Chronic urticaria and autoimmune thyroiditis.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Endocrinology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Idiopathic chronic urticaria (ICU) is a common dermatological condition.
• A potential link exists between ICU and autoimmune diseases, particularly autoimmune thyroiditis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between chronic urticaria and autoimmune thyroiditis.
• To determine if the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis is elevated in patients with chronic urticaria compared to the general population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study involving 90 patients diagnosed with chronic urticaria.
• Assessment of autoimmune thyroiditis through measurement of anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies, with a threshold of >220 mUI/ml.
• Comparison of anti-TPO antibody positivity rates between the chronic urticaria cohort and a control group.

Main Results:

• Anti-TPO antibodies were positive in 17.7% of chronic urticaria patients.
• The prevalence of positive anti-TPO antibodies in the chronic urticaria group (17.7%) was significantly higher than in the control group (8.7%; p < 0.01).
• Among positive cases, thyroid function ranged from euthyroid to hypo- and hyperthyroidism, with one patient also having positive anti-TSH receptor antibodies.

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between chronic urticaria and autoimmune thyroiditis.
• The findings suggest that screening for anti-TPO and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies should be considered in the workup of chronic urticaria patients.
• This approach may lead to changes in clinical practice, particularly in regions like Lebanon.