Chronic urticaria: do urticaria nonexperts implement treatment guidelines? A survey of adherence to published guidelines by nonexperts

Br J Dermatol. 2009 Apr;160(4):823-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08985.x. Epub 2008 Dec 16.

Abstract

Background: Guidelines including level of evidence and grade of recommendation were recently published for chronic urticaria (CU).

Objectives: To describe the therapeutic approach in patients with CU, and to depict how recent guidelines are implemented in the daily practice of management of CU.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional multicentre study through a questionnaire answered by 139 specialists. In total, 695 patients were evaluated, mean+/-SD age 42.3+/-15 years, 62.1% women. Of the patients, 168 were treated by an allergist, 473 by a dermatologist and in 54 cases the specialist was not stated. The drug prescribed was the main variable, and chi2 and Fisher's tests were utilized for the statistical analysis.

Results: Nonsedating anti-H1 antihistamines taken regularly were the most common drugs prescribed, followed by nonsedating anti-H1 antihistamines taken as needed, corticosteroids, sedating antihistamines taken regularly, sedating antihistamines taken as needed, anti-H2 antihistamines, leukotriene antagonists, ciclosporin and doxepin. Nonsedating antihistamines plus corticosteroids was the most frequent drug combination prescribed. When comparing between allergists and dermatologists we found a positive and significant correlation only between prescription of cetirizine, dexchlorfeniramine, leukotriene antagonists and anti-H2 antihistamines and being treated by an allergist. A positive correlation was found with desloratadine and being seen by a dermatologist. We did not find any difference in CU management in the rest of the treatments studied.

Conclusions: It is surprising that a large amount of sedating antihistamines was prescribed. In many instances these were prescribed as needed. This fact could have a negative impact on urticaria control and patient satisfaction. It seems difficult for the nonexpert to differentiate between CU and any kind of physical urticaria.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Guideline Adherence*
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Leukotriene Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urticaria / drug therapy*
  • Urticaria / psychology

Substances

  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Leukotriene Antagonists
  • Cyclosporine