Childhood chronic urticaria and type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Results We present the case of a 10 year old, otherwise healthy boy, who has a 6-7 year history of persistent chronic urticaria requiring ongoing treatment. His symptoms consist of daily urticarial lesions and angioedema with frequent flares. Upper respiratory viral infections, spring/ fall season and stressful events make his condition worse; however, no food or medication triggers has been found so far. The initial work up of chronic urticaria included CBC, differential, TSH, thyroid antibodies, ANA, C3 and C4 titers, serology for H. Pylori, tryptase level, ESR, stool for O&A, urinalysis, which were entirely negative. A year ago, he developed sudden onset of weight loss, polydipsia and polyuria, and was diagnosed with Type 1 insulin dependent diabetes. He was found to have positive antiGAD antibodies, but thyroid and anti TTG IgA antibodies remained negative. He has been tried on many treatment modalities including various combinations of new and old generation antihistamines, steroids, ketotifen, montelukast, but his condition remains active.