Unmet needs and treatment patterns in Italian patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria: results from the Urticaria Voices study.

Abstract

Objectives: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a debilitating disease that impacts patients' wellbeing. Herein, we report the burden of CSU on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), unmet needs, treatment patterns, and expectations of Italian patients with CSU from the Urticaria Voices study.

Methods: Urticaria Voices, a multi-national, cross-sectional, survey study, was conducted in adult patients with CSU. Patients completed an online survey on the impact of CSU on patients' HRQoL, unmet needs, and treatments. Data were analyzed descriptively.

Results: Overall, 64 Italian patients with CSU participated in the Urticaria Voices study (mean age: 42.4 years; 70% women). The average time since diagnosis was 7.8 years. Patients rated CSU's negative impact as 6.3/10, with the top impact being reduced confidence (28.1%). The main unmet need was treatments with fewer side effects (39.1%). Most patients (82.8%) used antihistamine, with 77.4% of them being switched to another antihistamine and 43.4% being updosed. Patients reported freedom from itch and hives as the top treatment expectation (7.69/10).

Conclusion: CSU imparts a substantial disease burden that negatively impacts the HRQoL of Italian patients. More effective treatments for CSU emerged as an important unmet need. Raising disease awareness and improving access to new treatments can facilitate enhanced CSU care.