[Allergy in chronic urticaria].
Chronic urticaria is an intricate pathology, caused by numerous factors. The number of tests depend on the practitioner but very often no aetiology is found. Allergologist play a role in this research of an aetiology that can be cured. The rate of an allergic aetiology in chronic urticaria is not known but remains weak. Allergy to the aeroallergens has not shown any responsibility in chronic urticaria. Total IgE count is not a major tool in the allergologic investigation. If needed, skin tests confirmed by specific IgE, remains the best way to confirm an allergy. The result will always be interpreted in relation with the clinical history. In addition a double blind versus placebo provocation could be realised. Diets did not show their efficiency. The role of additives are much debated as well. However if they have an influence, this is only through a non-allergic mechanism. Concerning autologous serum skin test, it should allow to identify among chronic idiopathic urticaria, those for which the aetiology could be auto immune. For half of the positive results, an histaminoliberation could be found highlighting the presence of functional autoantibodies anti FcepsilonRIalpha, anti IgE less frequently or both. Progresses are expected before proving their pathogenic role and to define when this test must be done.
Amsler
E
E
Centre d'Allergologie, Hôpital Tenon, 4, rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris.
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy; D006636:Histamine Release; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012882:Skin Tests; D014581:Urticaria / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*
D000485:Allergens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E