A Clinico Etiological Study of Chronic Urticaria and the Assessment of Quality of Life in Chronic Urticaria

Urticaria is defined as a skin lesion consisting of a wheal and flare reaction in which localized intracutaneous oedema is surrounded by an area of redness that is typically pruritic. Chronic urticaria(CU) is prevalent and has devastating effects on quality of life (QoL).

To evaluate etiological factors and assess quality of life in patients of chronic urticaria in relation to different types of urticaria.

This descriptive study is conducted in a total of 150 patients of chronic urticaria attending DVL OPD, Santhiram Medical College and General Hospital. Complete history, physical examination is done and ASST, other specific investigations are done when required. The severity of urticaria is assessed using enhanced urticaria severity score while quality of life is assessed using modified Chronic Urticaria Quality of life questionnaire.

On statistical analysis, the study sample consisted of 67 males and 83 females with mean age of 34 yrs. 28.7% patients had Chronic Idiopathic urticaria, 46.7% had chronic idiopathic urticaria along with physical urticaria, 5.3% had chronic auto immune urticaria, and 14.7% had chronic autoimmune urticaria with physical urticaria while 4.7% had physical urticaria without spontaneous hives. 20.7% showed positive result for ASST. Statistically significant increase in affect in females was noted in aspects like pruritus, wheals, angioedema, and interference in regular and recreational activity, mood disturbances, irritability, embarrassment while increased affect of side effects was noted in males.

Chronic Urticaria is common in females. Physical urticaria is common followed by idiopathic, autoimmune, and overlaps with other types. Mood disturbance is the commonly affected aspect of QOL. Quality of life is affected more in autoimmune urticaria when compared to other urticarial types.