Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
Published on: May 31, 2021
Aetiological factors associated with chronic urticaria in children: a systematic review
Carlo Caffarelli1, Barbara Cuomo, Fabio Cardinale
1Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Parma, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Parma,, IT-43122 Parma, Italy. carlo.caffarelli@unipr.it
Insights
This review found idiopathic and physical urticaria are common in children. Allergy or infection testing for chronic urticaria is recommended only with a suspected cause-effect link.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common, burdensome condition in children.
- Identifying the underlying causes of CU is crucial for effective management.
- Current literature lacks high-quality evidence on pediatric CU etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on the causes of chronic urticaria in childhood.
- To assess the relative frequency of different CU etiologies in pediatric populations.
- To provide guidance on appropriate laboratory investigations for pediatric CU.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases.
- Studies published from 1966 to 2010, focusing on children with urticaria lasting over 6 weeks, were included.
- Data from six low-quality studies were analyzed for causes of chronic urticaria.
Main Results:
- Idiopathic urticaria and physical urticaria were identified as the most frequent causes.
- Infections, autoimmunity, and allergies were also reported as potential contributing factors.
- The quality of existing studies on pediatric chronic urticaria etiology was generally low.
Conclusions:
- For children with chronic urticaria not triggered by physical stimuli, allergy or infection testing should be guided by a history suggesting a cause-effect relationship.
- High-quality research is needed to better understand and evaluate the causes of chronic urticaria in childhood.
- Current diagnostic approaches may require refinement based on robust evidence.
Abstract:
Chronic urticaria is a distressing condition with high costs. The aim of this literature review was to assess the relative frequency of causes of chronic urticaria in childhood and to provide guidance on which laboratory tests should be performed. Using PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases, the literature from 1966 to 2010 (week 25) was systematically reviewed. Data from studies conducted on children who had had urticaria for at least 6 weeks, and assessing at least 3 different causes of urticaria, were analysed by reviewers using independent extraction. Six studies, all of low quality, met the inclusion criteria. Idiopathic and physical urticaria were common. Infections, autoimmunity and allergy were also reported. We conclude that children with chronic urticaria not caused by physical stimuli should undergo tests for allergy or infections only when there is a history of cause-effect correlation. High-quality trials are warranted to evaluate the causes of chronic urticaria in childhood.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
02:06Allergic Reactions