Martin Metz
J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract . 2021 Apr 20;S2213-2198(21)00435-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.03.049. Online ahead of print.
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) consists of wheals, angioedema, or both for longer than six weeks. Guidelines have limited procedures during the routine workup; however, some patients might need additional investigations. The objective of this article is to propose recommendations for the diagnostic and evaluation of some urticaria patients.
An extensive literature search was performed to identify important questions that should define diagnostic procedures based on expert consensus and published evidence.
The authors proposed seven questions for all chronic spontaneous urticaria patients: Confirm (rule out a differential diagnosis); Cause (look for indications of CSU); Cofactors (identify potential triggers, aggravators); Comorbidities (check for chronic inducible urticaria, autoimmunity, and mental health); Consequences (identify problems with sleep, distress, sexual health, work, and social performance); Components (assess potential biomarkers or predictors of treatment response); Course (monitor CSU activity, impact, and control).
Also, a complete medical history should be conducted in the assessment of the patient. CSU should be confirmed in all patients through a differential diagnosis, including blood testing for CRP and/or erythrocyte sedimentation rate and complete blood count with differential.
In conclusion, based on the answers, a decision for or against more diagnostic tests should be conducted by the specialist to prevent unnecessary and expensive testing and increase treatment effectiveness.
