Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in Hong Kong: Clinical Characteristics, Real-World Practice and Implications for COVID-19 Vaccination.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The real-world management and clinical characteristics of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in Hong Kong and its implications for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination are unknown. We investigated the clinical characteristics of patients with CSU and the role of an immunologist-led Urticaria Clinic as well as the impact of CSU on COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Hong Kong.

METHODS:

Longitudinal clinical data of 257 CSU patients were collected and analyzed. Association analyses were performed to identify the relationships between variables and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

RESULTS:

After the immunologist review, the Weekly Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) was significantly lower than baseline (median: 0.00 vs. 12.0, P < 0.001). Changes in UAS7 were significantly greater among patients with baseline UAS7 ≥ 16 compared to those with UAS7 < 16 (median: -24.0 vs. -2.00, P < 0.001). CSU patients had lower COVID-19 vaccination rates than the general population with only 176 (68.5%) and 165 (65.0%) receiving at least one dose and 2 doses of vaccination, respectively. The presence of concomitant suspected drug allergy was associated with lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake (odds ratio [OR], 0.47; P = 0.010), while regular pharmacological treatment was associated with higher COVID-19 vaccine uptake among CSU patients (OR, 3.79; P = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS:

A dedicated immunologist-led Urticaria Clinic may effectively improve CSU management and outcomes in Hong Kong.

• Authors: Andy Ka Chun Kan, Thomas Tsz Hang Wong, Valerie Chiang, Chak Sing Lau, Philip Hei Li
• Journal: Allergy, asthma & immunology research (Allergy Asthma Immunol Res) Vol. 15 Issue 1 Pg. 32-42 (Jan 2023) ISSN: 2092-7355 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 36693356 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2023 The Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology • The Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease.