A clinical and epidemiological retrospective analysis of patients with urticaria

Abstract

Introduction: Urticaria is a heterogeneous disease which affects nearly 1 in 5 individuals in their lifetime and significantly worsens the quality of life. The aim of this study is a five-year retrospective analysis of epidemiological and clinical aspects of patients hospitalized for urticarial. Material and methods: Analysis of medical records of patients hospitalized for urticaria at the department of dermatology. The clinical and epidemiological data were analysed and compared to a control group composed of 137 healthy individuals’ body mass index (BMI) and sex-matched. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, a statistically significant difference was at p < 0.05. Results: In the analysed period 137 patients were hospitalized for urticaria, 93 females (68%) and 44 males (32%), with mean age 48.53. Thirty-eight per cent of patients have been previously diagnosed with an allergy. Over 60% of patients (60 women, 18 men) suffered from acute and 38% from chronic urticaria. A causal factor was identified in 62% of all cases, the most common were drugs (48%). Urticaria patients had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophils and glucose than controls (all p < 0.05). The patients were treated with antihistamines (94%), glucocorticosteroids (81%), and one patient was classified for omalizumab treatment. Conclusions: Urticaria still poses a challenge as the cause often remains unknown which highlights the need for novel diagnostic methods and interdisciplinary treatment. Recommended treatment includes antihistamines but among patients with chronic, treatment-resistant urticaria omalizumab should be considered.