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Allergy Mar 2022This update and revision of the international guideline for urticaria was developed following the methods recommended by Cochrane and the Grading of Recommendations...
This update and revision of the international guideline for urticaria was developed following the methods recommended by Cochrane and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group. It is a joint initiative of the Dermatology Section of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA²LEN) and its Urticaria and Angioedema Centers of Reference and Excellence (UCAREs and ACAREs), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF; EuroGuiDerm), and the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology with the participation of 64 delegates of 50 national and international societies and from 31 countries. The consensus conference was held on 3 December 2020. This guideline was acknowledged and accepted by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). Urticaria is a frequent, mast cell-driven disease that presents with wheals, angioedema, or both. The lifetime prevalence for acute urticaria is approximately 20%. Chronic spontaneous or inducible urticaria is disabling, impairs quality of life, and affects performance at work and school. This updated version of the international guideline for urticaria covers the definition and classification of urticaria and outlines expert-guided and evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the different subtypes of urticaria.
Topics: Angioedema; Asthma; Chronic Disease; Humans; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Urticaria
PubMed: 34536239
DOI: 10.1111/all.15090 -
Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology Feb 2018Urticaria is a common, mast cell-driven disease presenting with wheals or angioedema or both. In the last years, urticaria has increasingly attracted notice to... (Review)
Review
Urticaria is a common, mast cell-driven disease presenting with wheals or angioedema or both. In the last years, urticaria has increasingly attracted notice to clinicians and researchers, last but not least inspired by the approval of omalizumab, an anti-IgE antibody, for urticaria treatment. There is wide consensus on the clinical classification based on duration and elicitation. However, the pathogenesis is incompletely understood. This review summarizes current guidelines for the management and novel insights in the pathogenesis of urticaria with special focus on their impact on clinical praxis. The classification of urticaria subgroups is mainly based on clinical criteria: acute and chronic urticaria (CU). Chronic urticaria comprises both chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) that includes physical and non-physical urticarias. Recent research focused on characterizing the role of cells and mediators involved in the pathogenesis of urticaria, identifying the mechanisms of mast cell activation, and investigating underlying autoimmune processes in chronic spontaneous urticarial. Currently, non-sedating antihistamines and omalizumab, an antiimmunoglobulin E antibody, are recommended for the therapy of chronic urticaria, as both exhibit a favorable efficacy and safety profile. Novel therapeutic strategies aim at specifically targeting cells and mediators involved in the pathogenesis of urticaria.
Topics: Angioedema; Anti-Allergic Agents; Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; Chronic Disease; Humans; Mast Cells; Omalizumab; Urticaria
PubMed: 28748365
DOI: 10.1007/s12016-017-8628-1 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... 2018Chronic urticaria is defined as the presence of urticaria for a period exceeding 6 weeks, assuming symptoms for most days of the week. It is divided into chronic... (Review)
Review
Chronic urticaria is defined as the presence of urticaria for a period exceeding 6 weeks, assuming symptoms for most days of the week. It is divided into chronic inducible urticarias and chronic spontaneous urticaria, previously termed chronic idiopathic urticaria. The latter designation emphasizes that patients can experience urticaria independent of any exogenous stimulus even if one can define circumstances that may worsen symptoms. A search for such an external "cause" is fruitless because the underlying abnormality is "intrinsic," whether it is autoimmune, or some unknown process. Approximately 40% of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria report accompanying episodes of angioedema, whereas 10% have angioedema as their primary manifestation. In most cases, it is a self-limiting disorder, persisting for 2 to 5 years in most cases, although 20% of patients suffer for more than 5 years. The treatment that has evolved is largely empiric, based on double-blind, placebo-controlled studies whenever possible, but is not yet targeted to any particular pathogenic mechanism. In this article, we review the current status regarding pathogenesis, discuss the diagnostic workup, and update the approach to treatment including consideration of published guidelines, our own experience, and guideline updates that are being prepared.
Topics: Chronic Disease; Humans; Pruritus; Urticaria
PubMed: 30033911
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2018.04.013 -
Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina,... Sep 2020Chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by the recurrence of itchy wheals and/or angioedema that lasts more than 6... (Review)
Review
Chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by the recurrence of itchy wheals and/or angioedema that lasts more than 6 weeks and is induced by specific physical or environmental stimuli (cold, heat, exercise, pressure, sunlight, vibration, water, etc.). According to the current international classification, it includes physical urticarias (dermographism, delayed-pressure urticaria, exercise-induced urticaria, cold urticaria, heat urticaria, solar urticaria, and vibratory urticaria) and non-physical urticarias caused by exposure to specific stimuli (cholinergic urticaria, contact urticaria, and aquagenic urticaria). In terms of frequency, more common types of CIndU are dermographism, cholinergic urticaria, and delayed-pressure urticaria. In clinical practice, it is often difficult to define the exact type of CIndU; management thus begins with accurate identification of a possible trigger and its avoidance. The definite diagnosis for CIndU requires obtaining a detailed medical history of a patient with comprehensive information about predisposing factors, physical examination, and provocation testing (challenge tests). It is always necessary to recognize the prophylactic options for all the types and to have access to different therapies (primarily second-generation H1 antihistamines, but also H2 antihistamines, hydroxyzine, doxepin, oral glucocorticoids, omalizumab/anti-IgE therapy, phototherapy, physical desensitization, immunomodulatory agents, etc.) individualized for each patient.
Topics: Chronic Urticaria; Humans
PubMed: 32975301
DOI: No ID Found -
American Family Physician Jun 2017Urticaria commonly presents with intensely pruritic wheals, sometimes with edema of the subcutaneous or interstitial tissue. It has a lifetime prevalence of about 20%.... (Review)
Review
Urticaria commonly presents with intensely pruritic wheals, sometimes with edema of the subcutaneous or interstitial tissue. It has a lifetime prevalence of about 20%. Although often self-limited and benign, it can cause significant discomfort, continue for months to years, and uncommonly represent a serious systemic disease or life-threatening allergic reaction. Urticaria is caused by immunoglobulin E- and non-immunoglobulin E-mediated release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells and basophils. Diagnosis is made clinically; anaphylaxis must be ruled out. Chronic urticaria is idiopathic in 80% to 90% of cases. Only a limited nonspecific laboratory workup should be considered unless elements of the history or physical examination suggest specific underlying conditions. The mainstay of treatment is avoidance of triggers, if identified. The first-line pharmacotherapy is second-generation H1 antihistamines, which can be titrated to greater than standard doses. First-generation H1 antihistamines, H2 antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, high-potency antihistamines, and brief corticosteroid bursts may be used as adjunctive treatment. In refractory chronic urticaria, patients can be referred to subspecialists for additional treatments, such as omalizumab or cyclosporine. More than one-half of patients with chronic urticaria will have resolution or improvement of symptoms within a year.
Topics: Cyclosporine; Dermatologic Agents; Diagnosis, Differential; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Humans; Omalizumab; Urticaria
PubMed: 28671445
DOI: No ID Found -
International Archives of Allergy and... 2019The immune system has vital functions for homeostasis and host defense. Thus, imbalances of the immune system whether associated with allergy, hypersensitivity, or... (Review)
Review
The immune system has vital functions for homeostasis and host defense. Thus, imbalances of the immune system whether associated with allergy, hypersensitivity, or autoimmunity are of great importance, as is manifest from common diseases such as atopic diseases, urticaria, and angioedema, and drug hypersensitivity reactions. These can affect patients' quality of life and can generate high costs for health care. Epidemiological studies have provided evidence for changing patterns of allergic diseases caused by lifestyle and climate changes which have consequences for medical care. Deeper insights into the pathogenesis of allergic/immunologic diseases, combined with novel technologies, provide improved diagnostic options and treatment measures. This review will summarize novel aspects of the epidemiology, pathogenic mechanisms, as well as disease management in the fields of allergy and clinical immunology.
Topics: Allergy and Immunology; Anaphylaxis; Angioedema; Dermatitis, Atopic; Drug Hypersensitivity; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Immunotherapy; Quality of Life; Urticaria
PubMed: 31694018
DOI: 10.1159/000504364 -
Allergology International : Official... Jul 2023The signs and symptoms of chronic urticaria (CU) are caused by the activation and degranulation of skin mast cells (MCs). Recent studies have added to our understanding... (Review)
Review
The signs and symptoms of chronic urticaria (CU) are caused by the activation and degranulation of skin mast cells (MCs). Recent studies have added to our understanding of how and why skin MCs are involved and different in CU. Also, novel and relevant mechanisms of MC activation in CU have been identified and characterized. Finally, the use of MC-targeted and MC mediator-specific treatments has helped to better define the role of the skin environment, the contribution of specific MC mediators, and the relevance of MC crosstalk with other cells in the pathogenesis of CU. Here, we review these recent findings and their impact on our understanding of CU, with a focus on chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Also, we highlight open questions, issues of controversy, and unmet needs, and we suggest what studies should be performed moving forward.
Topics: Humans; Urticaria; Mast Cells; Chronic Urticaria; Skin
PubMed: 37210251
DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2023.05.003 -
Allergy Mar 2020Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the medications most commonly used for treating pain and inflammation, are the main triggers of drug hypersensitivity... (Review)
Review
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the medications most commonly used for treating pain and inflammation, are the main triggers of drug hypersensitivity reactions. The latest classification of NSAIDs hypersensitivity by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) differentiates between cross-hypersensitivity reactions (CRs), associated with COX-1 inhibition, and selective reactions, associated with immunological mechanisms. Three phenotypes fill into the first group: NSAIDs-exacerbated respiratory disease, NSAIDs-exacerbated cutaneous disease and NSAIDs-induced urticaria/angioedema. Two phenotypes fill into the second one: single-NSAID-induced urticaria/angioedema/anaphylaxis and single-NSAID-induced delayed reactions. Diagnosis of NSAIDs hypersensitivity is hampered by different factors, including the lack of validated in vitro biomarkers and the uselessness of skin tests. The advances achieved over recent years recommend a re-evaluation of the EAACI classification, as it does not consider other phenotypes such as blended reactions (coexistence of cutaneous and respiratory symptoms) or food-dependent NSAID-induced anaphylaxis. In addition, it does not regard the natural evolution of phenotypes and their potential interconversion, the development of tolerance over time or the role of atopy. Here, we address these topics. A state of the art on the underlying mechanisms and on the approaches for biomarkers discovery is also provided, including genetic studies and available information on transcriptomics and metabolomics.
Topics: Angioedema; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Drug Hypersensitivity; Humans; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Skin Tests; Urticaria
PubMed: 31469167
DOI: 10.1111/all.14032 -
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology Jan 2023Cholinergic urticaria (CholU) is a subtype of chronic inducible urticaria with a chief complaint of itching and/or stinging, painful papular wheals that develop... (Review)
Review
Cholinergic urticaria (CholU) is a subtype of chronic inducible urticaria with a chief complaint of itching and/or stinging, painful papular wheals that develop simultaneously with sweating. This review specifically focuses on several subtypes of CholU and specifically investigates the relationship between CholU and anhidrosis. We review recent publications and update the evidence around CholU, including the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic approaches, physiopathology, subtype classification, and therapeutic approaches. Multiple mechanisms contribute in a complex manner to the development of CholU, including histamine, sweat allergy, cholinergic-related substances, poral occlusion, and hypohidrosis/anhidrosis. A new schematic of the currently known pathological conditions has been created. Specific methods for diagnosing CholU, a provocation test, and evaluation methods for disease severity/activity and disease burden of CholU are summarized. The characteristics of the diseases that should be differentiated from CholU and examination methods are also summarized. The primary finding of this review is that CholU should be categorized based on the etiology and clinical characteristics of each subtype to properly manage and treat the disease. This categorization leads to improvement of therapeutic resistance status of this disease. In particular, a sweating abnormality should be given more attention when examining patients with CholU. Because CholU is not a homogeneous disease, its subtype classification is important for selection of the most suitable therapeutic method. Further elucidation of the pathophysiology of each subtype is expected.
Topics: Humans; Hypohidrosis; Urticaria; Sweating; Sweat; Cholinergic Agents
PubMed: 36107396
DOI: 10.1007/s40257-022-00728-6 -
Italian Journal of Pediatrics Aug 2019The aim of this guidance is to provide recommendations to clinicians and other interested parties on chronic urticaria in children. The Italian Society for Pediatrics...
The aim of this guidance is to provide recommendations to clinicians and other interested parties on chronic urticaria in children. The Italian Society for Pediatrics (SIP), the Italian Society for Allergy and Immunology (SIAIP), the Italian Society for Pediatric dermatology (SIDerP) convened a multidisciplinary panel that prepared clinical guidelines for diagnosis and management of chronic urticaria in childhood. Key questions on epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis, and management were developed. The literature was systematically searched and evaluated, recommendations were rated and algorithms for diagnosis and treatment were developed. The recommendations focus on identification of diseases and comorbidities, strategies to recognize triggering factors, improvement of treatment by individualized care.
Topics: Child; Chronic Urticaria; Humans; Italy
PubMed: 31416456
DOI: 10.1186/s13052-019-0695-x