EAACI/GA²LEN/EDF/WAO guideline: definition, classification and diagnosis of urticaria

Abstract

This guideline, together with its sister guideline on the management of urticaria [Zuberbier T, Asero R, Bindslev-Jensen C, Canonica GW, Church MK, Giménez-Arnau AM et al. EAACI/GA(2)LEN/EDF/WAO Guideline: Management of urticaria. Allergy, 2009; 64:1427-1443] is the result of a consensus reached during a panel discussion at the 3rd International Consensus Meeting on Urticaria, Urticaria 2008, a joint initiative of the Dermatology Section of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the EU-funded network of excellence, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA(2)LEN), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) and the World Allergy Organization (WAO). Urticaria is a frequent disease. The life-time prevalence for any subtype of urticaria is approximately 20%. Chronic spontaneous urticaria and other chronic forms of urticaria do not only cause a decrease in quality of life, but also affect performance at work and school and, as such, are members of the group of severe allergic diseases. This guideline covers the definition and classification of urticaria, taking into account the recent progress in identifying its causes, eliciting factors, and pathomechanisms. In addition, it outlines evidence-based diagnostic approaches for different subtypes of urticaria. The correct management of urticaria, which is of paramount importance for patients, is very complex and is consequently covered in a separate guideline developed during the same consensus meeting. This guideline was acknowledged and accepted by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS).

Burden of chronic urticaria relative to psoriasis in five European countries

“…Although non‐fatal, dermatological diseases have an impact on the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and daily activities of patients, with a substantial and prolonged impact on the indirect costs to the society 1, 2. However, healthcare regulatory authorities and payers focus their resources on diseases with high mortality rates 1…”

Alergia, urticaria de contacto y síndromes urticariformes inducidos por frío

“…Los últimos documentos de posición y consenso de clasificación de urticarias se refieren a ella como urticaria de contacto por frío (cold contact urticaria, CCU) y así es como la denominaremos a partir de ahora. 3,4 La rápida aparición de prurito, eritema, habones y/o angioedema en las áreas de contacto o exposición al frío es la característica fundamental de la urticaria de contacto por frío. Los desencadenantes pueden ser el aire, agua u objetos fríos y también la ingesta de alimentos o bebidas frías.…”

Challenges in the Management of Chronic Urticaria

“…The need to establish an optimal approach to this class of disorders resulted in working out of national and international guidelines for its diagnosis, classification, pathogenetic mechanisms, and management[3,4]. As opposed to other types of urticaria like acute urticaria, physical urticaria, and urticarial vasculitis that may have identifiable causes and triggers, the nature of chronic spontaneous urticaria remains elusive, which is reflected in the commonly accepted term chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU).…”