Co-existence of Chronic Urticaria and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Implications

Abstract

A systemic pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulating state occurs in subjects who have both chronic urticaria and metabolic syndrome. To investigate the prevalence and clinical impact of metabolic syndrome in Korean patients with chronic urticaria, a hospital-based cross-sectional study of 131 patients was performed. Metabolic syndrome was assessed by the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III. Urticaria disease activity was assessed by total urticaria activity score (range 0-15). Thirty-nine patients (29.8%) had metabolic syndrome compared to 17.8% in a matched control group (p=0.001). Patients with chronic urticaria and metabolic syndrome were older, had a higher mean urticaria activity score and serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein, tumour necrosis factor-α, and complements, and showed a higher rate of negative autologous serum skin tests compared with those with-out metabolic syndrome. Logistic regression analysis indicated that an urticaria activity score of ≥ 13 (p=0.025) and the presence of metabolic syndrome (p=0.036) were independent predictors of uncontrolled chronic urticaria. We conclude that patients with severe and uncontrolled chronic urticaria should be evaluated for metabolic syndrome in order to reduce cardiovascular risk and improve chronic urticaria outcomes.

Evaluation of Serum Resistin Levels and Metabolic Syndrome Related Parameters in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

“…Similar to the study of Ye et al (13) we found no difference in atopy presence, ANA, thyroid auto antibody positivity of MetS-positive and negative CSU patients. On the other hand, unlike their study there was no difference in ASST, serum C3-C4 levels in this study.…”

“…Ye et al (13) reported higher UAS score in MetS-positive patients, but UAS7 scores were higher in MetS-negative patients of our study. Any increase in UAS7 may lead to systemic inflammation, thus an increase in the risk of MetS may be expected.…”

“…Although systemic inflammation has been described in CSU patients, only one study investigated the relationship of MetS and CU (13). Ye et al (13). reported that 39 (29.8%) of 131 patients with CU had MetS.…”

“…In our study, we also observed MetS in 33.3% of CSU patients. Ye et al (13). found that diagnostic criteria of MetS, i.e.…”

“…Although chronic systemic inflammation is seen in patients with CSU, only one previous study investigated the relationship of MetS and CU in literature (13). In this study, we aimed to investigate serum resistin and TNF-α levels together with other metabolic parameters in patients with CSU, and we also aimed to compare urticaria-related parameters in CSU patients with or without MetS.…”