Prevalence and treatment of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in Children

Abstract

This literature review investigates the prevalence of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) in children, drawing from 15 articles found in PubMed and EMBASE databases, all published in English. Despite CSU being commonly associated with adults, the selected studies consistently demonstrate its presence in pediatric populations. Prevalence rates vary by region, with Western countries reporting figures between 0.1% to 0.3% among children, while some Asian populations exhibit higher rates. These discrepancies may stem from genetic, environmental, and ethnic factors. Additionally, the review emphasizes the substantial impact of CSU on children's lives, disrupting sleep, daily activities, and emotional well-being. Comorbidities, including other allergic diseases, are also prevalent among pediatric CSU cases, necessitating comprehensive clinical assessments and integrated management. The review addresses diagnostic challenges, stressing the importance of accurate differentiation from other urticarial conditions and systemic disorders. It explores evolving insights into CSU's pathophysiology in children, with emerging research implicating autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. In this review reaffirms that CSU affects children, with varying prevalence rates worldwide. It underscores the substantial burden on affected children and the need for accurate diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, and further research to understand CSU's mechanisms and risk factors in children better, ultimately improving their quality of life and outcomes.