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Acyclovir therapy for angioedema and chronic urticaria
1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo 43699-0008, USA.
Cutis
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Oral acyclovir may effectively treat chronic urticaria and angioedema in patients with high viral antibody titers. This antiviral therapy showed remission in some patients, with symptoms returning upon discontinuation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Angioedema and chronic urticaria are complex conditions with diverse etiologies.
- Identifying underlying triggers is crucial for effective patient management.
Observation:
- This study investigated the efficacy of oral acyclovir in fourteen patients diagnosed with angioedema or chronic urticaria.
- Acyclovir dosages ranged from 100 mg every six hours to 800 mg every four hours.
Findings:
- Complete remission was observed in five of twelve patients with chronic urticaria.
- One patient with hereditary angioedema and one with idiopathic angioedema also achieved remission.
- Symptom recurrence was noted upon cessation of acyclovir therapy.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for acyclovir in specific cases of chronic urticaria and angioedema.
- Elevated antibody titers to herpes simplex virus or Epstein-Barr virus in patients indicate a possible viral antigen-driven mechanism.
- Acyclovir may exert its therapeutic effect by suppressing circulating viral antigens in susceptible individuals.