Urticaria and angioedema in children and adolescents: diagnostic challenge

Abstract

Urticaria diagnosis may be challenging in children since it can be triggered or related to numerous conditions. In this paper, we reviewed the main aspects regarding the diagnosis of urticaria in the pediatric population. Acute urticaria is often due to viral infections. However, other culprits, including foods, insect stings, drugs, contrast media, vaccination, latex, and medical diseases, may account for acute patterns. Laboratory tests and confirmatory allergy tests should be individualized and guided by history. Chronic urticaria (CU) is defined when hives and/or angioedema last for more than 6 weeks. The most common type of chronic urticaria in children is chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Chronic inducible urticaria (CindU) is less common but is important to diagnose in order to manage appropriately and reduce the risk of severe reactions. Inducible forms in children are often diagnosed with specific provocation tests similar to the tests used in adults. Given that chronic urticaria could rarely be a presentation of vasculitis, systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or auto-inflammatory syndromes, it is important to rule out these conditions. It is crucial to differentiate cases of chronic urticaria from mastocytosis and Bradykinin-mediated angioedema, given that treatment may differ. The management of chronic urticaria in children has improved over the last decade because of the development of both clear management guidelines and new effective drugs. It is crucial to increase awareness for appropriate diagnosis and new available treatment to improve the management of chronic urticaria in children.