Characterization of chronic urticaria and associated conditions in a large population of adolescents

Publication date: Available online 21 February 2019

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Yossi Rosman, Alon Y. Hershko, Keren Meir-Shafrir, Ron Kedem, Idit Lachover-Roth, Yoseph A. Mekori, Ronit Confino-Cohen

Abstract

Background

Although chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) affects all age groups, data regarding CSU in adolescents is scarce.

Objective

To characterize the epidemiology, demographics and co-morbidities associated with CSU in a large cross-sectional, nationwide, population of adolescents.

Methods

Medical records of 16-year-old candidate conscripts to the Israeli Defense Forces were reviewed. Data were collected on the prevalence and severity of CSU as well as the demographics, medical comorbidities, medication use, and blood test results of affected individuals.

Results

Medical records of 1,108,833 consecutive 16-year-old adolescents were reviewed. A total of 6,617 (0.6%) adolescents were diagnosed with CSU. Chronic spontaneous urticaria was increased in females [OR=1.13; CI (1.07-1.19), p<0.001], and in subjects with higher socioeconomic scores [OR=1.92; CI (1-56 - 2.32-, p<0.001). Individuals with CSU were significantly more likely to have allergic diseases, including food allergy [OR=7.31; CI (6.13-8.72)], allergic rhinitis [OR=3.9; CI (2.71-3.11)], atopic dermatitis [OR=2.35; CI (2.03-2.72)] and asthma [OR=1.46; CI (1.35-1.57)].

Conclusions

Our work provides an account of CSU in a large cohort of adolescents. We found a strong link between CSU and atopic diseases. Further investigation is needed to decipher the mechanism underlying this observed association.

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