A Systematic Review of Autohemotherapy as a Treatment for Urticaria and Eczema

Brewer, Devon D.

doi:10.7759/cureus.233

Cited by 13 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 42 publications

(70 reference statements)

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“…Recently, a systematic review of autohemotherapy as a treatment for urticaria was published. [ 5 ] It stated that (1) autohemotherapy does not have major side effects and that minor adverse effects are short lived and similar in frequency to those from placebo injections, (2) overall, autohemotherapy tends to be somewhat more effective in reducing symptoms than control therapy across studies although the advantage is not statistically reliable, (3) AWB and autologous serum injections appear to have similar effectiveness, and (4) urticaria patients who test positive on the ASST respond more favorably to autohemotherapy on average than those who test negative.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Autohemotherapy involves injecting autologous whole blood (AWB) or autologous serum, traditionally into muscle. [ 5 ] The procedure was widely used in the treatment of furunculosis and buboes[ 6 ] and a variety of diseases including chronic inflammation, allergies, vascular diseases, osteoarthritis, atopic dermatitis,[ 7 ] and various other skin disorders in the past. [ 8 ]…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Subcutaneous autologous serum therapy in chronic spontaneous urticaria

Godse¹,

Nadkarni²,

Patil³

et al. 2017

Indian J Dermatol

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Subcutaneous autologous serum therapy in chronic spontaneous urticaria

Godse¹,

Nadkarni²,

Patil³

et al. 2017

Indian J Dermatol

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“…For antihistamine‐resistant patients, omalizumab, a humanized anti‐IgE antibody and, if ineffective, ciclosporin A are recommended treatment options . However, in some countries, such as China, Germany, India, Iran, South Korea, Turkey, Mexico and the United States, autohemotherapy is also commonly used to treat antihistamine‐resistant patients with CSU . As of now, the level of evidence in support of the efficacy of autohemotherapy in the treatment of patients with CSU is limited and the mechanisms of action are currently not well understood, which is why autohemotherapy as a treatment approach in CSU is controversially discussed (Appendix , Supporting Information).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Immunological effects and potential mechanisms of action of autologous serum therapy in chronic spontaneous urticaria

Buttgereit

Skov

et al. 2019

Acad Dermatol Venereol

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Background Autoimmune processes are considered to play a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Very recently, interleukin 24 (IL‐24) has been identified as an immunoglobulin E (IgE) autoantigen in CSU. Some studies revealed that notably autologous serum skin test (ASST)‐positive CSU patients may benefit from autohemotherapy; however, the mechanisms of action remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the immunological effects of autologous serum injections in ASST‐positive CSU patients. Methods Sixty‐six ASST‐positive CSU patients were treated with weekly intramuscular autologous serum injections for 8 weeks and followed up for 12 weeks. Urticaria activity score (UAS7) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were assessed. The ASST was done at baseline, week 9 and week 21. Serum samples (baseline, weeks 9, 13 and/or 21) were analysed for the levels of IgE‐anti‐IL‐24 and immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐anti‐IL‐24 via ELISA and their ability to release histamine in basophils [basophil histamine release assay (BHRA)]. Results Autologous serum therapy resulted in a substantial improvement in disease activity and quality of life after 8 and 20 weeks. Twenty‐eight percent and 34% of patients turned ASST‐negative in weeks 9 and 21, respectively, but there was no link between their response to treatment and changes of ASST results. Also, no significant or relevant changes in BHRA were observed. In contrast, autologous serum therapy significantly decreased IgE‐anti‐IL‐24 serum levels, but not IgG‐anti‐IL‐24 serum levels, in responders but not in non‐responders. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the immunological effects of autologous serum therapy include a reduction in IgE‐anti‐IL24 autoantibodies, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of CSU.

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“…It is considered as a stimulation or regulation therapy, which implies that a bodily self-healing reaction is elicited by a counter-regulation to irritation [1]. Therefore, mild reactions such as local bruises and soreness in the injection area have been regarded as inherent to the therapy [1, 7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Major side effects of AWB have not yet been noted. If the blood has not been manipulated before reinjection and normal hygiene standards regarding injections are being observed, the infection risk is low [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intramuscular autologous blood therapy - a systematic review of controlled trials

Oomen-Welke

Huber

2019

BMC Complement Altern Med

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Background Autologous whole blood (AWB) is used in complementary medicine for the treatment of infections and skin disorders. So far, the efficacy of AWB is discussed controversially. Methods To estimate the efficacy of AWB therapy and to gather evidence in regard to effector mechanisms, we effected a systematic review of articles accessible through Pubmed and Cambase. Further trials were identified through references and by contacting study authors. Prospective controlled trials concerning intramuscular AWB therapy were included with the exception of trials using oxygenated, UV radiated or heated blood. Information was extracted on the indication, design, additions to AWB and outcome. Full texts were screened for information about the effector mechanisms. Results Eight trials suited our criteria. In three controlled trials about atopic dermatitis and urticaria, AWB therapy showed beneficial effects. In five randomized controlled trials (RCTs), two of which concerned respiratory tract infections, two urticaria and one ankylosing spondylitis, no efficacy could be found. A quantitative assessment was not possible due to the heterogeneity of the included studies. We only found four controlled trials with sample sizes bigger than 37 individuals per group. Only one study investigated the effector mechanisms of AWB. Conclusions There is some evidence for efficacy of AWB therapy in urticaria patients and patients with atopic eczema. Firm conclusions can, however, not be drawn. We see a great need for further RCTs with adequate sample sizes and for investigation of the effector mechanisms of AWB therapy.

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A Systematic Review of Autohemotherapy as a Treatment for Urticaria and Eczema

Cited by 13 publications

References 42 publications

Subcutaneous autologous serum therapy in chronic spontaneous urticaria

Subcutaneous autologous serum therapy in chronic spontaneous urticaria

Immunological effects and potential mechanisms of action of autologous serum therapy in chronic spontaneous urticaria

Intramuscular autologous blood therapy - a systematic review of controlled trials

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