Autologous serum therapy in chronic urticaria

Abstract

Context: Chronic urticaria is one of the most challenging and frustrating therapeutic problem faced by a dermatologist. The simplest screening method to identify chronic autoimmune urticaria was found to be the autologous serum skin test (ASST). Autologous serum therapy (AST) is helpful in chronic urticaria. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of autologous serum therapy (AST) in patients with chronic urticaria. Settings and Design: Prospective study at a tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: The study group included 30 adult patients presenting with chronic urticaria. Six separate parameters of disease activity and severity were recorded according to Urticaria Total Severity Score (UTSS) at baseline (0 week) and at the end of treatment (9 weeks). Nine doses of Autologous serum were given intramuscularly at an interval of 1 week. Results were assessed based on the percentage decrease in the UTSS. Statistical analysis used: Wilcoxon Signed rank test. Results: Among 30 patients, ASST was positive in 15 patients (50%) and negative in 15 patients (50%). 11 patients (36%) had 31-60% response, 7 patients (23%) had 61-90% response, 4 patients (13%) had 10-30% response and 8 patients (26%) had no response. Among 15 ASST positive patients, 8 patients (53%) had 31-60% response, 3(20%) patients had 61-90% whereas among 15 ASST negative patients only 3 (20%) patients had 31-60% response and 4(26.67%) patients had 61-90%. Conclusions: AST was found to be effective in the treatment of chronic urticaria. There was statistically significant response both in ASST positive and negative patients.