LUGANO, 2 October, 2021– New research presented at EADV 30th Congress today unveils key insights on the characteristic differences in chronic spontaneous urticaria (commonly presented as hives) in children versus adults. The findings reveal chronic spontaneous urticaria is less severe in children than in adults, with lower rates of angioedema and thyroid autoimmunity, supporting the idea that different management strategies may be required.1
There is high prevalence of both acute and chronic urticaria in the general population, though the risk factors are unknown. Urticaria is characterised by a raised itchy rash (commonly known as hives) and occasionally angioedema, which is the rapid swelling of the skin. In chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) there is no specific cause or trigger, but hives are present on most days of the week, for 6 weeks or more.2
Previously, it was thought that children were more likely to experience acute urticaria rather than chronic urticaria, but this study crystalises recent evidence to suggest that chronic urticaria is a common problem that affects children. There are also disparities between adults and children in terms of response to treatment, autoimmunity and disease course.
“CSU is a common disease found in both children and adults, though there are differences between the two patient populations with respect to medical origins and other co-existing diseases,” explains Professor Emek Kocaturk, Koc University Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. “Our research is focused on identifying these differences to help inform future treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria and to provide more information on the effects of CSU on children – something which has previously been neglected in this field of research”.
A retrospective analysis of 755 CSU patients (171 children, 580 adult) was conducted, with a comparison of the data performed to determine distinct characteristics between paediatric versus adult CSU patients. Findings of the study include shorter disease duration (10.0±18.2), lower occurrence of angioedema (21.8% vs 59.8%; p<0.001) and thyroid autoimmunity (8.9% vs 25.4%; <0.001) in the paediatric group vs. adult group. Moreover, paediatric CSU patients were found to respond better to antihistamines than adult CSU patients.
Resistance to antihistamines was associated with anti-TPO (the most common anti-thyroid autoantibody) positivity (p=0.02), presence of angioedema (p=0.01) and eosinopenia (an indicator of blood disorder; p<0.001) in the paediatric group while it was only associated with eosinopenia (p=0.03) in the adult group.
“Further research examining CSU in children will help towards understanding the different aspects of clinical, laboratory and therapy characteristics of the condition and why these differences exist,” says Asli Bilgic, EADV Communications Committee Member. “This insight will help towards optimising management and treatment of CSU in children and is a great example of the type of innovative research being showcased at EADV’s 30th Congress this year.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
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About Chronic Urticaria
Urticaria is an allergic condition of the skin characterised by a raised itchy rash (commonly known as hives) and occasionally angioedema, which is the rapid swelling of the skin. It affects 15-20% of the population once or more during a lifetime, commonly affecting women more than men.3 Urticaria is considered chronic when there is a persistence of these symptoms for more than 6 weeks.2 In chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) there is no specific cause or trigger.
About EADV
Founded in 1987, EADV is a leading European Dermato-Venereology Society with the important aims of improving the quality of patient care, furthering knowledge and education of dermatologists and venereologists globally through innovation, and advocating on behalf of the speciality and patients. EADV collaborates with other organisations to provide a strong and clear voice to influence the European health agenda. It is a non-profit organisation with nearly 7,000 members across 116 different countries in the world, providing a valuable service for every type of dermato-venereologist professional.
To find out more visit https://www.eadv.org/.
About EADV 30th Congress 2021:
Founded in 1987, EADV is a leading European Dermato-Venereology Society with the important aims of improving the quality of patient care, furthering knowledge and education of dermatologists and venereologists globally through innovation and advocating on behalf of the speciality and patients. EADV collaborates with other organisations to provide a strong and clear voice to influence the European health agenda. It is a non-profit organisation with nearly 7,000 members across 116 different countries in the world, providing a valuable service for every type of dermato-venereologist professional. To find out more visit https://www.eadv.org/.
References:
- Kocaturk E et al. The Differences Between Childhood and Adult Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Shall We Manage Them Differently? Abstract no. 1329, submitted to EADV 30th Congress, 29-02 October 2021.
- Kaplan AP. Treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria. Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research. 2012; Nov 1;4(6):326-31.
- Sachdeva S, Gupta V, Amin S et al. Chronic urticaria. Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2011: 56(6): 622–628.