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Chronic idiopathic urticaria: a family study
1Ambulatorio di Allergologia, Ospedale Caduti Bollatesi, Bollate (MI), Italy. r.asero@libero.it
Summary
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) appears to have a genetic component, as it is significantly more common in first-degree relatives of affected individuals. This suggests a familial pattern and potential genetic predisposition to CIU.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Autoimmune disorders often have genetic underpinnings.
- Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is increasingly recognized as an autoimmune condition in some patients.
- Previous research has not explored the familial occurrence of CIU.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the familial aggregation of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU).
- To determine if CIU occurs more frequently in first-degree relatives of affected individuals.
Main Methods:
- Interviewed 1,308 adult CIU patients regarding CIU in first-degree relatives.
- Confirmed positive family histories using medical records.
- Compared observed familial CIU prevalence to the general population's 0.1% prevalence.
Main Results:
- 4% (56/1,308) of CIU patients reported CIU in a first-degree relative.
- This familial occurrence was approximately eight times higher than expected (P < 0.001).
- 96% of patients with a positive family history tested positive on the autologous serum skin test (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- CIU is significantly more common in first-degree relatives, indicating a likely genetic basis.
- Findings support the association between CIU and human leukocyte antigen DR4.
- Positive autologous serum skin tests in familial CIU cases suggest circulating histamine-releasing factors.