Cold Urticaria Syndromes: Diagnosis and Management

Cold urticaria is a chronic condition causing episodic symptoms of cold-induced wheals or angioedema in response to direct or indirect exposure to cold temperatures. Whereas symptoms of cold urticaria are typically benign and self-limiting, severe systemic anaphylactic reactions are possible. Acquired, atypical, and hereditary forms have been described, each with variable triggers, symptoms, and responses to therapy. Clinical testing, including response to cold stimulation, helps define disease subtypes. More recently, monogenic disorders characterized by atypical forms of cold urticaria have been described. Here, we review the different forms of cold-induced urticaria and related syndromes and propose a diagnostic algorithm to aid clinicians in making a timely diagnosis for the appropriate management of these patients.

Prevalence, Management, and Anaphylaxis Risk of Cold Urticaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Cold urticaria is a subtype of chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) associated with significant morbidity and a risk for anaphylaxis. Few studies have assessed the prevalence, management, and prevalence of associated anaphylaxis of cold urticaria.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence of cold urticaria among CIndU and chronic urticaria (CU) cases, to assess the management of cold urticaria, and to determine the prevalence of associated anaphylaxis.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and EMBASE for studies pertaining to cold urticaria and/or CIndU published in the past 10 years. We conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the prevalence of cold urticaria among CIndU and CU cases, the management of cold urticaria with H1-antihistamines and omalizumab, and the prevalence of associated anaphylaxis.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review and 14 in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of cold urticaria among patients with CU and CIndU was 7.62% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.45% to 15.99%; I² = 98%) and 26.10% (95% CI, 14.17% to 43.05%; I² = 97%), respectively. Cold urticaria was managed by H1-antihistamines in 95.67% (95% CI, 92.47% to 97.54%; I² = 38%) of patients and omalizumab in 5.95% (95% CI , 2.55% to 13.27%; I² = 83%) of patients. The pooled prevalence of anaphylaxis among patients with cold urticaria was 21.49% (95% CI, 15.79% to 28.54%; I² = 69%).

CONCLUSIONS

Cold urticaria constitutes an appreciable proportion of CIndU and CU cases and is predominantly managed with H1-antihistamines; few patients receive omalizumab. Anaphylaxis is common, and an epinephrine autoinjector prescription may be considered.

TempTest®: Un instrumento de precisión en las urticarias físicas

BACKGROUND

TempTest® is a new method based on the Peltier effect, which is validated for the diagnosis of patients with cold urticaria or heat urticaria, and it is able to measure the temperature variations and activity of these pathologies.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the results of provocation tests by using this new method in patients with UFr and UCal, who were followed in a center of reference and excellence for urticaria (GA2LEN UCARE) in Rio de Janeiro.

METHODS

The medical records of 12 patients who had a history of UFr or UCal and were tested with TempTest® during December 2017 and February 2020 were analyzed. For temperature provocation tests, the patients were requested to place their forearm on the TempTest® thermal element for five minutes. A positive response was defined by the appearance of a 2-mm-papular lesion 10 minutes after the provocation test was started, as recommended.

RESULTS

10 of the patients were women and 2 of them were men, from 13 to 77 years of age (mean = 50.2 years). Among the twelve patients, three of them had heat urticaria and nine of them had cold urticaria. The patients who were diagnosed with heat urticaria tested positive for The patients with cold urticarial tested positive for temperatures of 27 °C or lower.

CONCLUSIONS

TempTest® is a reliable instrument to accurately diagnose and monitor diseases related to temperature variations, which is a factor that should be determined whenever possible since it can help patients prevent situations of exposure and danger.

Characterizing the population from an urticaria outpatient clinic

INTRODUCTION

Cold Urticaria (ColdU) is a type of chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) where recurrent pruritic wheals and/or angioedema occur after exposure to cold stimulus. Although it usually only affects exposed areas, systemic reactions can occur in severe cases. In this study, we seek to characterize the ColdU cases within our Centre's population of patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study based on clinical files of patients diagnosed with ColdU followed in an urticaria outpatient clinic in Portugal prior to October 2020.

RESULTS

We included 52 patients total (40 women) with median age of 35 years, 19 patients with symptom onset before 18 years-old. ColdU was classified as acquired in all patients. Cold provocation tests were negative in 9 patients and these were classified as atypical ColdU. No significant differences were found between those with pediatric or adult onset of disease. Most of the patients had a localized form of the disease (52%). Despite not being statistically significant, it was found that patient's temperature threshold, assessed with TempTest® 4.0, was higher and stimulation time was shorter in more severe groups. All patients were treated with non-sedating antihistamines (daily or on-demand), finding that those controlled with standard dosages had lower temperature thresholds than those needing higher dosages (p < 0.01). One patient was under treatment with omalizumab.

CONCLUSION

ColdU is an heterogenous disease that can have life-threatening event consequences. Cold provocation tests and threshold assessment can be an important tool in the management treatment and in identifying severity groups.

Characterizing the Population From an Urticaria Outpatient Clinic

INTRODUCTION

Cold Urticaria (ColdU) is a type of chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) where recurrent pruritic wheals and/or angioedema occur after exposure to cold stimulus. Although it usually only affects exposed areas, systemic reactions can occur in severe cases. In this study, we seek to characterize the ColdU cases within our Centre's population of patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study based on clinical files of patients diagnosed with ColdU followed in an urticaria outpatient clinic in Portugal prior to October 2020.

RESULTS

We included 52 patients total (40 women) with median age of 35 years, 19 patients with symptom onset before 18 years-old. ColdU was classified as acquired in all patients. Cold provocation tests were negative in 9 patients and these were classified as atypical ColdU. No significant differences were found between those with pediatric or adult onset of disease. Most of the patients had a localized form of the disease (52%). Despite not being statistically significant, it was found that patient's temperature threshold, assessed with TempTest® 4.0, was higher and stimulation time was shorter in more severe groups. All patients were treated with non-sedating antihistamines (daily or on-demand), finding that those controlled with standard dosages had lower temperature thresholds than those needing higher dosages (p<0.01). One patient was under treatment with omalizumab.

CONCLUSION

ColdU is an heterogenous disease that can have life-threatening event consequences. Cold provocation tests and threshold assessment can be an important tool in the management treatment and in identifying severity groups.

A case report]

BACKGROUND

Omalizumab, which is a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, has recently been used as an option in the treatment of inducible urticaria.

CASE REPORT

We describe the case of a 46-year-old woman who was referred to the Department of Allergy and Immunology of "Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, Dr. Juan I. Menchaca" due to a history of hives, body itching, changes in the color of the skin after exposure to water, and chest tightness after the intake of cold beverages; therefore, she used to limit her outdoor activities and personal hygiene. We conducted challenge tests with heat, soaked towels, treadmill walks, and dermographism; which were negative. The ice cube test was positive. To establish the speed of wheal formation, we established intervals of exposure to cold of one, three, five, and ten minutes; a positive result was obtained from the third minute. Due to the poor response to the drug treatment and to measures to avoid the cold, as well as to the poor quality of life, the high risk of anaphylaxis, and the advent of winter season, omalizumab was administered at monthly doses of 150 mg during the winter season. After the first dose, there were no reports of episodes of hives in areas exposed to cold; the ice cube test was negative before the second dose and in the following months, and the patient was able to ingest cold beverages and cold food. There were no adverse reactions that could be attributable to the use of omalizumab. Three years after the first dose, the patient was still asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION

The described case is one of the first cases of cold urticaria with risk of anaphylaxis with a positive response to omalizumab, which was reflected in symptom control and the improvement in the quality of life.

Doxycycline, an Antibiotic or an Anti-Inflammatory Agent? The Most Common Uses in Dermatology

Doxycycline is a synthetic tetracycline that was approved in 1967. This wide-spectrum antibiotic has been shown to also have useful anti-inflammatory properties that make it suitable for the treatment of a number of noninfectious conditions. Tetracyclines are probably the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in dermatology, where they are usually used at doses lower than those effective against infections. They also have an excellent efficacy and safety profile. Because of doxycycline's ability to inhibit the molecular pathways associated with certain processes, this antibiotic can be used to treat hair follicle diseases, granulomatous diseases, and vascular proliferation, among other conditions. The main properties of doxycycline and its many applications in dermatology make this drug one that specialists should become familiar with.

Diagnosis and management of cold urticaria in cryoablation of atrial fibrillation: a case report

Background

Cold-induced urticaria is triggered by exposure to local or environmental cold and manifests as localized or systemic pruritic papules, sometimes accompanied by angio-oedema and anaphylaxis representing a life-threatening condition. Therapy options of atrial fibrillation (AF) include catheter ablation with different energy sources, of which cryoenergy may be superior to other energy sources regarding safety and efficacy.

Case summary

We report the case of a 60-year-old man suffering from symptomatic paroxysmal AF. The patient had a history of cold-induced urticaria without occurrence of systemic reactions to date. After successful pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using cryoenergy, post-interventional oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and endosonography revealed newly occurred oedema in the middle oesophagus with inclusion of all oesophageal wall layers. Due to missing peri-atrial lesions, activation of cold urticaria during cryoablation rather than procedure-associated alterations was diagnosed. The patient reported no systemic or gastrointestinal symptoms after PVI.

Discussion

We could demonstrate that cold urticaria can manifest as oesophageal angio-oedema in AF patients undergoing cryoablation. Therefore, these patients should be carefully considered for an alternative energy source for PVI or premedication with antihistamines when using cryoenergy.

How to Approach Chronic Inducible Urticaria

Chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) is a group of chronic urticarias characterized by the appearance of recurrent wheals, recurrent angioedema or both, as a response to specific triggers. CIndU includes both physical (symptomatic dermographism, cold and heat urticaria, delayed pressure urticaria, solar urticaria, and vibratory urticaria) and nonphysical urticarias (cholinergic urticaria, contact and aquagenic urticaria). Here, we review the different forms of CIndU with an emphasis on symptomatic dermographism, cold urticaria, cholinergic urticaria, and delayed pressure urticaria. We discuss the clinical features, the diagnostic workup including provocation and threshold testing, and available treatment options.

Treatments of cold urticaria: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Several treatment options for cold urticaria (ColdU) have been studied and reported, but systematic reviews and meta-analyses are limited.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to meta-analyze and review the efficacy and safety of ColdU treatments.

METHODS

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. Suitable reports were identified by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Our systematic review included 16 studies, 9 of which met the eligibility criteria for the meta-analysis. We analyzed the effects of treatments on critical temperature thresholds (CTTs) and critical stimulation time thresholds (CSTTs), as well as on rates of complete response and adverse events.

RESULTS

Our pooled meta-analyses showed that nonsedating second-generation H₁-antihistamines (nsAHs) are effective in the treatment of ColdU and that updosing of nsAHs significantly reduced CTTs relative to their own standard doses and placebos. In 4 studies involving CSTTs, updosing of nsAHs also resulted in significantly better CSTTs than their own standard doses or placebos. Omalizumab resulted in a marked reduction of CTTs in H₁-antihistamine-resistant patients. Of 118 adverse events in 8 studies, standard-dose nsAHs, updosed nsAHs, and omalizumab produced lower numbers of adverse events than first-generation antihistamines.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that greater dosages of nsAHs were more effective than standard dosages in controlling ColdU symptoms. Increasing the dosages was not significantly associated with higher adverse event rates. Omalizumab at 150 and 300 mg every 4 weeks was shown to be effective for patients with ColdU refractory to antihistamines.

Cold Urticaria: Clinical Features and Natural Course in a Tropical Country

PURPOSE

To review the clinical features and natural courses of cold urticaria (ColdU) in a tropical country.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients who visited Siriraj Urticaria Clinic, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, and were diagnosed with ColdU between 2007 and 2018. Data on provocation and threshold tests, clinical courses, and laboratory work-up were analyzed and compared with data reported by studies in temperate countries.

RESULTS

Of 1,063 chronic urticaria patients, 27 (2.5%) were diagnosed with ColdU, with a mean age of symptom onset of 34.8 years. Half of the patients had a history of atopy, and 1 (3.7%) had a history of anaphylaxis. All patients were positive to 1 of 3 provocation tests: an ice cube test; TempTest 4.0; or a tray filled with ice, salt and water. Thirteen patients underwent the ice cube test, and all had positive results. TempTest was performed on 15 patients, 8 of whom had positive results, with a mean critical temperature threshold (CTT) of 21.0°C. All of the 7 patients who had a negative TempTest result later produced positive results to the immersion of their hand and forearm in a tray filled with ice, salt, and water. All patients were treated with H₁-antihistamines, the vast majority (96.3%) being non-sedating H₁-antihistamines. Some (14.8%) needed to be administered oral corticosteroids, ciclosporin, or omalizumab. Six patients (22.2%) were in remission. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated 5-year and 10-year remission rates of 13.8% and 42.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of anaphylaxis in patients with ColdU in a tropical country was lower than those reported by other studies conducted intemperate climates. On the other hand, the number of female patients, mean age at symptom onset, atopy rate, rate of concomitant chronic spontaneous urticaria and mean CTT were higher.

Anaphylaxis in atypical cold urticaria: case report and review of literature

Background

Cold-induced urticaria is a kind of physical urticaria characterized by the appearance of wheals after exposure to cold. The atypical form is a rare sub-type characterized by appearance of hives even in areas not directly exposed to the cold and by a negative cold stimulation test. Its diagnosis is often challenging because of the lack of specific tests and it is usually based on the patient’s clinical history. Hypotension due to generalized exposure to the cold is described both in the typical and the atypical forms.

Case presentation

We describe a 9-year-old boy who, at the beginning of the summer after the first swim in the sea, developed generalized urticaria, dyspnea, conjunctival hyperemia, blurred vision and loss of strength. The child was treated with intramuscular steroid and intravenous antihistamine, and the symptoms quickly resolved. Insect bite, contact with fish and drug ingestion were denied, and no unusual food had been eaten before the swim. A tentative diagnosis was made of either aquagenic urticaria or cold urticaria, but the specific tests were negative. Although the cause was unknown, prophylactic treatment with antihistamines was prescribed but in spite of this, wheals developed all over the body, after every swim in the sea. The child then came to our attention and relying on clinical history a diagnosis of atypical cold urticaria was made: development of hives even in areas not directly exposed to cold and a negative response to the cold stimulation test, are the characteristic features of this rare form of cold urticaria.

Conclusion

Atypical cold urticaria should be suspected in all cases of anaphylaxis related to cold exposure (i.e. contact with water) with a negative cold stimulation test.

Post-infectious sensory neuropathy with anti-GT1a and GQ1b antibodies associated with cold urticaria

A 64 years-old woman presented subacute onset distal paraesthesia concurrently with cold-induced urticaria, a rare form of physical urticaria. Both the disturbances developed a fortnight after an upper respiratory tract infection. EMG confirmed an exclusively sensory polyneuropathy, with prolongation of distal latencies and reduction of amplitudes. Anti-GQ1b and anti-GT1a antigangliosides antibodies were found in serum. The clinical workout included CSF analysis, cryoglobulin and paraprotein search, neurotropic infective agents, neoplastic markers and extensive autoimmune disease antibodies analysis, all of which resulted negative. Intravenous immunoglobulins were administered, leading to progressive resolution of the sensory disturbance, while a combination of steroid and anti-histaminics treatment was used for the urticaria. The positivity for anti-ganglioside search with an EMG pattern characterized by a mixture of demyelinating and axonal features may suggest a nodo-paranodopathy at early stages. This is the first case of an association between an acute sensory neuropathy and cold urticaria, two immune mediated conditions apparently due to very different hypersensitivity pathways. A proposed mechanism for the co-occurence of these two conditions is presented, whereas this case expands the clinical spectrum of autoimmune diseases associated with anti-GQ1b and anti-GT1a antibodies.

Omalizumab in the Treatment of Chronic Inducible Urticaria

Omalizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits immunoglobulin E. It has been approved for the treatment of severe asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria refractory to other treatments. Its use in the management of chronic inducible urticaria (a type triggered by certain stimuli) is still considered off-label, although this use has been discussed in some consensus papers. This review brings together case reports and case series describing the use of omalizumab to treat chronic inducible urticaria. We analyze the most important aspects of the cases and the outcomes reported. The results seem to position omalizumab as a potentially effective, safe treatment alternative in some cases of chronic inducible urticaria.

PLAID: a Syndrome of Complex Patterns of Disease and Unique Phenotypes

PLCG2 associated antibody deficiency and immune dysregulation (PLAID) is a complex dominantly inherited disease characterized almost universally by cold urticaria, and variably by recurrent bacterial infection, autoimmunty and skin granuloma formation. Several striking phenotypes can emerge from this disease, and the pathophysiology leads to a complex mix of loss and gain of function in cellular signaling. This review discusses the key phenotypic characteristics and pathophysiologic observations seen in PLAID, and contrasts PLAID to several related disorders in order to best contextualize this fascinating disease.