Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
Published on: May 31, 2021
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.
Background:
Autoimmune disease has been implicated as a cause of chronic urticaria, and anti-thyroid antibodies have been found in patients with chronic urticaria. Because some patients with chronic urticaria and autoimmune hypothyroidism have had clinical resolution with thyroid hormone replacement, we investigated the effect of thyroid hormone in euthyroid patients with chronic urticaria and thyroid autoimmunity.
Methods:
Ten euthyroid patients with refractory hives were treated with thyroxine. Seven patients had elevated anti-thyroid antibodies at baseline. Thyroid function and anti-microsomal and anti-thyroglobulin antibody levels were monitored during treatment. If a clinical response was achieved, thyroxine was discontinued and restarted if symptoms recurred.
Results:
Seven patients with elevated anti-thyroid antibodies reported resolution of symptoms within 4 weeks. Three patients without elevated anti-thyroid antibodies did not respond. Five patients had a recurrence of symptoms after treatment was stopped, which resolved after treatment was restarted. Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels decreased in all patients with a clinical response. No correlation between clinical resolution and anti-thyroid antibody levels was seen.
Conclusion:
Thyroid autoimmunity in euthyroid patients may be associated with chronic urticaria, and treatment with thyroid suppression can result in clinical remission.
Related Concept Videos
Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

