Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026
Author Spotlight: Novel Assay for Studying B-Cell Responses in Multiple Sclerosis Research
Published on: December 1, 2023
Investigation of Autoimmune Disease in Children with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Chrysoula Kosmeri1, Ekaterini Siomou2, Anna Challa3
1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Insights
This study found a low prevalence of autoimmune diseases in children with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). However, testing for conditions like celiac disease is recommended, even without other symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Autoimmune Disease Research
- Dermatology
Background:
- Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) significantly impacts children's quality of life.
- CSU may be linked to other autoimmune conditions, necessitating further investigation.
- Understanding comorbidities in pediatric CSU is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between autoimmune diseases and CSU in a pediatric cohort.
- To evaluate the prevalence of specific autoantibodies in children diagnosed with CSU.
- To determine the clinical significance of autoimmune markers in pediatric CSU.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 49 children diagnosed with CSU between 2015-2018 was studied.
- Autoantibody evaluation was performed to screen for autoimmune comorbidities.
- Diagnostic confirmation (e.g., duodenal biopsy) was utilized where indicated.
Main Results:
- One child with CSU tested positive for celiac disease autoantibodies, confirmed by biopsy.
- Four children exhibited elevated anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies with normal thyroid function.
- No other specific autoantibodies indicative of autoimmune diseases were detected in the cohort.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of diagnosed autoimmune diseases in this pediatric CSU cohort was low.
- Routine screening for autoimmune conditions, particularly celiac disease, is advised for children with CSU.
- Celiac disease can be identified in pediatric CSU patients even without typical presenting signs.
Introduction:
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in childhood affects the quality of life of the patient and may be associated with other autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of autoimmune diseases with CSU in children.
Methods:
In a 3-year period, from 2015 to 2018, forty-nine children were diagnosed with CSU and monitored in the Outpatient Pediatric Allergy Clinic of the University Hospital of Ioannina in Northwestern Greece. The comorbidity with other autoimmune diseases was investigated in this population by autoantibody evaluation.
Results:
Of the 49 children with CSU, 1 had autoantibodies for celiac disease (CD), which was confirmed by duodenal biopsy via gastroscopy. Four children had high serum levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies but normal thyroid function. No other specific autoantibodies were detected.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of autoimmune diseases among our children with CSU was low. Nevertheless, we think it is important to test children with CSU for other autoimmune diseases. CD can be diagnosed in children with CSU even in the absence of other indicative signs.
