ABSTRACT
In dermographic urticaria (DU), shearing forces on the skin result in weals and itching. Second-generation antihistamines are recommended as the first-line treatment, but to date only a few have ever been tested for this condition. The objective of this pilot study was to assess the safety and efficacy of ebastine in preventing symptoms of DU. Seven adult patients with DU participated in a double-blind cross-over trial of ebastine 20 mg. Safety was assessed using a sensitive psychometric battery, testing cognitive performance and mood. Efficacy was assessed by rating weals, erythema, pruritus and burning after challenge. Ebastine had no negative effective on cognitive performance or mood. Weals, pruritus and burning were greatly reduced for most subjects. This pilot study suggests that ebastine is safe and effective in preventing the symptoms of DU and should be tested on a larger scale.
Subject(s)
Butyrophenones/therapeutic use , Histamine H1 Antagonists/therapeutic use , Piperidines/therapeutic use , Urticaria/prevention & control , Adult , Affect/drug effects , Aged , Butyrophenones/adverse effects , Cognition/drug effects , Cross-Over Studies , Double-Blind Method , Female , Histamine H1 Antagonists/adverse effects , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Physical Stimulation , Pilot Projects , Piperidines/adverse effects , Psychometrics , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acquired cold urticaria (ACU) is a skin condition, in which exposure to cold results in wheals and itching and sometimes general systemic complications. It has a profound impact on patient quality of life. Second-generation antihistamines are recommended as the first-line treatment, but to date only a few have been scientifically tested for this condition. AIM: To assess the safety and efficacy of ebastine in preventing ACU symptoms. METHODS: Twenty-two adult ACU patients participated in a double-blind crossover trial of 20 mg ebastine. The safety of ebastine was sensitively assessed with a psychometric battery testing cognitive performance and mood. After cold challenge, wheal and erythema were assessed by the investigator and the intensities of pruritus and burning were rated by the subject. RESULTS: Ebastine had no negative impact on any of the parameters of cognitive performance or mood. It dramatically reduced the number of patients who experienced wheals, pruritus, and burning after challenge. CONCLUSION: Ebastine is safe and effective in preventing the symptoms of ACU.
