Autoimmune urticaria. Treatment with methotrexate

Abstract

Backgroud: It has been established that 27-50% of patients with idiopathic chronic urticaria have antibodies directed against the alpha chain of the high-affinity IgE receptor, which are indirectly detected by cutaneous tests with autoserum. Thus, an autoimmune urticaria diagnosis can be settled. Objetive: To prove methotrexate's efficiency in patients with autoimmune urticaria. Material and methods: Seven patients took part in the study. A series of tests was performed in order to rule out any possible infectious, metabolic, or physical etiology. Initial treatment with methotrexate with doses of 2.5 mg every 12 hours, two days a week was provided. In case there were no toxicity data, doses would increase to three days a week for a 6-week period. Results: Statistically significant improvement was observed in the itching, as well as the presence of spots, repercussion on daily activities, sleep disorders. There was no statistical difference regarding the extension of the lesions and the presence of angioedema. Adverse effects were not significant. Conclusion: We conclude that methotrexate is effective in the treatment of autoimmune urticaria.