Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2025
Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis
Published on: December 20, 2024
Validation of the Urticaria Activity Score for Cold Urticaria
Eva Grekowitz1, Pascale Salameh2, Sabine Altrichter3
1Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Immunology and Allergology, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Berlin, Germany.
The Cold Urticaria Activity Score (ColdUAS) is a validated patient-reported outcome measure for assessing cold urticaria disease activity. This tool demonstrates strong reliability and validity for use in clinical practice and research.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
Background:
- Cold urticaria (ColdU) presents with wheals, angioedema, and itch upon cold exposure.
- The Cold Urticaria Activity Score (ColdUAS) is a new patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for ColdU disease activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- Validate the ColdUAS according to PROM guidelines.
- Determine the optimal documentation period for the ColdUAS.
- Develop a scoring computation algorithm for the ColdUAS.
Main Methods:
- 71 patients with ColdU completed the ColdUAS over four weeks alongside anchor instruments.
- The ColdUAS scoring algorithm was developed by experts.
- The questionnaire underwent rigorous validation for construct, structural, convergent, known-groups validity, and reliability (internal consistency, test-retest).
Main Results:
- The ColdUAS score is derived from the first three questions, with an optimal assessment period of two weeks.
- A calculation sheet simplifies ColdUAS use.
- The score showed robust validity and high reliability.
Conclusions:
- The ColdUAS is a validated PROM for assessing disease activity in adolescent and adult patients with typical or atypical ColdU.
- The study confirmed the ColdUAS as a valuable tool for routine care and clinical research in cold urticaria.
