Autoimmune urticaria, also known as chronic autoimmune urticaria, is a type of chronic urticaria characterized by the presence of autoantibodies in the patient's immune system that target the body's own mast cells, leading to episodes of hives (urticaria).[2][3] This immunologically distinct type of urticaria is considered autoimmune because the immune system, which normally protects the body from foreign organisms, mistakenly attacks the body's own cells, causing inflammation and other symptoms.[4]
The condition is chronic, meaning it persists for more than six weeks, and can last for many years.[5] Symptoms include recurrent episodes of hives, which are red, itchy, and swollen areas on the skin. These episodes can be triggered by various factors, including heat, stress, or for no identifiable reason.[6]
Autoimmune urticaria is a relatively rare condition, affecting a small percentage of the population.[1] However, it can significantly impact the quality of life of those affected due to the unpredictability and discomfort of the symptoms.[7] The exact cause of autoimmune urticaria is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.[8]
Diagnosis is typically based on the clinical history and physical examination, and confirmed by laboratory tests.[9][10] Treatment primarily involves managing symptoms and includes the use of antihistamines, corticosteroids, monoclonal antibodies (omalizumab), and in some cases, immunosuppressive drugs.[11][12]
Despite ongoing research, many aspects of autoimmune urticaria remain poorly understood, and it continues to be a challenging condition to manage. The economic burden is significant, with costs as high as $2050 per year per patient in the United States.[13]
^ abWertenteil, Sara; Strunk, Andrew; Garg, Amit (2019). "Prevalence estimates for chronic urticaria in the United States: A sex- and age-adjusted population analysis". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 81 (1). Elsevier BV: 152–156. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.02.064. ISSN0190-9622. PMID30872154. S2CID78092096.
^Grattan, C.E.H.; Boon, A.P.; Eady, R.A.J.; Winkelmann, R.K. (1990). "The Pathology of the Autologous Serum Skin Test Response in Chronic Urticaria Resembles IgE-Mediated Late-Phase Reactions". International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. 93 (2–3). S. Karger AG: 198–204. doi:10.1159/000235301. ISSN1018-2438. PMID2099345.
^Kikuchi, Yoko; Kaplan, Allen P. (2001). "Mechanisms of autoimmune activation of basophils in chronic urticaria". Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 107 (6). Elsevier BV: 1056–1062. doi:10.1067/mai.2001.115484. ISSN0091-6749. PMID11398085.
^Kocatürk, Emek; Can, Pelin Kuteyla; Akbas, Pırıl Etikan; Copur, Mehmet; Degirmentepe, Ece Nur; Kızıltac, Kübra; Singer, Ralfi (2017). "Management of chronic inducible urticaria according to the guidelines: A prospective controlled study". Journal of Dermatological Science. 87 (1). Elsevier BV: 60–69. doi:10.1016/j.jdermsci.2017.02.283. ISSN0923-1811. PMID28314658.