background information
CSU is defined as persistent symptoms of urticaria for 6 weeks or more - the condition is endogenous and independent of any external physical stimulus and is "spontaneous" in all cases.1
In a subpopulation of patients (40-45%) there is a clear link with autoimmunity - CSU is usually more severe and more difficult to treat in these patients.1
For the remaining 55-60% non-autoimmune patients, very little insight is available as to the cause or pathogenesis.1
People with CSU who experience deep tissue swelling (angioedema) may have a greater chance of CSU lasting for 12 months or longer.
The disease generally lasts 1-5 years but can last for decades.
CSU has negative effects on quality of life, which may frequently include sleep deprivation and psychological comorbidities such as depression and anxiety.2
Research suggests the negative impact to patients with CSU is similar to patients with ischaemic heart disease, with patients feeling a similar lack of energy, social isolation and emotional upset.3,4
The frequent failure to identify a specific underlying cause of CSU, its unpredictable symptoms and a high disease burden lead to frustration among patients and their doctors.2
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