Impact of urticaria: QOL and performance

Abstract

Core Messages: HRQL is now a fundamental parameter for a global assessment of patients suffering from chronic diseases and it has become a widely accepted outcome in clinical care and research. In addition, HRQL plays an increasing role in the European regulatory documents of pharmaceutical products. Because of its clinical characteristics, Chronic Urticaria deeply interferes with physical and emotional well-being, social relationships and daily-life activities. As it was recently underlined by the guidelines for CU management, research has only recently explored HRQL in urticaria patients. HRQL assessment is now possible by using generic questionnaires or a specific one (Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnarie-CU-Q2oL). The available studies widely confirm that patients suffering from CU have a reduced HRQL, with considerable limitations in terms of well-being, relationships, daily functioning, sleep, self-image and mood. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.