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Reviews

 

Assessment of Severity and Quality of Life in Chronic Urticaria

 

I Jáuregui,1 FJ Ortiz de Frutos,2 M Ferrer,3 A Giménez-Arnau,4 J Sastre,5 J Bartra,8 M Labrador,6 JF Silvestre,7 A Valero8

1Allergy Unit, Hospital Universitario Basurto, Bilbao, Spain
2Dermatology Unit, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
3Department of Allergy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
4Dermatology Unit, Hospital del Mar, Universitat Autónoma, Barcelona, Spain
5Allergy Unit, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
6Allergy Unit, Hospital Universitari de la Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
7Dermatology Unit, General University Hospital, Alicante, Spain
8Allergy Unit, Pneumology and Respiratory Department, Hospital Clínic (ICT), Barcelona, Spain

J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2014; Vol. 24(2): 80-86

 

 Abstract


Chronic urticaria (CU) is very prevalent in the general population and, despite its low mortality, can have devastating effects on the quality of life (QoL) of those who experience it. Therefore, consensus documents on its classification, diagnosis, and treatment have become a necessity. The intensity of urticaria is currently evaluated using indices such as the Urticaria Activity Score and visual analog scales to assess itch or the degree of itch associated with the use of antihistamines. QoL is evaluated using various generic questionnaires and specific tools for skin disease and for CU. In recent years, attempts have been made to combine these evaluations to create a specific tool that would enable us to simultaneously evaluate the severity of the condition and the impact of symptoms on QoL. One such tool is the Urticaria Severity Score, which also allows us to compare global changes brought about by different treatments.

Key words: Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL). Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Visual analog scale (VAS). Itch Intensity Scale. Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Sort Form Health Survey (SF-36). Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Satisfaction Profile (SAT-P). Skindex-29. Chronic urticaria. Urticaria Activity Score (UAS). Urticaria Severity Score (USS). VQ-Dermato. World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF). Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI).