Related Experiment Videos
Autoimmune urticaria
1Dermatology Centre, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK. clive.grattan@nnuh.nhs.uk
Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America
|May 4, 2004
Summary
At least 40% of chronic urticaria patients have functional autoantibodies, suggesting an autoimmune basis. This review explores autoimmune urticaria, its diagnosis, and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Allergy
Background:
- Chronic urticaria (CU) affects many patients with unknown causes.
- A significant subset of CU patients exhibit autoantibodies targeting the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI).
- These autoantibodies are implicated in histamine release from mast cells and basophils.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence supporting the autoimmune hypothesis in chronic urticaria.
- To define autoimmune urticaria and its place in current classifications.
- To propose diagnostic criteria and discuss management for autoimmune urticaria.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on autoimmune urticaria.
- Analysis of evidence for autoantibodies and other serum factors.
- Examination of existing urticaria classifications.
Main Results:
- At least 40% of idiopathic chronic urticaria patients possess functional autoantibodies to FcεRI.
- Autoimmune urticaria is characterized by continuous ordinary urticaria.
- Evidence supports non-antibody serum factors also contributing to histamine release.
Conclusions:
- Autoimmune urticaria represents a distinct subset of chronic urticaria.
- Diagnostic criteria are proposed to aid clinicians.
- Management strategies require consideration of the autoimmune pathogenesis.