Factors associated with disease duration in chronic spontaneous urticaria: A short- to midterm evaluation

Abstract

This retrospective study was conducted to identify clinical, demographic, and biochemical factors associated with prolonged disease duration in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) by including adults diagnosed with CSU between October 2023 and October 2024. Laboratory data examined included complete blood counts, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, and serum iron, as well as specific measurements such as anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies and antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity and total IgE. Age (at initial visit), sex, disease duration, presence of angioedema were retrieved from electronic records. Disease duration was calculated as the time from symptom onset to the most recent episode based on local hospital records and the Turkish Ministry of Health’s National Health System (e-nabız) records. The population size was 203 (~70% females), with a mean age of 40.27 ± 15.03 years. Disease duration was unassociated with age (p = 0.794) and sex (p = 0.366). Angioedema and ANA positivity were respectively detected in 43.35% and 52.26% of patients, but were not associated with disease duration (p = 0.301 and p = 0.824). Notably, patients with a disease duration of >12 months had significantly lower total IgE (p = 0.042) and higher basophils (p = 0.019) compared to those with shorter disease duration. No significant relationships were found when disease duration was classified with thresholds of 24, 36, or 60 months. Basophil count was the only parameter with a very weak but significant correlation with disease duration (r = 0.142, p = 0.044). These results suggest that prolonged CSU duration may be associated with basophil counts and IgE levels; however, it appears that these relationships are weak and likely non-linear. Further research is needed to better understand whether quantifiable parameters might have use in predicting CSU-related characteristics.