METHODS: We retrospectively categorized chronic idiopathic urticaria and angioedema patients seen in a university allergy immunology clinic from September 2007-2017 as CUA, IU or IA and analyzed demographic and clinical features.
RESULTS: We reviewed 301 patients: 154 were CUA, 94 were IU, and 53 were IA. Patients with IA were significantly older than patients with CUA and IU (p=0.0009). Patients with CUA had a higher BMI than either patients with IA or IU (p=0.0207). There were no differences in gender or race. Patients with CUA had a higher frequency of positive anti-FCeRI antibody than patients with IA or IU (p=0.0434). Patients with CUA were more likely than IU, but less likely than IA, to present to the emergency room for their symptoms (p=0.0001). Patients with CUA compared to IU or IA patients were more likely to have been prescribed systemic steroids (p=0.0002), H2 blockers (p=0.0119), and omalizumab (p=0.0046) for treatment of their condition.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests significant differences between patient demographics, healthcare utilization, and treatment between patients with CUA versus IU and IA and may impact the care of these patients.