Association between asthma, rhinitis and NSAID hypersensitivity in chronic urticaria patients and prevalence rates.
BACKGROUND
The coexistence of allergic diseases and chronic urticaria (CU) is not uncommon. Our aim was to show the prevalence of allergic diseases in chronic urticaria patients and whether possible risk factors precipitate the development of these conditions.


METHODS
The data of 953 patients diagnosed with CU in our adult allergy clinic between January 1991 and June 2006 were retrospectively evaluated.


RESULTS
The mean ages of the CU patients with and without non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug hypersensitivity (NSAIDH) were 39.0 +/- 11.8 and 36.7+/- 12.3, respectively (p = 0.014). There was a female predominance in both groups (74.6 and 68.2%, respectively, p = 0.06). Apparently, some conditions occurred significantly more often in CU patients with NSAIDH compared to those without NSAIDH: 16.4 and 8.4% for asthma (p < 0.001), 4.2 and 0.8% for nasal polyps (p < 0.01), 20.8 and 7.3% for antibiotic hypersensitivity (p < 0.001), 21.6 and 12.3% for metal sensitization (p < 0.01), and 8 and 0.6% for familial NSAIDH (p < 0.001), respectively. Dermographism was more common in CU patients without NSAIDH compared to those with NSAIDH (29.4 and 21.2%, respectively; p < 0.05). NSAIDH increased the risk of asthma and rhinitis development [odds ratios: 52.9 (18.1-154.6) and 5.2 (2.0-13.4)].


CONCLUSIONS
Based on our data, the incidence rates of asthma, nasal polyps, antibiotic hypersensitivity, metal sensitization and familial NSAIDH are increased in patients with CU with NSAIDH compared to those with CU only. Coexistence of NSAIDH and CU increases the risk of developing asthma and rhinitis.
Isik
S Rana
SR
Department of Chest Diseases, Adult Allergy Unit, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. ranaisik@hotmail.com
Karakaya
Gul
G
Celikel
Serhart
S
Demir
Ahmet U
AU
Kalyoncu
A Fuat
AF
D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014421:Turkey; D014581:Urticaria / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal