Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Chronic urticaria is a common skin disorder with incidence of 0.3 to 11.3 percent people. Up to 20 % of general population affected it in their life span. There is not known etiology in the most cases of chronic urticarial. The aim of this study was to detect clinical manifestation, laboratory tests and demographic of 274 patients with chronic urticarial in Sari, Iran.

Methods: In this descriptive-cross sectional study, we evaluated 274 patients (195 female and 79 male) with chronic urticaria who were referred to allergic centers (Booali and Tooba clinics) in Sari ,for 4 and half years (Dec 2008tillMarch 2012). All of them had ages between 2 to 75 years. We evaluate demographic characteristics, different laboratory tests such as CBC, ESR, CH50, C3, C4, IgE, and anti-thyroid and helicobacter pylori antibodies in them.

Results: Chronic urticaria is more common from 20 to 40 years of age in both genders (55%). Physical urticaria was found in 42 patients, with more common cases of dermographism (n=21). Angioedema was seen in 144 patients (52.5%). Total IgE increased in 128 of cases (46%). History of allergic disorders were positive in 128 cases (46%).Anti thyroid antibodies increased in 50 cases (18.24%) with 4 patients with abnormal thyroid function tests. Helicobacter Pylori antibodies, IgG and IgA were increased in 69.23% whom 90% were above 18 years old. Antinuclear antibody, CH50, C3, C4, Stool exam were normal in all of them.

Conclusions: In Chronic urticaria often laboratory tests including CBC, liver and kidney functions are normal and better not to be recommended.