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Resolution of chronic urticaria in patients with thyroid autoimmunity
J S Rumbyrt1, J L Katz, A L Schocket
1National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Disease, Denver, CO, USA.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy effectively resolved chronic urticaria symptoms in euthyroid patients with underlying thyroid autoimmunity. Treatment led to symptom remission, demonstrating a link between thyroid health and chronic hives.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Autoimmune diseases are linked to chronic urticaria.
- Elevated anti-thyroid antibodies are observed in chronic urticaria patients.
- Thyroid hormone replacement has shown promise in resolving chronic urticaria in some patients with autoimmune hypothyroidism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effect of thyroid hormone in euthyroid patients diagnosed with chronic urticaria and thyroid autoimmunity.
- To assess the impact of thyroid hormone replacement on chronic urticaria symptoms in a specific patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Ten euthyroid patients with refractory chronic urticaria were administered thyroxine treatment.
- Thyroid function tests and antibody levels (anti-microsomal, anti-thyroglobulin) were monitored.
- Treatment was adjusted based on clinical response, with discontinuation and reintroduction cycles.
Main Results:
- Seven out of ten patients with elevated anti-thyroid antibodies experienced symptom resolution within four weeks.
- Three patients without elevated antibodies did not respond to treatment.
- Symptom recurrence upon treatment cessation was observed in five patients, resolving upon reinitiation.
- Decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone levels correlated with clinical improvement, irrespective of initial antibody levels.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid autoimmunity may be associated with chronic urticaria in euthyroid individuals.
- Thyroid hormone suppression therapy can lead to clinical remission of chronic urticaria.
- This suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for chronic urticaria linked to thyroid autoimmunity.
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