Management of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in the Elderly

Chronic Urticaria in Special Populations: Pediatric, Pregnancy, and the Elderly

Chronic urticaria is an inflammatory skin disorder defined by the presence of evanescent erythematous pruritic wheals, angioedema, or both. While treatment guidelines are continuing to become more clearly defined, there is still a gap in the medical literature surrounding chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) treatment in vulnerable populations such as children (aged 0-18 years), pregnant women, and the elderly (aged >65 years). The purpose of this review is to provide an update on CSU in each of these special population categories by defining prevalence, identifying diagnostic considerations, and exploring current and future management options.

Evidence-based use of antihistamines for treatment of allergic conditions

Available since the 1940s, H1 antihistamines are mainstay treatments for allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria. They function as inverse agonists that bind to the H1 receptor to inhibit histamine-induced inflammation. The older, first-generation drugs are no longer recommended for patient use because of their well-documented negative adverse effect profile. Evidence has been accumulating to support a newer generation of H1 antihistamines in oral and intranasal formulations, including in combination with intranasal corticosteroids. The literature is replete with large meta-analyses and systematic reviews establishing the safety and efficacy of second-generation H1 antihistamines in adult and pediatric allergic rhinitis populations, including combination nasal spray agents (eg, MP29-02 or MP-AzeFlu). Although intraclass differences do exist, patient preference, access, and costs should be the priority. Robust data on the regular, not as needed use of H1 antihistamines for urticaria have been published, including in the management of children and pregnant or lactating women. In addition, H1 antihistamines can be used in other related allergic conditions, such as the secondary symptoms of anaphylaxis, to provide patients with greater comfort, including in allergic asthma, depending on the individual.

Chronic Urticaria in Elderly-New Insights

BACKGROUND

Many medical conditions have a unique profile in older adults. Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common disease, but data regarding elderly patients are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and outcome of elder patients with CU.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center study included patients older than 65 years, diagnosed with CU in our clinic. Data for the entire cohort were retrieved from electronic medical records.

RESULTS

Of 1859 patients older than 65 years, 181 patients diagnosed with CU were included: 166 had chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and 15 chronic inducible urticaria. Most patients with CSU were female (119, 72%). The mean age at diagnosis was 72 ± 5.9 years. Comorbidities included autoimmunity in 38 (22.9%), malignancy in 23 (13.8%), and atopy in 19 (11.5%). The time to referral to a specialist was 22.8 ± 53 months from the onset of symptoms. Specialist intervention improved patient outcomes. This was evident by reduced systemic steroid use (odds ratio [OR] = 0.145, [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08-0.26], P < .001), all-cause hospitalization (OR = 0.09, [95% CI: 0.01-0.75], P = .01), emergency department visits (OR = 0.08, [95% CI: 0.08-0.35], P < .001), and primary physician visits (P < .001, Cramer's V = 0.528).

CONCLUSIONS

Older people with CU have unique characteristics, including high prevalence of autoimmunity and malignancy and lower prevalence of atopy. Raising awareness of CU in elderly and prompt referral to an allergy specialist may improve outcomes.

Chronic Urticaria in Older Adults: Treatment Considerations

Chronic urticaria is characterized by recurrent wheals and/or angioedema lasting for more than 6 weeks. Chronic urticaria is an extremely disabling disease limiting daily activities, compromising patient quality of life, and frequently associated with psychiatric comorbidities (depression and/or anxiety). Unfortunately, there are still gaps in the knowledge regarding treatment in special populations, especially in older patients. Indeed, there are no specific recommendations for the management and treatment of chronic urticaria in older people; therefore, recommendations for the general population are used. However, the utilization of some medications may be complicated by potential concerns of comorbidities or polypharmacy. Currently, the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for chronic urticaria in the older patient are the same as those indicated for other age groups. In particular, there is a limited number of blood chemistry investigations for spontaneous chronic urticaria and specific tests for inducible urticaria. With regard to therapy, second-generation anti-H1 antihistamines are used and, in recalcitrant cases, omalizumab (an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody) and possibly cyclosporine A are additional choices. Nonetheless, it should be underlined that in older patients the differential diagnosis can be more difficult, owing to the lower frequency of chronic urticaria and the likelihood of other pathologies that are peculiar for this age group and that can be included in the chronic urticaria differential diagnosis. As far as therapy is concerned, the physiological characteristics of these patients, the possible comorbidities, and the intake of other medications often require a very attentive drug selection for chronic urticaria compared with other age groups. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an update on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and management of chronic urticaria in older patients.

Predictive factors of recurrence after omalizumab cessation in the elderly with urticaria: A real-life study

Background: There are no well-defined data that help predict the recurrence risk of urticaria after omalizumab cessation in elderly patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of omalizumab and to determine the possible predictive factors for recurrence after omalizumab cessation in the elderly with CSU. Methods: A total of 193 patients with CSU treated with omalizumab were included and divided into two groups according to age: group 1, ages 18-64 years (n = 127), and group 2, ages ≥ 65 years (n = 66). Demographics, clinical features, immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO), serum total IgE were analyzed. The IgG anti-TPO/total IgE ratio was calculated. Pretreatment 7-day urticaria activity scores, medication scores, and urticaria control test results were compared with those after treatment periods. Adverse effects were also evaluated. Results: The most common adverse effect of omalizumab treatment was injection-site reactions (4.7%) in both groups. Omalizumab was ceased after 24 weeks in 40.9% and in 73.1% in group 1 and group 2, respectively (p < 0.001). CSU recurred after omalizumab discontinuation in 9 and 15 patients in group 1 and in group 2, respectively (p < 0.001). The median baseline IgG anti-TPO was higher in patients with recurrent CSU in group 2 than in those in group 1 (p = 0.002). In group 2, the cutoff values of IgG anti-TPO and the IgG anti-TPO/total IgE ratio were 54.83 IU/mL and 0.45 for recurrence, respectively. Conclusion: Omalizumab is effective and safe in elderly patients with CSU. The serum baseline IgG anti-TPO level and the IgG anti-TPO/total IgE ratio could serve as predictors of recurrence in CSU after omalizumab cessation in elderly patients.

Urticaria

Urticaria is an inflammatory skin disorder that affects up to 20% of the world population at some point during their life. It presents with wheals, angioedema or both due to activation and degranulation of skin mast cells and the release of histamine and other mediators. Most cases of urticaria are acute urticaria, which lasts ≤6 weeks and can be associated with infections or intake of drugs or foods. Chronic urticaria (CU) is either spontaneous or inducible, lasts >6 weeks and persists for >1 year in most patients. CU greatly affects patient quality of life, and is linked to psychiatric comorbidities and high healthcare costs. In contrast to chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) has definite and subtype-specific triggers that induce signs and symptoms. The pathogenesis of CSU consists of several interlinked events involving autoantibodies, complement and coagulation. The diagnosis of urticaria is clinical, but several tests can be performed to exclude differential diagnoses and identify underlying causes in CSU or triggers in CIndU. Current urticaria treatment aims at complete response, with a stepwise approach using second-generation H1 antihistamines, omalizumab and cyclosporine. Novel treatment approaches centre on targeting mediators, signalling pathways and receptors of mast cells and other immune cells. Further research should focus on defining disease endotypes and their biomarkers, identifying new treatment targets and developing improved therapies.

Taiwanese dermatological association consensus for the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of urticaria: A 2021 update

Urticaria is a prevalent disease with substantial physical, psychological, and economic impacts. With the advent of understandings of the disease and the emerging evidence of treatments, the international guidelines for treating urticaria have been updated in recent years. In order to update the 2014 edition of the Taiwanese Dermatological Association (TDA) consensus of urticaria, a total of 17 dermatologists with extensive experience in urticaria management were invited to and attended the TDA consensus meetings. All the specific aspects of the content were approved by at least 75% of the experts in attendance. Comparing to the former edition, several substantial modifications were made. For diagnosis, D-dimer was added as the recommended routine test in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria. For pharmacological management, treatment suggestions were simplified. The approved-dosed, the up-dosed second-generation antihistamines, omalizumab, and cyclosporine were listed as the first-line to the fourth-line treatment, respectively. In addition, the management for patients of special considerations, such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women, were all discussed and mentioned in the consensus. We hope the updated TDA consensus can serve as a reference for all physicians and can help the physicians providing up-to-dated managements for these patients.

Analysis of clinical factors as possible predictors of response to omalizumab and relapse after treatment discontinuation in chronic spontaneous urticaria

Omalizumab is a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody which is effective in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), although clinical response appears to be variable in the real-life setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the response of CSU to omalizumab and disease relapse are associated with individual and/or clinical characteristics of patients. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical records of 124 patients treated with omalizumab for moderate to severe CSU refractory to antihistamines. Disease activity was assessed using the urticaria activity score over the last 7 days (UAS7). After 24 weeks of treatment, 91% of patients showed complete remission (UAS7 = 0) or good control (UAS7 < 7) of CSU. Omalizumab was re-administered in 45 patients because of recurrence of moderate to severe symptoms at week 8 after treatment discontinuation or later, and clinical results achieved with retreatment were similar to those observed in the first course. Among the parameters included in our analysis (age and sex of patients, documented history of atopy or autoimmune thyroid disease, CSU duration and baseline severity, concurrent angioedema, and association with chronic inducible urticaria), none was associated with response to omalizumab in our study population. Similarly, these parameters did not significantly differ between patients who experienced CSU relapse and those without relapse. Predictors of response to omalizumab treatment in CSU patients are still unclear, and further studies are needed to evaluate the presence of baseline factors that can influence treatment outcome.

Epidemiology, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization of patients with chronic urticaria in Germany

BACKGROUND

Comprehensive data on the epidemiology and comorbidities of chronic urticaria (CU) in Germany are either limited, or not contemporary.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the epidemiology of CU, overall comorbidities and healthcare resource utilized by patients with CU in Germany, using an anonymized statutory health insurance (SHI) database.

METHODS

Anonymized SHI claims research database of the Institute for Applied Health Research, Berlin [InGef] (01 January 2015-30 September 2018) was used to analyse insured individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of CU (ICD-10-GM codes). Twelve-month diagnosed prevalence and incidence, comorbidities (vs. atopic dermatitis and psoriasis), and healthcare utilization by patients with CU were investigated.

RESULTS

Of 4 693 772 individuals of all ages listed in the database, 3 538 540 were observable during 2017. Overall, 17 524 patients (˜0.5%) were diagnosed with CU; chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU: 71.2%), chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU: 19.7%), CSU+CIndU (9.1%). Females, vs. males, had higher diagnosed prevalence (0.62% vs. 0.37%) and diagnosed incidence (0.18% vs. 0.11%) of CU among all patients. Patients most frequently visited general practitioners (41.3% of total visits). Hypertensive diseases (43.5%), lipoprotein metabolism disorders (32.1%) and affective disorders (26.0%) were the most frequently reported comorbidities of special interest. Rates of most comorbidities of special interests were similar to atopic dermatitis and psoriasis patients, and all higher vs. overall population. More than half (54.1%) of all CU patients were not prescribed any treatment. Second-generation H₁ -antihistamines were the most commonly prescribed medication for adult (17.9%) and paediatric (27.9%) patients. Patients with CIndU (paediatric, 15.5%; adult, 7.8%) were more often hospitalized versus patients with CSU (paediatric, 9.9%; adult, 4.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

In Germany, prevalence of CU along with multiple comorbidities may pose increased burden on the healthcare system. Awareness of adhering to treatment guidelines, and aiming for complete control of urticaria, needs to be driven and may improve outcomes.

Food Allergies and Ageing

All over the world, there is an increase in the overall survival of the population and the number of elderly people. The incidence of allergic reactions is also rising worldwide. Until recently, allergies, and in particular food allergies (FAs), was regarded as a pediatric problem, since some of them start in early childhood and may spontaneously disappear in adulthood. It is being discovered that, on the contrary, these problems are increasingly affecting even the elderly. Along with other diseases that are considered characteristics of advanced age, such as cardiovascular, dysmetabolic, autoimmune, neurodegenerative, and oncological diseases, even FAs are increasingly frequent in the elderly. An FA is a pleiomorphic and multifactorial disease, characterized by an abnormal immune response and an impaired gut barrier function. The elderly exhibit distinct FA phenotypes, and diagnosis is difficult due to frequent co-morbidities and uncertainty in the interpretation of in vitro and in vivo tests. Several factors render the elderly susceptible to FAs, including the physiological changes of aging, a decline in gut barrier function, the skewing of adaptive immunity to a Th2 response, dysregulation of innate immune cells, and age-related changes of gut microbiota. Aging is accompanied by a progressive remodeling of immune system functions, leading to an increased pro-inflammatory status where type 1 cytokines are quantitatively dominant. However, serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and T helper type 2 (Th2 cytokine production have also been found to be increased in the elderly, suggesting that the type 2 cytokine pattern is not necessarily defective in older age. Dysfunctional dendritic cells in the gut, defects in secretory IgA, and decreased T regulatory function in the elderly also play important roles in FA development. We address herein the main immunologic aspects of aging according to the presence of FAs.

Urticaria: A comprehensive review: Treatment of chronic urticaria, special populations, and disease outcomes

Second-generation antihistamines are considered first-line agents in the treatment of chronic urticaria because of their safety and efficacy profile. Some patients require higher doses of H₁ antihistamines alone or in combination with other classes of medications, including H₂ antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, or first-generation H₁ antihistamines. One major therapeutic advance has been omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal anti-immunoglobulin E that was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of chronic urticaria that is unresponsive to H₁ antagonists. In addition, the second article in this continuing medical education series outlines several evidence-based alternative treatments for urticaria and the differences in recommendations between 2 major consensus groups (the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology/World Allergy Organization and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Joint Task Force).

Omalizumab in elderly patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria: An Italian real-life experience

BACKGROUND

Omalizumab therapy is effective and safe in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) resistant to nonsedating histamine₁ (H₁) antihistamines (nsAHs).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in elderly (aged ≥65 years) patients with nonsedating H₁-antihistamine-refractory CSU in a real-life setting.

METHODS

Patients with nonsedating H₁-antihistamine-refractory CSU (n = 322) treated with omalizumab administered every 4 weeks in doses of 300 mg for 24 weeks were divided into 2 groups according to age at omalizumab treatment onset: 15 to 64 years and 65 years or older. Treatment response was assessed using a 7-day urticaria activity score (UAS7). Adverse effects of omalizumab therapy were recorded.

RESULTS

Among patients, 32 (9.9%) were 65 years or older. At baseline, CSU characteristics were generally similar among the groups, although the presence of angioedema was statistically significantly lower in patients younger than 65 years. Any differences in weekly itch severity score, hive score, and UAS7 between the 2 age groups were not significant at weeks 4, 12, and 24, with the exception of the hive score at 24 weeks and the UAS7 at week 24. No significant between-group differences were seen in the proportion of patients with a UAS7 of 6 or lower and with a UAS7 score of 0 at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 40. The proportion of patients with at least one adverse event reported as suspected to be caused by study drug was 10% in the younger group vs 6.3% in the older group (P = .53).

CONCLUSION

Our study found that omalizumab is a well-tolerated and effective therapy for elderly patients with nonsedating H₁-antihistamine-refractory CSU.

Allergic diseases in the elderly: biological characteristics and main immunological and non-immunological mechanisms

Life expectancy and the number of elderly people are progressively increasing around the world. Together with other pathologies, allergic diseases also show an increasing incidence in geriatric age. This is partly due to the growing emphasis on a more accurate and careful diagnosis of the molecular mechanisms that do not allow to ignore the real pathogenesis of many symptoms until now unknown, and partly to the fact that the allergic people from 20 years ago represent the elderly population now. Moreover, environmental pollution predisposes to the onset of allergic asthma and dermatitis which are the result of internal pathologies more than the expression of allergic manifestations. At the same time the food contamination permits the onset of allergic diseases related to food allergy. In this review we provide the state of the art on the physiological changes in the elderly responsible for allergic diseases, their biological characteristics and the major immunological and extra immunological mechanisms. Much emphasis is given to the management of several diseases in the elderly, including anaphylactic reactions. Moreover, some new features are discussed, such as management of asthma with the support of physical activity and the use of the AIT as prevention of respiratory diseases and for the purpose of a real and long lasting benefit. The mechanisms of adverse reactions to drugs are also discussed, due to their frequency in this age, especially in polytherapy regimens. Study of the modifications of the immune system is also of great importance, as regards to the distribution of the lymphocytes and also the presence of a chronic inflammatory disease related to the production of cytokines, especially in prevision of all the possible therapies to be adopted to allow an active and healthy aging.