mg rupatadine, respectively, compared with placebo (44.9%). Both doses of rupatadine were not significantly different at any time point, with respect to their effects on pruritus severity, number of wheals and total symptoms scores. Rupatadine 10 mg had an overall better adverse event profile. Conclusion:, Rupatadine 10 mg is a fast, long-acting, efficacious and safe treatment option for the management of patients with moderate-to-severe CIU. [source]


    Chronic urticaria and associated coeliac disease in children: A case,control study

    PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2005
    L. Caminiti
    Celiac disease (CD) and chronic urticaria (CU) are both sustained by immune mechanisms, but there are so far few data on their clinical association. We performed a case,control study to determine the occurrence of CD in urticaria and matched control children, and to assess the clinical relevance of this association. Children and adolescents were diagnosed to have severe chronic idiopathic urticaria in the presence of hives for more than 6 wk poorly or not responsive to oral antihistamines. Other known causes of urticaria had to be excluded. A matched control group without urticaria was enrolled. In both groups, the presence of CD was searched by assaying antitransglutaminase and antiedomysial antibodies, and confirmed with endoscopic intestinal biopsy. Results. CD was diagnosed and confirmed in 4/79 (5.0%) of children with CU and in 17/2545 (0.67%) of the controls (p = 0.0003). In the four children with urticaria and CD the gluten free diet (GFD) lead to complete remission of urticaria within 5,10 wk, whereas the disappearance of serological markers occurred in longer times (5,9 months). Conclusions. The presence of CD in children with CU was significantly more frequent than in controls. GFD resulted in urticaria remission. CD may be regarded in such subjects as a cause of CU. [source]


    ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Chronic urticaria is associated with a differential helminth,arthropod-related atopy phenotype

    THE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2010
    Alvaro DASCHNER
    Abstract The relationship between atopic sensitization and chronic urticaria is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to compare the prevalence of aeroallergen sensitization in chronic urticaria patients with (CU/As+) and without (CU/As,) sensitization against Anisakis simplex. Forty-nine CU/As+ and 80 CU/As, patients were studied and skin prick tests (SPT) were performed against aeroallergens. We assessed sensitization in a subgroup of patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or bronchial asthma (RCBA) and compared the prevalence with a control group of 522 non-urticaria patients with RCBA. Forty-five percent of CU/As, and 60.4% of CU/As+ patients displayed positive SPT to at least one aeroallergen. CU/As+ patients had a higher prevalence of sensitization against pollen, mould or dander (PMD) (52.2% vs 29.1%, P < 0.01), whereas the prevalence of house dust mite (HDM) sensitization was not statistically different (26.3% in CU/As, and 36.7% in CU/As+). However, in chronic urticaria patients with RCBA, 53.8% of CU/As, and 57.9% of CU/As+ patients differed in the prevalence of HDM sensitization compared to the control group (33.5%, P = 0.03), whereas no difference could be stated for PMD sensitization. Compared to RCBA patients, both CU/As+ and CU/As, patients have a higher clinically relevant sensitization rate against HDM, thus displaying a differential atopy phenotype. [source]


    Desloratadine in combination with montelukast in the treatment of chronic urticaria: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

    CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 9 2004
    E. Nettis
    Summary Background Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common skin condition. It is frequently a disabling disease due to the persistency of clinical symptoms, the unpredictable course and negative influence on the quality of life. Objective The aim of this study is to determine whether montelukast, a LTD4 receptor antagonist, plus desloratadine, is more efficacious than desloratadine alone in the treatment of chronic urticaria. Materials A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 81 patients with a diagnosis of CU. A 1-week single-blind placebo run-in period (baseline) was followed by a 6-weeks double blind active treatment period. The patients were randomized to receive the following treatment once daily: (a) oral desloratadine (5 mg) plus placebo; (b) desloratadine (5 mg) plus montelukast (10 mg); (c) oral placebo alone. The study ended after another 1-week single-blind placebo washout period. Results The evaluable population thus consisted of 76 patients. Both desloratadine alone and desloratadine plus montelukast administered once daily yielded improvements with respect to the baseline assessment as regards pruritus, number of separate episodes, size and number of weals, visual analogue score and patients' quality of life and with respect to the placebo group both in the active treatment period and in the run-out period. However, desloratadine plus montelukast was shown to improve the symptoms and patients' quality of life significantly more than desloratadine alone, although it did not have a significant effect on the number of urticarial episodes. Conclusion The combination of desloratadine plus montelukast is effective in the treatment of CU. It may therefore be a valid alternative in patients with relatively mild CU, in view of its efficacy and the lack of adverse events. [source]


    Second- and third-generation antihistamines in the treatment of urticaria

    DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 4 2000
    Anne K. Ellis
    ABSTRACT: Chronic urticaria is mainly idiopathic in nature and can be difficult to treat. While less responsive to antihistamine therapy than acute urticaria, antihistamines still play a key role in the management of symptomatology. While many of the antihistamines still commonly used to treat urticaria are first generation H1 antagonists (e.g., diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine), the more recently developed second-generation agents (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine) and their metabolites,the third-generation antihistamines (e.g., fexofenadine, norastemizole, descarboxyloratadine),possess many of the desirable clinical effects of the first-generation agents with a more tolerable side effect profile. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each of the various second- and third-generation agents available, and presents some of the data showing the differences among these agents in the treatment of chronic urticaria. [source]


    Once-daily desloratadine improves the signs and symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2001
    Johannes Ring MD
    Background Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is the most common type of chronic urticaria, and pruritus is the most prominent symptom. Antihistamines are the first-line treatment for CIU. Sedation and anticholinergic adverse effects are often experienced with the first-generation antihistamines and there is a risk of cardiovascular adverse effects and drug interactions with some second-generation agents. Hence, new treatment options are needed. Desloratadine is a new, potent, nonsedating antihistamine that has an excellent cardiovascular safety profile. Methods This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to determine the efficacy and safety of desloratadine in the treatment of moderate-to-severe CIU. A total of 190 patients, aged 12,79 years, with at least a 6-week history of CIU and who were currently experiencing a flare of at least moderate severity, were randomly assigned to therapy with desloratadine 5 mg or placebo once daily for 6 weeks. Twice daily, patients rated the severity of CIU symptoms (pruritus, number of hives, and size of largest hive), as well as the impact of CIU symptoms on sleep and daily activity. Patients and investigators jointly evaluated therapeutic response and overall condition. Safety evaluations included the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events, discontinuations due to adverse events, and changes from baseline in vital signs, laboratory parameters, and ECG intervals. Results Desloratadine was superior to placebo in controlling pruritus and total symptoms after the first dose and maintained this superiority to the end of the study. Measures of sleep, daily activity, therapeutic response, and global CIU status were also significantly better with desloratadine after the first dose; these clinical benefits were also maintained throughout the 6-week study. No significant adverse events occured. Conclusions Desloratadine 5 mg daily is a safe and effective treatment for CIU with significant benefits within 24 h and maintained through the treatment period. [source]


    The Schnitzler syndrome: Chronic urticaria and monoclonal gammopathy , an autoinflammatory syndrome?

    JOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 8 2008
    Elisabeth Eiling
    Summary Schnitzler syndrome describes the simultaneous occurrence of monoclonal gammopathy and chronic urticaria with at least two additional minor symptoms (arthralgia, bone pain, fever of uncertain origin, hepato- or splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leukocytosis/thrombocytosis or increased bone density). Schnitzler syndrome is not wellknown and very likely under-recognized. Comprehensive diagnostic examinations are necessary to rule out other diseases, especially those of hematologic origin. Close interdisciplinary collaboration is mandatory. The etiology of Schnitzler syndrome is unclear, but the rapid response to the interleukin-1 receptor inhibitor anakinra underlines the pivotal role which the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 may play in the pathophysiology of this potentially autoinflammatory disorder. [source]


    Clinical features and natural history of acquired cold urticaria in a tertiary referral hospital: a 10-year prospective study

    JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 12 2008
    A Katsarou-Katsari
    Abstract Background, Acquired cold urticaria (ACU) represents a heterogeneous group of disorders that share a common clinical feature: the development of urticaria or angioedema after cold exposure. We present epidemiological and clinical data of subjects with ACU, natural progression and we examine possible parameters that could correlate with disease severity. Methods, During a 10-year period in all subjects with ACU, detailed record of personal history, laboratory testing, cold stimulation testing (CST), atopy assessment and disease severity took place. In a re-evaluation visit at the end of the surveillance period, ACU progression was assessed from patients in a subjective way. Results, Four thousand one hundred fifty-seven individuals with chronic urticaria were referred, and 352 (198 males, 154 females, 8.47% of patients with chronic urticaria) presented definite symptoms of physical urticarias, while 95 individuals (49 males, 46 females, 27% of patients with physical urticarias) were detected with ACU. Sixty-two participants were included in study analysis. Thirty-two patients (51.6%) were female; the mean age was 41.5 ± 15.6 years, while the mean age at disease onset was 32.5 ± 15.6 years; half were , 30 years old at disease onset. The mean duration of surveillance was 9.0 ± 6.9 years. During this time interval, 18 patients (29.0%) showed the same or even worse symptomatology, 26 patients reported some improvement (41.9%), while in 18 patients, symptoms resolved completely (29.0%); the mean time to resolution was 5.6 ± 3.5 years. Disease severity was the only variable statistically significantly related to disease progression (P = 0.004). Conclusions, Cold urticaria is a chronic persistent disorder with occasional severe clinical manifestations. [source]


    Mast cells and IgE-containing cells in gastric mucosa of Helicobacter pylori infected and non-infected patients with chronic urticaria

    JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 1 2004
    M Liutu
    ABSTRACT Background, Several studies have indicated that antibiotic therapy aimed at eradication of Helicobacter pylori has effects on symptoms of chronic urticaria (CU) patients. However, the possible connections and pathomechanism by which H. pylori might be linked to CU have remained largely unknown. The IgE-mediated pathway might be a possible link between H. pylori infection and CU. We therefore clarified the role of H. pylori as an inducer of IgE response. Materials and methods, Gastroscopy was performed and mucosal biopsy specimens were taken to evaluate the histology, as well as the presence of H. pylori bacteria, mast cells and IgE-containing cells in the antral mucosa, in 21 CU patients. Controls (n = 48) included 19 patients with lichen planus, nine patients with atopic dermatitis and 20 patients with no skin or allergic disease. Results, The mean densities of IgE-containing cells were significantly higher in H. pylori- infected patients and in patients with skin disease compared to non- H. pylori -infected patients with no skin or allergic disease. No significant difference was found in the number of IgE-containing cells between H. pylori -infected and non-infected patients with CU. There was no significant difference in the mean densities of mast cells in the different patient groups. Conclusions, Our findings suggest that H. pylori gastritis leads to increased IgE production. However, we could not show a significant difference in IgE staining between H. pylori -infected and non-infected patients with CU. [source]


    One-year treatment of chronic urticaria with mizolastine: efficacy and safety

    JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 2 2000
    G Lorette
    Abstract Aim,To assess the long-term safety and efficacy of the H1-receptor antagonist mizolastine in the symptomatic treatment of chronic urticaria (CU). Background,Mizolastine is a novel second generation antihistamine with additional anti-inflammatory properties which has been shown to be effective in this condition as well as in allergic rhinitis. As the drug is used for chronic treatment, a detailed study of its efficacy and safety over a prolonged period was warranted. Methods,This open label multicentre trial recruited 211 patients suffering from CU (67% female; mean age 40 ± 13 years), with , 1 episode/week if untreated. After a 7-day placebo run-in period, patients received mizolastine (10 or 15 mg) for 12 months. Efficacy was assessed by the patient using daily diary cards and overall condition evaluation at study visits. Clinicians also assessed the same parameters at each visit, and gave a global assessment at study termination. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events and laboratory parameters. Cardiac safety was monitored every 4 months using 12-lead ECGs, with particular attention to QT intervals. Results,The trial was completed by 127 patients. Mizolastine reduced overall discomfort from the second week of therapy, and reduced itching and the number and size of wheals, as assessed by the patients. The clinician's assessment of the proportion of patients with > 10 wheals decreased from 42% to 28% after 2 months. Clinical assessment also indicated that itch intensity and angioedema were improved by mizolastine, and the improvement was sustained throughout the trial. The investigators estimated that 70% of patients benefited from therapy. There were no drug-related serious adverse events during the study. The cardiac repolarization assessed according to the QTc intervals was not modified during prolonged administration. Conclusion,Mizolastine improves CU symptoms, and these improvements are sustained over 12 months with no loss of drug sensitivity. No specific side-effects are associated with its long-term use in the current study. [source]


    Coagulation/fibrinolysis and inflammation markers are associated with disease activity in patients with chronic urticaria

    ALLERGY, Issue 5 2010
    S. Takahagi
    To cite this article: Takahagi S, Mihara S, Iwamoto K, Morioke S, Okabe T, Kameyoshi Y, Hide M. Coagulation/fibrinolysis and inflammation markers are associated with disease activity in patients with chronic urticaria. Allergy 2010; 65: 649,656. Abstract Background:, The evaluation of disease severity and activity of chronic urticaria (CU) is essential for the adequate treatment of patients. However, there is no reliable biomarker for such evaluations. Recently, markers of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis have been revealed to be elevated in severe cases of CU. In this article, we studied the coagulation/fibrinolysis and inflammation markers and their relationship to disease activity in patients with CU. Methods:, Plasma fibrin degradation products (FDP), d- dimer and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured with the assessment of disease severity and skin reaction to autologous serum in 82 patients with CU and 37 patients with acute urticaria, idiopathic angioedema (AE) or inducible types of urticaria (IU). Results:, The levels of FDP in patients with CU were significantly higher than those in patients with IU, but no other differences in FDP, d- dimer and CRP were observed among patients with different types of urticaria. These markers of patients with CU were well correlated with each other and significantly associated with disease severity of CU, but not with skin reactions to autologous serum. In 37 patients with CU, levels of all these parameters reduced as their disease condition improved, while they increased when the disease became aggravated. Regarding FDP, this relationship was observed even if FDP concentrations were within normal range throughout the study. Conclusions:, The measurement of plasma FDP, d- dimer and serum CRP may be useful for the assessment of disease activity of CU. [source]


    Plasma levels and skin-eosinophil-expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with chronic urticaria

    ALLERGY, Issue 11 2009
    A. Tedeschi
    Background:, Although chronic urticaria (CU) is often regarded as autoimmune in nature, only less than 50% of sera from CU patients contain histamine-releasing autoantibodies. This suggests that other factors may contribute to its pathogenesis. We evaluated the possible involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of the major mediators of vascular permeability, in CU. Methods:, Eighty consecutive adult patients with CU and 53 healthy subjects were studied. VEGF and prothrombin fragment F1+2 were measured by enzyme immunoassays. Autologous plasma skin test (APST) was performed in CU patients and, in six of them, skin biopsy specimens were taken from wheals to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). Results:, Plasma VEGF concentrations were higher in CU patients (8.00 ± 0.90 pmol/l) than in controls (0.54 ± 0.08 pmol/l) (P = 0.0001) and tended to parallel both the severity of CU and to correlate with F1+2 levels. APST was positive in 85.1% of patients. VEGF concentration was significantly higher in APST-positive than in APST-negative patients (P = 0.0003). Immunohistochemically, all specimens from patients with CU showed a strong expression of VEGF (P = 0.002) that colocalized with ECP, a classic eosinophil marker. Conclusions:, VEGF plasma levels are elevated in CU and parallel the disease severity. This supports a possible role of this molecule in CU pathophysiology. Eosinophils are the main cellular source of VEGF in CU lesional skin. [source]


    Matrix metalloproteinase-9: a novel biomarker for monitoring disease activity in patients with chronic urticaria patients?

    ALLERGY, Issue 4 2009
    S. Altrichter
    Background:, Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, an enzyme that contributes to inflammatory responses and subsequent tissue remodelling, has recently been suggested to be a good biomarker for monitoring disease activity in patients with chronic urticaria (CU). Here, we assessed whether total MMP-9 and/or active MMP-9 plasma levels are increased and correlated to disease activity in patients with CU. Methods:, Total MMP-9 and active MMP-9 plasma levels were determined by ELISA in 70 CU patients and control subjects (patients with psoriasis and healthy controls). CU activity was measured using weekly and daily composite symptom scores (urticaria activity score) calculated from the number of wheals and the intensity of pruritus. Results:, Significantly increased levels of total and active MMP-9 were detected in patients with CU as compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, patients with psoriasis also had clearly elevated plasma levels of total and active MMP-9, indicating that MMP-9 plasma levels do not specifically reflect CU activity. Most notably, total and active MMP-9 levels were not correlated with disease activity in CU or psoriasis patients. Conclusion:, Plasma MMP-9 is not a good CU biomarker and should not be used for assessing the efficacy of treatment in CU patients or their spontaneous changes in disease activity. [source]


    Ebastine in allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria

    ALLERGY, Issue 2008
    J. Sastre
    Histamine is a key mediator in the development of allergy symptoms, and oral H1 -antihistamines are among the most widely used treatments for symptomatic relief in conditions such as allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria. Ebastine is a second-generation antihistamine which has been shown to be an effective treatment for both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. In controlled clinical trials in adult and adolescent patients with allergic rhinitis, ebastine 10 mg once-daily improved symptoms to a significantly greater extent than placebo and to a similar extent as loratadine 10 mg and cetirizine 10 mg (both once-daily), while ebastine 20 mg proved to be more effective than these two comparator antihistamines. In addition, ebastine was significantly more effective than placebo at relieving the symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria. Ebastine provides efficacy throughout the 24-h dosing interval with once-daily administration and clinical benefit is seen from the first day of treatment. Small studies have found beneficial effects for ebastine in patients with other disorders, including cold urticaria, dermographic urticaria, atopic asthma, mosquito bites and (in combination with pseudoephedrine) the common cold. In addition to the regular ebastine tablet, a fast-dissolving tablet (FDT) formulation, which disintegrates in the mouth without the aid of a drink, is also available. It has been shown to be bioequivalent to the regular tablet, and to be significantly more effective than desloratadine at reducing histamine-induced cutaneous wheals. A number of patient surveys demonstrated that the majority of individuals who tried the fast-dissolving formulation reported it to be convenient for use, fast-acting and preferred it to their previous antihistamine medication. Perhaps most importantly, a large proportion of patients indicated that they would prefer to use this new formulation in the future. Ebastine has a rapid onset of action and it can be administered once-daily, with or without food. Dose modifications are not needed in elderly patients, or in those with renal or mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Ebastine is generally well-tolerated, and clinical studies showed that at usual therapeutic doses of 10 and 20 mg once-daily, it had no clinically relevant adverse effects on cognitive function and psychomotor performance or on cardiovascular function. In conclusion, ebastine is an effective and generally well-tolerated treatment for allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. In addition to the regular tablet formulation, ebastine is available as a FDT, providing a treatment option that is particularly convenient for patients. [source]


    Differential diagnosis of food-induced symptoms

    PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
    Birgit Ahrens
    The symptoms of patients presenting with non-allergic food-related reactions may partly mimic allergic responses. Therefore, correct delineation of food allergies is often difficult and various differential diagnoses have to be considered. We describe three cases of differential diagnoses to food-induced symptoms: A 14-month-old with lactose intolerance, an 8-month-old with severe diet-induced malnutrition and subsequent development of kwashiorkor and a 12-yr-old with chronic urticaria due to colouring agents. These cases represent common symptom constellations involving food-induced reactions. A proper and correct diagnosis of food-related symptoms is particularly important for children , not only in order to find the appropriate diet but also to avoid unnecessary exclusion diets, which may lead to severe impairments in growth and development. [source]


    Chronic urticaria and associated coeliac disease in children: A case,control study

    PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2005
    L. Caminiti
    Celiac disease (CD) and chronic urticaria (CU) are both sustained by immune mechanisms, but there are so far few data on their clinical association. We performed a case,control study to determine the occurrence of CD in urticaria and matched control children, and to assess the clinical relevance of this association. Children and adolescents were diagnosed to have severe chronic idiopathic urticaria in the presence of hives for more than 6 wk poorly or not responsive to oral antihistamines. Other known causes of urticaria had to be excluded. A matched control group without urticaria was enrolled. In both groups, the presence of CD was searched by assaying antitransglutaminase and antiedomysial antibodies, and confirmed with endoscopic intestinal biopsy. Results. CD was diagnosed and confirmed in 4/79 (5.0%) of children with CU and in 17/2545 (0.67%) of the controls (p = 0.0003). In the four children with urticaria and CD the gluten free diet (GFD) lead to complete remission of urticaria within 5,10 wk, whereas the disappearance of serological markers occurred in longer times (5,9 months). Conclusions. The presence of CD in children with CU was significantly more frequent than in controls. GFD resulted in urticaria remission. CD may be regarded in such subjects as a cause of CU. [source]


    The Etiology of Different Forms of Urticaria in Childhood

    PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2004
    Cansin Sackesen M.D.
    In contrast to the ease of its diagnosis, etiologic factors are often difficult to determine. In order to study whether differences exist among various forms of urticaria in childhood and whether the patterns of different types of urticaria differ between adults and children, we extensively studied the possible causes of urticaria in children. Fifty-four children (23 girls and 31 boys; ages 1,19 years) with various forms of urticaria were included in the study. In all cases, questions about food allergies, food additive intolerance, drug intake, signs of infection, causes of physical urticaria, insect bites, and personal and family history of atopy were asked. Clinical characteristics of the disease, such as duration, recurrence, and associated angioedema and symptoms of anaphylaxis were also investigated. Detailed laboratory tests, including serologic, autoimmune, and allergic analyses, were conducted to reveal the probable etiologies of urticaria. Of the study patients, 68.5% and 31.5% were diagnosed as having acute and chronic urticaria, respectively. The patient group with chronic urticaria was older and included more boys than the acute group. In the acute urticaria group, infection was the most frequently documented cause (48.6%), followed by drugs (5.4%), and food allergies (2.7%), whereas in chronic urticaria, physical factors were the leading cause (52.94%). The most frequently documented infection was urinary tract infection, followed by serologically determined infections of Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori. In this study we found indications that infections were frequently associated with urticaria, which suggests that urticaria management should include a survey of certain infectious agents in addition to a detailed history. [source]


    ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Chronic urticaria is associated with a differential helminth,arthropod-related atopy phenotype

    THE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2010
    Alvaro DASCHNER
    Abstract The relationship between atopic sensitization and chronic urticaria is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to compare the prevalence of aeroallergen sensitization in chronic urticaria patients with (CU/As+) and without (CU/As,) sensitization against Anisakis simplex. Forty-nine CU/As+ and 80 CU/As, patients were studied and skin prick tests (SPT) were performed against aeroallergens. We assessed sensitization in a subgroup of patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or bronchial asthma (RCBA) and compared the prevalence with a control group of 522 non-urticaria patients with RCBA. Forty-five percent of CU/As, and 60.4% of CU/As+ patients displayed positive SPT to at least one aeroallergen. CU/As+ patients had a higher prevalence of sensitization against pollen, mould or dander (PMD) (52.2% vs 29.1%, P < 0.01), whereas the prevalence of house dust mite (HDM) sensitization was not statistically different (26.3% in CU/As, and 36.7% in CU/As+). However, in chronic urticaria patients with RCBA, 53.8% of CU/As, and 57.9% of CU/As+ patients differed in the prevalence of HDM sensitization compared to the control group (33.5%, P = 0.03), whereas no difference could be stated for PMD sensitization. Compared to RCBA patients, both CU/As+ and CU/As, patients have a higher clinically relevant sensitization rate against HDM, thus displaying a differential atopy phenotype. [source]


    Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita and chronic autoimmune urticaria in a young man

    THE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
    Lucilla MELANI
    ABSTRACT A 20-year-old man with mental impairment, was referred to us for evaluation of recurring idiopathic urticaria episodes, characterized by a diffuse spreading of wheals and severe itching lacking response to traditional antihistamines. Upon physical examination, he showed a persistent, generalized, reticular, red-bluish vascular skin pattern in association with diffuse arborizing telangiectasias. Such lesions were present from an early age. Laboratory and instrumental tests, performed in order to exclude any condition associated with livedo did not evidence pathological results. He was found to be positive for antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA; 1:640). Histopathologically, numerous dilated capillary vessels associated with sparse extravasated erythrocytes were observed in the upper dermis. We performed an autologous serum skin test (ASST), which resulted in a positive, suggesting an autoimmune basis of the condition. On the basis of clinical and histopathological findings, and in the absence of other clinical and laboratory data suggesting other neoplastic, immunological or systemic diseases, the diagnosis of cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (CMTC) associated with chronic autoimmune urticaria (CAIU) was made. CMTC is a rare congenital vascular disorder, consisting in an anomalous, persistent, red-bluish marbling of the skin, that can be associated with a wide spectrum of cutaneous and extracutaneous anomalies. In our case, neither physical examination nor instrumental investigation demonstrated any of these anomalies, with the exception of cognitive impairment. We report this case because of the rarity of a diagnosis of CMTC in an adult patient, because this condition has almost always previously been diagnosed in infancy, or it comes to observation because of the presence of associated disorders, as in our case for chronic urticaria. [source]


    Comparative assessment of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot for the diagnosis of toxocariasis in patients with skin disorders

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
    A-P. Bellanger
    Summary Background, The link between various chronic skin disorders and toxocariasis was previously demonstrated by case reports and several case,control studies. However, these previous studies were based only on the Toxocara canis excretory-secretory,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TES,ELISA) serological technique, which is not specific due to cross-reactivity with parasites of the genera Anisakis or Ascaris. Immunoblot analysis is highly specific and can detect very low levels of Toxocara antibodies. Therefore, this technique may be useful in the identification of Toxocara infection in patients with chronic skin disorders. Objectives, Because urticaria and pruritus/prurigo are skin conditions previously associated with toxocariasis, we carried out a prospective study using both TES,ELISA and Toxocara Western blot on 113 patients with either chronic urticaria (n = 84) or chronic pruritus (n = 29). Methods, Patients were matched with controls according to gender, age and residence location (rural or urban area). Data were analysed using a Mantel,Haenszel ,2 test. Results, The proportion of positive TES,ELISA results was not significantly different for patients with chronic skin disorders (urticaria or pruritus/prurigo) from that of control subjects. However, the proportion of positive immunoblot results was significantly higher for patients with chronic urticaria than for control subjects (P = 0·009). Conclusions, Our study demonstrates the need to perform Western blotting immunodiagnosis, whatever the TES,ELISA result, to improve diagnosis of human toxocariasis in patients with chronic urticaria caused by Toxocara infection. [source]


    Effect of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin in delayed pressure urticaria

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2003
    G. Dawn
    Summary Background Delayed pressure urticaria (DPU) is difficult to treat. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been found to be effective in treating patients with autoimmune chronic urticaria. Objectives To report the effect of IVIG on eight patients with severe unremitting DPU. Methods IVIG was administered at a dose of 2 g kg,1 over 2,3 days on an in-patient basis. The response to treatment was assessed subjectively and recorded as remission, improved or unchanged. An autologous serum skin test (ASST) was performed in seven patients. Results Three of eight patients achieved remission; two after one infusion and one after three infusions. Two patients improved. Three patients remained unchanged; of these, two declined further treatment after two infusions, and one failed to improve after six infusions at monthly intervals. Four of seven patients had positive ASST; three responded to IVIG. Two developed delayed positive ASST; both responded to IVIG. Of three patients with negative ASST, two responded. Conclusions IVIG induced remission or improved symptoms in five of eight patients with DPU with severe unremitting disease who had failed to respond to other therapies or were controlled only with systemic corticosteroids. Those who responded did so with three or fewer infusions. ASST is not a reliable predictor of response to IVIG. [source]


    Inhibition of the histamine-induced weal and flare response: a valid surrogate measure for antihistamine clinical efficacy?

    CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 3 2007
    P. Devillier
    Summary Histamine plays a central role in allergic responses. Inhibition of the weal and flare response to histamine is a traditional pharmacodynamic tool to measure the activity of H1 -receptor antagonists. The time course and duration of cutaneous weal and flare inhibition are often used as surrogate measures of clinical efficacy. Pharmacodynamic differences among antihistamines are often interpreted to indicate differences in clinical efficacy. A systematic review of literature from 1980 to 2006 regarding the histamine induced weal and flare was undertaken. Search terms included ,histamine', ,skin test', ,weal', ,flare', and ,antihistamine'; retrieved articles were searched for relevant studies not identified initially. Data from human studies on the inhibition of the weal and flare by second-generation antihistamines were extracted and assessed. A literature search from 1980 to 2006 was undertaken for comparative studies of second-generation antihistamines in the clinical settings of allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic idiopathic urticaria; data extracted from these studies underwent systematic review. Differences were noted among second-generation antihistamines in terms of their ability to inhibit the histamine-induced weal and flare. Corresponding differences in terms of clinical efficacy in AR and chronic urticaria were not identified following a systematic review. The reasons for the disconnect between pharmacodynamic effects and clinical efficacy may include differences between the route and concentration of histamine, the involvement of mediators other than histamine in the allergic response, and the short time course of pharmacodynamic studies. The histamine-induced weal and flare response is a pharmacodynamic test that should not be used to compare the clinical efficacy of different antihistamines, and is not an adequate alternative to clinical end-point assessments in AR or chronic idiopathic urticaria. [source]