Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria-New Predictor on the Horizon?

Area of Science:

• Allergology and Dermatology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Chronic urticaria (CU) pathogenesis is often unclear, with emerging links to intestinal microbiota disturbances.
• Intestinal substances may play a role in urticaria development and could serve as predictive markers.
• Calprotectin, a known gastroenterological marker, has potential connections to gut microbiota and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum and fecal calprotectin as potential predictors for chronic urticaria disease course.
• To explore the relationship between calprotectin levels and disease activity/control in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).

Main Methods:

• Study included 54 CSU patients (26 with angioedema) and 29 Hymenoptera venom allergic patients.
• Disease activity assessed via Urticaria Activity Score (UAS); control measured by Urticaria Control Test (UCT).
• Fecal and serum calprotectin concentrations were analyzed in participants.

Main Results:

• A positive correlation was identified between serum calprotectin levels and the control of CSU symptoms.
• No significant relationships were found between calprotectin (serum or fecal) and other disease activity markers or angioedema presence.
• Fecal calprotectin did not correlate with any assessed CSU parameters.

Conclusions:

• Current findings do not provide definitive evidence for calprotectin as a reliable marker for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) course.
• The potential role of calprotectin warrants further investigation, especially considering the established link between gut microbiota and urticaria.
• Additional research is needed to clarify the complex interplay between intestinal factors and urticaria pathogenesis.