Naiem Issa, MD, PhD

Panelists discuss how, given that approximately 49% of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) consult general practitioners, while only approximately 19% see dermatologists, there is a compelling case for more patients to be referred to dermatologists, as CSU is an internally driven disease that may benefit from specialized expertise.

Panelists discuss how disease severity in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is assessed using tools such as the Urticaria Activity Score over 7 days (UAS7) and the Urticaria Control Test (UCT), while also addressing the frequency of delayed diagnoses and the significant implications for condition management and patient quality of life.

Panelists discuss how testing for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is recommended, with routine blood counts, including tests for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and/or c-reactive protein (CRP), and specific antibody tests such as immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti- thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) being highlighted, according to guidelines.

Panelists discuss how the diagnosis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) involves assessing wheals, hives, and angioedema, while emphasizing that the chronic and spontaneous nature of the condition can complicate the diagnostic process.

Panelists discuss how recent insights into chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) pathogenesis reveal potential autoimmune responses and highlight the role of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) as a key mediator in mast cell degranulation and histamine release.

Panelists discuss how patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) experience increased rates of depression, sleep disturbances, and absenteeism, significantly impacting their professional life and overall quality of life.

Panelists discuss how chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as the spontaneous appearance of wheals or angioedema lasting more than six 6 weeks, which can significantly impact patients' clinical health and psychosocial well-being.

Panelists discuss how chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) affects approximately 0.5% to 1% of the population, predominantly impacting women and often presenting with variable wheals and angioedema.