Investigation of Autoimmune Disease in Children with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

INTRODUCTION: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in childhood affects the quality of life of the patient and may be associated with other autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of autoimmune diseases with CSU in children. METHODS: In a 3-year period, from 2015 to 2018, forty-nine children were diagnosed with CSU and monitored in the Outpatient Pediatric Allergy Clinic of the University Hospital of Ioannina in Northwestern Greece. The comorbidity with other autoimmune diseases was investigated in this population by autoantibody evaluation. RESULTS: Of the 49 children with CSU, 1 had autoantibodies for celiac disease (CD), which was confirmed by duodenal biopsy via gastroscopy. Four children had high serum levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies but normal thyroid function. No other specific autoantibodies were detected. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of autoimmune diseases among our children with CSU was low. Nevertheless, we think it is important to test children with CSU for other autoimmune diseases. CD can be diagnosed in children with CSU even in the absence of other indicative signs.