Incapacitating solar urticaria: successful treatment with omalizumab

Abstract: Solar urticaria is a rare form of physical urticaria mediated by immunoglobulin E. The lesions appear immediately after the sun exposure, interfering with the patient's normal daily life. Omalizumab, a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, has been recently approved for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria, and the latest reports support its role also in the treatment of solar urticaria. Hereby, we report a case of solar urticaria refractory to conventional treatment strategies, with an excellent response to treatment with omalizumab and phototesting normalization.

Consensus on the diagnostic and therapeutic management of chronic spontaneous urticaria in adults - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Abstract: Background: Urticarias are frequent diseases, with 15% to 20% of the population presenting at least one acute episode in their lifetime. Urticaria are classified in acute ( ≤ 6 weeks) or chronic (> 6 weeks). They may be induced or spontaneous. Objectives: To verify the diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), according to the experience of Brazilian experts, regarding the available guidelines (international and US). Methods: A questionnaire was sent to Brazilian experts, with questions concerning diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations for CSU in adults. Results: Sixteen Brazilian experts answered the questionnaire related to diagnosis and therapy of CSU in adults and data were analyzed. Final text was written, considering the available guidelines (International and US), adapted to the medical practices in Brazil. Diagnostic work up in CSU is rarely necessary. Biopsy of skin lesion and histopathology may be indicated to rule out other diseases, such as, urticarial vasculitis. Other laboratory tests, such as complete blood count, CRP, ESR and thyroid screening. Treatment of CSU includes second-generation anti-histamines (sgAH) at licensed doses, sgAH two, three to fourfold doses (non-licensed) and omalizumab. Other drugs, such as, cyclosporine, immunomodulatory drugs and immunosuppressants may be indicated (non-licensed and with limited scientific evidence). Conclusions: Most of the Brazilian experts in this study partially agreed with the diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations of the International and US guidelines. They agreed with the use of sgAH at licensed doses. Increase in the dose to fourfold of sgAH may be suggested with restrictions, due to its non-licensed dose. Sedating anti-histamines, as suggested by the US guideline, are indicated by some of the Brazilian experts, due to its availability. Adaptations are mandatory in the treatment of CSU, due to scarce or lack of other therapeutic resources in the public health system in Brazil, such as omalizumab or cyclosporine.

Guía clínica chilena de urticaria crónica espontánea / Chilean guidelines for chronic urticaria

Chronic urticaria (CU) is characterized by itchy wheals, angioedema or both lasting six weeks or more. It is classified as spontaneous (CSU) and inducible urticaria (CIndU), depending whether there is an identifiable trigger or not. CSU is the predominant form, affecting more than 75% of patients, although overlaps often occur. The prevalence of CSU throughout life is around 1.8% and predominates in women at a ratio of 2:1. The higher incidence of CSU is between 20 and 40 years of age and lasts between one to five years. However, in up to 20% of patients the disease may last longer. CSU not only hampers quality of life, but also affect performance at work and school. The diagnosis of CSU is mainly clinical, and laboratory tests are required depending on the clinical history of the patient. Extensive laboratory tests are usually unnecessary. Second generation anti-histamines are used as first line treatment for CSU treatment. In refractory patients, systemic treatments, such as cyclosporine or omalizumab are suggested. We herein report the first Chilean CSU guidelines.

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia induced by low-dose methotrexate in a patient with chronic urticaria

Abstract Methotrexate has immunosuppressive effects and is administered for refractory chronic urticaria. We present a case of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in a patient with refractory chronic urticaria managed by low-dose weekly methotrexate treatment (total cumulative dose 195mg). Our study highlights the importance of providing prompt diagnosis and treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with chronic urticaria under methotrexate therapy.

Clinical observation on the therapeutic effect of desloratadine citrate disodium in the treatment of chronic urticaria and changes in IL4, IL18, IL23 and IL-33 levels before and after treatment

The effect of citrate to Desloratadine Citrate Disodium set in the treatment of chronic urticaria in patients with IL4, IL18, and IL23, IL33 levels was investigated. 100 cases of chronic urticaria treated in our hospital from January 2013 to January 2015 were divided into study group and control group by random number table method. Patients in the study group with chloric thunder of citric acid treatment, the control group were treated with mizolastine in the treatment, the treatment time for 2 weeks. The difference of curative effect between the two groups and the changes of IL4, IL18, IL23, IL 33 before and after treatment in two groups were compared. After two weeks of treatment, the total effective rate of the study group was 94%, while the total effective rate of the control group was only 78%, which was statistically significant [P<0.05]. Before treatment, the two groups of patients with IL4, IL18, IL23, IL33 levels were higher, and the difference between the groups was not statistically significant [P>0.05], after treatment, the two groups of patients with IL4, IL18, IL23, IL33 were decreased, but the study group patients decreased significantly, the data between the two groups was statistically significant [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Desloratadine citrate disodium treatment effect of chronic urticaria is better, and after treatment, IL4, IL18, IL23, IL33 levels decreased significantly

Allergic reaction to patent blue dye in breast surgery - case report / Reação alérgica ao corante azul patente em cirurgia de mama - relato de caso

Abstract We present a case of allergic reaction to patent blue in a patient who underwent excision of sentinel lymph node associated with segmental breast resection. About 20 min after the dye injection, the patient developed hypotension (BP = 70 × 30 mmHg) associated with increased heart frequency. The patient was treated successfully with decreased inspired fraction of inhaled anesthetic and fluid replacement. At the end of the procedure, she presented with bluish urticarial-like plaques on the head, neck, upper limbs, and trunk; hydrocortisone was then used. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged from the PACU 2 h after the end of surgery without skin changes, and was discharged from hospital on the morning after surgery. The incidence of allergic reactions with the use of patent blue is far superior to the hypersensitivity reactions seen with anesthetic and adjuvant drugs. Therefore, the anesthesiologist must be aware of cardiovascular instability associated with skin changes during the use of patent blue, for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this hypersensitivity reaction to this dye.

Resumo Os autores apresentam um caso de reação alérgica ao azul patente em uma paciente submetida à exérese de linfonodo em sentinela associada a uma ressecção segmentar de mama. Paciente apresentou aproximadamente pós 20 minutos da injeção do corante hipotensão (PA = 70 × 30 mmHg) associada a aumento da frequência cardíaca. Foi tratada satisfatoriamente com diminuição da fração inspirada do anestésico inalatório e reposição volêmica. No fim do procedimento apresentava placas urticariformes azuladas em cabeça, pescoço, membros superiores e tronco e foi usada hidrocortisona. Evoluiu, sem intercorrências, na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica e teve alta duas horas após o término do procedimento cirúrgico sem a presença das alterações cutâneas. Alta hospitalar na manhã seguinte à cirurgia. A incidência de reações alérgicas com o emprego do azul patente é muito superior às reações de hipersensibilidade observadas com drogas anestésicas e adjuvantes. Portanto, o anestesiologista deve ficar atento à instabilidade cardiovascular associada a alterações cutâneas quando do uso do azul patente para o diagnóstico precoce e tratamento adequado dessa reação de hipersensibilidade com o emprego do corante.

Chronic urticaria in adults: state-of-the-art in the new millennium

Chronic urticaria has been explored in several investigative aspects in the new millennium, either as to its pathogenesis, its stand as an autoimmune or auto-reactive disease, the correlation with HLA-linked genetic factors, especially with class II or its interrelation with the coagulation and fibrinolysis systems. New second-generation antihistamines, which act as good symptomatic drugs, emerged and were commercialized over the last decade. Old and new drugs that may interfere with the pathophysiology of the disease, such as cyclosporine and omalizumab have been developed and used as treatments. The purpose of this article is to describe the current state of knowledge on aspects of chronic urticaria such as, pathophysiology, diagnosis and the current therapeutic approach proposed in the literature.

Guía Argentina de urticaria y angioedema

Se actualiza el diagnóstico de la urticaria crónica (UC) y los conceptos, definiciones y sugerencias basados en la evidencia para su tratamiento. La urticaria ocurre en al menos 20% de la población en algún momento de la vida. Su etiología difiere en la forma aguda (menos de 6 semanas), y en la crónica. No es posible pronosticar si las formas agudas evolucionarán a UC, ya que todas son agudas al comienzo. La UC ocurre como espontánea (UCE) o inducible (UCI). El diagnóstico es sencillo, pero incluye un minucioso estudio para descartar diagnósticos diferenciales; para UCI son útiles las pruebas de provocación en la caracterización y manejo. Los estudios complementarios se deben limitar y orientar según sospecha clínica. El tratamiento se divide en tres enfoques: evitación, eliminación o tratamiento del estímulo desencadenante o de la causa, y tratamiento farmacológico. Recientemente éste se modificó, con empleo de antihistamínicos de segunda generación como primera línea y aumento de dosis de antihistamínicos H1 no sedantes, hasta 4 veces, como segunda línea. Los antihistamínicos son fundamentales para tratar la UC; sin embargo, un 40% de los pacientes no logra un buen control pese al aumento de dosis y requiere otro medicamento adicional. La evidencia más reciente considera que un grupo de fármacos puede utilizarse como tercera línea en estos casos, para mejorar la calidad de vida y limitar la toxicidad por el uso frecuente o crónico de esteroides sistémicos. Se recomiendan para esta tercera línea solo 3 fármacos: omalizumab, ciclosporina A o antileucotrienos.

This interdisciplinary paper summarizes the news in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic urticaria (CU), and provides concepts, definitions and evidence-based suggestions for its management. Urticaria occurs in at least 20% of the population at some point in their lives. Acute urticaria (less than 6 weeks' duration), differs from CU in its etiology, but the onset of this disease is always acute. CU may occur as spontaneous (SCU) or induced (ICU). The diagnosis is simple, although a careful evaluation is necessary for differential diagnosis. ICU´s diagnosis is mainly clinical, even if provocation tests can be useful. Supplementary studies should be limited and based on the clinical suspicion. Treatment may be divided into three approaches: avoidance, elimination or treatment of the cause, and pharmacological treatment. Recently treatment has been modified with the use of second-generation antihistamines as first-line and increased doses of nonsedating H1 antihistamines, up to 4 times, as second line. Antihistamines are essential to treat CU; however, 40% of patients do not achieve good control despite increased doses and require additional treatment. The most recent evidence indicates a group of drugs to be used as third line in these cases, to improve quality of life and to limit toxicity from frequent or chronic use of systemic steroids. Only 3 drugs are recommended as third line: omalizumab, cyclosporin A or anti-leukotrienes.

A randomized placebo-controlled double-blind pilot study of methotrexate in the treatment of H1 antihistamine-resistant chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Background: Chronic urticaria not responsive to antihistamines is a diffi cult disease to manage. Methotrexate has been used in diffi cult chronic urticarias with some benefi t. Objective: To evaluate the effi cacy of methotrexate in the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria poorly responsive to H1 antihistaminics. Methods: In a randomized double-blind trial at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology of a tertiary care centre, 29 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria not responding well to H1 antihistaminics were recruited. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either a weekly dose of oral methotrexate 15 mg or placebo (calcium carbonate) for a total duration of 12 weeks, after which treatment was stopped and patients were followed up for relapse of urticaria. Each group also received levocetrizine 5 mg once daily for symptom control. Primary outcome measured was a reduction by >2/3rd of baseline urticaria scores after 12 week therapy. Secondary outcome was a reduction in antihistamine requirement after stopping therapy. Results: Fourteen patients were randomized to the methotrexate group and fi fteen patients to the placebo group. Out of 17 patients who completed therapy, the primary outcome was achieved by 3.5 ± 1.9 (out of 10) patients in the methotrexate group and by 3.67 ± 1.03 (out of 7) patients in the placebo group (P > 0.05). Ten patients followed up, after stopping therapy, for a mean period of 3.5 ± 2.4 months; 3 remained in remission and 7 had relapsed. One patient had uncontrollable nausea and vomiting after taking methotrexate and was withdrawn from the study. The placebo group did not experience any side effects. Conclusions: Methotrexate 15 mg weekly for 3 months did not provide any additional benefi t over H1 antihistamines in this study but an adequately powered study with longer follow up is required to assess its utility.

Guía argentina de urticaria y angioedema / Argentine guidelines for urticaria and angioedema

This interdisciplinary paper summarizes the news in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic urticaria (CU), and provides concepts, definitions and evidence-based suggestions for its management. Urticaria occurs in at least 20

of the population at some point in their lives. Acute urticaria (less than 6 weeks’ duration), differs from CU in its etiology, but the onset of this disease is always acute. CU may occur as spontaneous (SCU) or induced (ICU). The diagnosis is simple, although a careful evaluation is necessary for differential diagnosis. ICU’s diagnosis is mainly clinical, even if provocation tests can be useful. Supplementary studies should be limited and based on the clinical suspicion. Treatment may be divided into three approaches: avoidance, elimination or treatment of the cause, and pharmacological treatment. Recently treatment has been modified with the use of second-generation antihistamines as first-line and increased doses of nonsedating H1 antihistamines, up to 4 times, as second line. Antihistamines are essential to treat CU; however, 40

of patients do not achieve good control despite increased doses and require additional treatment. The most recent evidence indicates a group of drugs to be used as third line in these cases, to improve quality of life and to limit toxicity from frequent or chronic use of systemic steroids. Only 3 drugs are recommended as third line: omalizumab, cyclosporin A or anti-leukotrienes.

Omalizumab: opción terapéutica para la urticaria crónica espontánea de difícil control con vasculitis asociada, reporte de tres casos / Omalizumab: therapeutic option in chronic spontaneous urticaria difficult to control with associated vasculitis, report of three cases

Introducción. Aproximadamente el 50 % de los casos de urticaria crónica no mejoran adecuadamente con las dosis convencionales de antihistamínicos, por lo cual se han planteado múltiples opciones terapéuticas, entre las cuales el omalizumab es una herramienta novedosa que ahora cuenta con evidencia de alta calidad que soporta su uso en los casos difíciles, que mejora rápidamente el índice sintomático y el uso de medicamentos, y cuenta con un buen perfil de seguridad. Objetivo. Presentar tres casos de mujeres adultas con urticaria crónica espontánea de más de ocho años de evolución, que no mejoraron con el tratamiento con altas dosis de antihistamínicos, asociados a antileucotrienos e inmunomoduladores y en quienes se combinaban varios mecanismos fisiopatológicos: urticaria crónica espontánea con componente de autoinmunidad, componente de presión y urticaria vasculítica. Materiales y métodos. Se reportan los casos con sus respectivas evaluaciones clínicas y de laboratorio, los medicamentos usados y la respuesta después del inicio de omalizumab y se hace una revisión de la literatura científica sobre uso de este medicamento en la urticaria crónica. Resultados. En los tres casos presentados se obtuvo una mejoría completa de los síntomas tras el inicio del omalizumab. Conclusión. El omalizumab es una opción terapéutica exitosa en casos de urticaria crónica de difícil control con vasculitis asociada, cuando se han agotado las opciones propuestas por las guías internacionales.

Introduction: Approximately 50% of chronic urticaria cases do not respond adequately to conventional doses of antihistamines, so a number of other therapeutic options have been suggested. Among these, omalizumab is an innovative tool, which now has high-quality evidence that supports its use in difficult cases, rapidly improving the symptom index and the use of medications with a good safety profile. Objective: To report three cases of adult women with spontaneous chronic urticaria with an evolution of more than eight years, which did not improve with high doses of antihistamines and leukotriene receptor blockers, associated with immunomodulatory therapy in which several etiologic mechanisms were combined: chronic spontaneous urticaria with autoimmune and pressure components, and vasculitis. Materials and methods: We report the cases with their clinical and laboratory evaluations, used medication, the response after the start of omalizumab and we performed a review of the literature on the use of this drug in chronic urticaria. Results: In all the presented cases, we obtained complete improvement of symptoms after starting omalizumab. Conclusion: Omalizumab is a successful treatment option in cases of difficult to control chronic urticaria with associated vasculitis in which the options proposed by international guidelines have been exhausted.

Cutaneous lesions and finger clubbing uncovering hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis and hepatitis C with mixed cryoglobulinemia / Lesoes cutaneas e baqueteamento digital reveladores de vasculite urticariforme hipocomplementemica e hepatite C com crioglobulinemia mista

Urticarial vasculitis is a rare clinicopathologic entity characterized by urticarial lesions that persist for more than 24 hours and histologic features of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Patients can be divided into normocomplementemic or hypocomplementemic. The authors report the case of a healthy 49-year-old woman with a 1-year history of highly pruritic generalized cutaneous lesions and finger clubbing. Laboratory tests together with histopathologic examination allowed the diagnosis of hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis, chronic hepatitis C and type II mixed cryoglobulinemia. The patient started symptomatic treatment and was referred to a gastroenterologist for management of the hepatitis C, with progressive improvement of the skin condition. The development of hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis in the context of chronic hepatitis C is exceedingly rare and possible pathogenic mechanisms are discussed.

A vasculite urticariforme é uma entidade clinico-patológica rara caracterizada por lesões urticariformes com duração superior a 24 horas e uma vasculite leucocitoclásica na histologia. É dividida em normo e hipocomplementêmica. Os autores relatam o caso de uma mulher saudável de 49 anos, com lesões cutâneas intensamente pruriginosas e baqueteamento digital com 1 ano de evolução. O estudo efectuado permitiu efectuar os diagnósticos de vasculite urticariforme hipocomplementêmica, hepatite C crônica e crioglobulinêmia mista tipo II. A doente iniciou tratamento sintomático e foi referenciada para a Gastroenterologia para orientação da hepatite, com melhoria progressiva das lesões cutâneas. O desenvolvimento de vasculite urticariforme hipocomplementêmica no contexto de hepatite C crónica é raro e os possíveis mecanismos patogênicos são discutidos.

Recidiva de urticária crônica decorrente de reinfecção por Helicobacter pylori / Recurrence of chronic urticaria caused by reinfection by Helicobacter pylori / Recidiva de urticaria crónica decurrente de reinfección por Helicobacter pylori

OBJETIVO: Descrever, em uma adolescente do sexo feminino, o caso clínico de urticária crônica associado à infecção por Helicobacter pylori confirmado em dois momentos distintos, com melhora após a terapêutica antibacteriana. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 13 anos, procurou atendimento médico com urticária crônica e dores epigástricas sem resposta ao tratamento medicamentoso. Os exames solicitados para investigação complementar apresentaram-se normais, exceto a endoscopia digestiva alta com biópsia, que evidenciou gastrite crônica ativa moderada associada ao Helicobacter pylori. Foi iniciado o tratamento adequado para a bactéria em questão e a paciente apresentou remissão dos sintomas. Nova endoscopia digestiva alta para controlar o tratamento após nove meses estava normal. Cinco anos depois, a paciente procurou novamente o ambulatório queixando-se de retorno do quadro de urticária e dores epigástricas. Ela se encontrava em uso de anti-histamínico, sem melhora. Foi novamente submetida a protocolo de exames para investigar urticária crônica, com resultados dentro da normalidade. Foi submetida à endoscopia digestiva alta, que apresentou teste da urease positivo. Iniciou-se então novo tratamento para Helicobacter pylori por sete dias, com desaparecimento da urticária crônica e das dores epigástricas. COMENTÁRIOS: O caso relatado sugere relação causal entre o diagnóstico positivo para o Helicobacter pylori e a ocorrência do quadro de urticária crônica, com instituição de terapêutica eficaz para tal bactéria e remissão dos sintomas. A urticária crônica é uma doença de etiopatogenia complexa e, apesar das controvérsias, as evidências do envolvimento do Helicobacter pylori com doenças extraintestinais vêm crescendo, entre elas a urticária crônica.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of chronic urticaria in a female adolescent associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, confirmed in two different occasions, with improvement of urticaria after the antibacterial treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 13-year-old female patient sought medical care with chronic urticaria and epigastric pain unresponsive to medical treatment. Laboratorial tests for further investigation were normal except for the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy showing moderate chronic active gastritis associated with Helicobacter pylori. After specific and appropriate treatment, the patient had remission of the symptoms. A new upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to control the treatment after nine months was normal. After five years, the patient returned with recurrence of urticaria and epigastric pain. She was taking antihistamines, without any improvement. It was again submitted to screening protocol for chronic urticaria with normal results. She was submitted to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which showed positive urease test. The patient started a new treatment for Helicobacter pylori with disappearance of chronic urticaria and epigastric pain within seven days. COMMENTS: The reported case suggests a causal relationship between the positive diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori and the occurrence of chronic urticaria, showing the remission of symptoms after the institution of effective therapy for this agent. Chronic urticaria is a disease of complex etiology, and although controversial, there is growing evidence of Helicobacter pylori involvement with extraintestinal diseases, including chronic urticaria.

OBJETIVO: Describir, en una adolescente del sexo femenino, el caso clínico de urticaria crónica asociado a la infección por Helicobacter pylori confirmado en dos momentos distintos, con mejora después de la terapéutica antibacteriana. DESCRIPCIÓN DEL CASO: Paciente del sexo femenino, 13 años, buscó atención médica con urticaria crónica y dolores epigástricas sin respuesta al tratamiento medicamentoso. Los exámenes solicitados para investigación complementar se presentaron normales, excepto por la endoscopía digestiva alta con biopsia, que evidenció gastritis crónica activa moderada asociada al Helicobacter pylori. Se inició el tratamiento adecuado para la bacteria en cuestión, y la paciente presentó remisión de los síntomas. Nueva endoscopía digestiva alta para controlar el tratamiento después de nueve meses estaba normal. Tras cinco años, la paciente buscó nuevamente el ambulatorio quejándose de retorno del cuadro de urticaria y dolores epigástricos. Ella estaba en uso de anti-histamínicos, sin mejoría. Fue nuevamente sometida al protocolo de exámenes para investigar urticaria crónica, con resultados dentro de la normalidad. Fue sometida a la endoscopía digestiva alta, que presentó prueba de ureasa positiva. Se inició entonces nuevo tratamiento para Helicobacter pylori por siete días, con desaparición de la urticaria crónica y de los dolores epigástricos. COMENTARIOS: El caso relatado sugiere relación causal entre el diagnóstico positivo para el Helicobacter pylori y la ocurrencia del cuadro de urticaria crónica, con institución de terapéutica eficaz para tal bacteria y remisión de los síntomas. La urticaria crónica es una enfermedad de etiopatogenía compleja y, a pesar de las controversias, las evidencias de la implicación del Helicobacter pylori con enfermedades extraintestinales vienen creciendo, entre ellas la urticaria crónica.

Urticária: diagnóstico e tratamento / Urticaria: diagnosis and treatment

A urticária apresenta-se com diversas formas clínicas e causas distintas. Constitui uma das dermatoses mais frequentes: 15% a 20% da população têm pelo menos um episódio agudo da doença em sua vida. A urticária é classificada do ponto de vista de duração da evolução temporal em aguda (inferior a seis semanas) ou crônica (superior a seis semanas). O tratamento da urticária pode compreender medidas não farmacológicas e intervenções medicamentosas, as quais são agrupadas em tratamentos de primeira (anti-histamínicos), segunda (corticosteróides e antileucotrienos) e terceira linha (medicamentos imunomoduladores). Essa entidade clínica acarreta importante perda na qualidade de vida e deve ser prontamente tratada pelo profissional de saúde.

The urticaria presents itself with diverse clinical forms and distinct causes. It is one of the most common dermatosis: 15% to 20% of the population has at least one acute episode of illness in their life. Urticaria is classified based on its temporal evolution as acute (less than 6 weeks) or chronic (more than 6 weeks). Management strategies may involve nonpharmacological measures and drug interventions, which are grouped into first-(antihistamines), second (corticosteroids and antileukotrienes) and third-line therapies (immunomodulators). This clinical entity has a major loss in quality of life and should be promptly treated by a health professional.

A propósito de un caso de urticaria vasculítica intermedia en un paciente pediátrico / A propos of a case of intermediate vasculitic urticaria in a pediatric patient

Se presenta un paciente de sexo masculino, de 2 años y siete meses de edad, con cuadro clínico compatible con urticaria vasculítica. La biopsia cutánea evidenció una vasculitis con infiltrado mononuclear. A diferencia del cuadro típico de urticaria vasculitis, en este paciente en la histopatología no se evidenció vasculitis leucicitoclástica, hecho que nos permite categorizarla como una forma intermedia de urticaria vasculitis.

We report a male patient, 2 years and seven months old, with clinical symptoms compatible with vasculitic urticaria. A skin biopsy showed vasculitis with mononuclear infiltrate. Unlike the typical picture of urticaria vasculitis in this patient, the histopathology did not reveal vasculitis leucicitoclástica, allowing us to categorize it as an intermediate form of urticaria vasculitis.

Prevalence of the Helicobacter pylori infection in chronic urticaria

Urticaria is one of the most common clinically diagnosed dermatologic diseases.Wheals and pruritus are typical presentation of disease. Correlation between chronic urticaria [CU] and Helicobacter pylori infection has been proposed by many studies previously. To confirm the correlation between H. pylori infection and CU by the anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin measurement. In a case-control study, we measured serum anti- H. pylori IgG and IgA in 43 patients with CU, 10 patients with CU and angioedema and 40 normal persons as controls. Personal identity, disease duration, presence of gastrointestinal complaints, angioedema history and previous history of anti-H. pylori treatment was collected and then analyzed by the SPSS software. Anti-H. pylori P IgG, anti-H. pylori P IgA and anti-H. pylori IgA plus IgG together were positive in the 72.1%, 46.5% and 44.18% of the CU patients, respectively. Among patients with CU and angioedema anti-H. pylori IgG, anti-H. pylori IgA and anti-H. pylori IgG plus IgA together were positive in the 90%, 60% and 60%, respectively. Anti-HP IgG, anti-H. pylori IgA and anti-H. pylori IgG plus IgA together were positive in the 37.5%, 40% and 27.5% of the control group, respectively. Anti-H. pylori IgG and anti-H. pylori IgG plus IgA antibodies together in the CU patients were statistically associated [P<0.002]. Angioedema presentation was related to the serum anti-H. pylori IgG with the 86% accuracy confidence. Our study supports the correlation between CU and H. pylori infection and H. pylori eradication therapy may have a role in the CU treatment protocol

The utility of the World Health Organization-The Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC) system for the assessment of adverse drug reactions in hospitalized children.

Although the World Health Organization-The Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC) system has been suggested as a practical tool for classifying adverse drug reactions (ADRs), verification of such system has not been examined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the WHO-UMC classification for the diagnosis of ADRs. The gold standard was the results of drug challenges and serum tryptase in cases of anaphylaxis. Twenty-seven children had ADRs classified by the WHO-UMC system. The causality terms were 'certain' in 4/27, 'probable' in 6/27, 'possible' in 10/27 and 'unlikely' in 7/27 of the patients. Skin prick tests and intradermal tests were positive in 1/20 and 1/5 of the patients, respectively. Drug challenges and serum tryptase were positive in 8/26 and 1/3 of the patients, respectively. After complete evaluation, the positive and negative ADRs were documented in 9/27 patients (33.33%) and 18/27 patients (66.67%), respectively. The multi-level likelihood ratios for ADRs using the WHO-UMC system were infinity in causality term 'certain', 2 in 'probable', 0.5 in 'possible', and 0 in 'unlikely'. In conclusion, causality term 'certain' and 'unlikely' of the WHO-UMC system had large impact on the likelihood of ADRs. In contrast, the causality term 'probable' and 'possible' had small impact on the likelihood of ADRs. Drug challenges and serum tryptase were helpful to confirm ADRs categorized by WHO-UMC system.