Platelet activation in chronic urticaria and its correlation with disease severity

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Hematology
• Immunology

Background:

• Chronic urticaria (CU) is defined by wheals persisting over 6 weeks.
• The specific role of platelet activation in CU pathophysiology requires further investigation.
• Platelet indices and activation markers are not extensively studied in CU patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of platelet activation in the pathophysiology of chronic urticaria.
• To compare platelet parameters and activation markers between CU patients and healthy controls.
• To assess the correlation between disease severity, platelet activation, and autoimmune markers in CU.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 45 CU patients and 45 matched healthy controls.
• Assessment of disease severity using the urticaria severity score.
• Measurement of platelet count, indices (MPV, PDW), platelet aggregation, and soluble P-selectin levels.
• Performance of autologous plasma skin test (APST) in CU patients.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in CU patients compared to controls.
• Elevated platelet aggregation and soluble P-selectin levels observed in CU patients.
• Positive correlation between urticaria severity score and platelet aggregability/soluble P-selectin levels.
• APST-positive patients exhibited higher platelet aggregation and soluble P-selectin levels, suggesting increased platelet activation in autoimmune CU.

Conclusions:

• Significant platelet activation is present in patients with chronic urticaria.
• Platelet activation markers correlate with disease severity and autoreactivity in CU.
• Findings suggest a role for platelet activation in the pathogenesis of chronic urticaria, particularly in autoimmune cases.