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METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of patients treated at a center of excellence in urticaria. Patients under 18 were considered children.
RESULTS: A total of 113 patients with CU (4-76 years of age) were evaluated from April/2016 to June/2017, 31 of whom were children. The symptoms duration was on average 139 weeks longer in adults. In both groups there was a direct relation between disease severity and duration. CU was more prevalent in females. Atopy was more prevalent in children (58%) than in adults (23%) (p <0.05). NSAIDs were associated with CU more frequently in adults (25.6%) than in children (6.5%) (p <0.05). There was no difference in autoimmunity prevalence between adults and children (21,9% and 29% respectively). The disease was under control (UAS7≤6) in 64.5% of children but just in 37.8% of adults (p <0.05). Licensed doses of antihistamines were required for disease control in 19% of children and in 16% of the adults, while higher doses (up to 4 times) could control the symptoms in 35% and 14% respectively. A similar number of patients (10%) needed 3rd line therapy drugs (omalizumab, cyclosporine and montelukast) for symptoms management .
CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients have CU for a shorter duration than adults. Atopy could be considered a risk factor for CU in pediatric patients. CU and NSAIDs association is more frequent in adults. Children are better controlled and need less medication than adults.