This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

No known factor predictive of chronic urticaria remission in children

Researchers found that although children with chronic urticaria typically have positive outcomes, there is no one factor that can significantly predict remission.

Ninety-two children between the ages of 4 and 15 years with chronic urticaria (CU) were recruited for the study. The researchers analyzed patient diagnostic data including complete blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, free-T4, and thyroid stimulating hormone, in addition to the results of skin-prick tests, food challenges and stool examinations for parasites. Median duration of follow-up was 4.3 years.

Initially all patients were prescribed a second-generation H₁ –antihistamine (cetirizine or loratadine). A stepwise approach of combination therapy was used if urticaria was not controlled. Medications were tapered if patients achieved urticaria clearance, and patients were classified as being in remission if there was no recurrence of symptoms for at least 12 months.

The researchers identified chronic autoimmune urticaria (CAU) in 40% of the patients; 8.7% of patients were found to have food allergy, and 5.4% had parasitic infections.

At 1, 3 and 5 months after initial CU onset, remission rates were 18.5%, 54% and 67.7%, respectively, according to the researchers. No differences in remission rates were observed between patients with CAU and non-CAU.

The researchers were unable to identify any predictors of CU remission.

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.