PS55 Persistent symptoms and quality-of-life burden in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria and concomitant chronic inducible urticaria: findings from the Urticaria Voices study in the UK

Abstract

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) are chronic conditions, characterized by recurrent weals, pruritus and angio-oedema. Despite available treatments, many patients remain symptomatic and experience impaired quality of life. This analysis focuses on patients’ experiences with CSU and concomitant CIndU reported in the Urticaria Voices study in the UK. Urticaria Voices was a multi­national online survey of adult patients with chronic urticaria, including CSU and/or CIndU, and physicians managing chronic urticaria, conducted in 2022. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. In the UK, 42 patients with CSU with concomitant CIndU responded to the survey. Overall, 48% of patients were female, and the mean (SD) age was 44 (10) years. Patients reported a mean (SD) disease duration of 11.0 (11.3) years, with an average diagnostic delay of 3.1 years. In total, 69% of patients reported having at least one comorbidity (mean 4.5, SD 5.7 per patient), with anxiety being the most prevalent (36%). At the time of the survey, nearly all patients (98%) were receiving at least one treatment, including antihistamines (93%). Disease was inadequately controlled (Urticaria Control Test score of < 12) in 88% of patients. Severe negative impact on daily life was more common in patients with CSU and concomitant CIndU (52%) than in those with isolated CSU (31%). The majority reported moderate-to-severe impact on various aspects of life, including daily activities (90%), family life (86%), mental/emotional wellbeing (83%), social/intimate relationships (83%), professional life (76%) and finances (69%). Social stigma was common, with patients reporting being stared at in public (43%), being asked whether they were contagious (38%), experiencing public discrimination (33%) and experiencing humiliation (31%). These findings from the Urticaria Voices study emphasize the broad negative impact of CSU with concomitant CIndU on patients’ overall quality of life in the UK and highlight the need for improved disease management strategies.