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

RESUMEN

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.