Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Health

Global Study Reveals Effective Treatments for Chronic Hives

A comprehensive international study has identified the most effective treatments for chronic hives, also known as urticaria, particularly when standard antihistamines fail to provide relief. This extensive research, conducted by a team at McMaster University in Canada, offers crucial guidance for both patients and healthcare providers, ensuring a more informed approach to treatment.

Chronic hives are characterized by persistent redness, swelling, and intense itching, with symptoms lasting for six weeks or more. When antihistamines, the conventional first-line treatment, do not alleviate symptoms, systemic therapies become necessary. The study analyzed data from 93 trials involving 11,398 participants, primarily adolescents and adults experiencing moderate to severe chronic urticaria.

Comprehensive Analysis of Treatment Options

The researchers employed a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis (BNMA) to compare various treatments, focusing on patient-relevant outcomes such as the severity of itching and swelling, quality of life, and potential adverse effects. The study excluded trials involving antihistamines, steroids, and alternative medicines, ensuring a focused evaluation of systemic treatments.

According to Derek Chu, MD, PhD, the study’s corresponding author and assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster, “This first comprehensive analysis of all advanced treatment options for chronic urticaria provides a clear and evidence-based ‘menu of treatment options’ for patients and their clinicians to choose from.”

Among the treatments rated with high certainty of evidence, omalizumab (commonly known as Xolair) and remibrutinib emerged as the most effective options. Omalizumab, an injectable monoclonal antibody, works by blocking the action of immunoglobulin E (IgE), a key player in allergic reactions and inflammation. Remibrutinib, an oral medication, inhibits Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), a specific pathway involved in the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.

Potential and Challenges of New Treatments

While remibrutinib has shown promising results in Phase 3 clinical trials, it is not yet available commercially. Another treatment, dupilumab (Dupixent), is an injectable immunotherapy that targets interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) proteins, which are linked to inflammation. The study indicated that dupilumab likely reduces itching and wheal severity, but its effects on swelling and overall quality of life remain uncertain due to limited data.

The study also examined cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive medication that can effectively reduce itching and wheals. However, it carries a higher risk of side effects, including kidney toxicity and elevated blood pressure.

Despite the valuable insights gained, the study has its limitations. Most included trials were short-term, making it difficult to evaluate the long-term safety of the treatments assessed. Additionally, older medications like sulfasalazine, azathioprine, and methotrexate provided low or very low certainty of evidence due to their small sample sizes or non-randomized nature. Notably, children were underrepresented, with only one trial involving participants under 12, which limits guidance for pediatric cases.

Patients now have access to a clearer hierarchy of treatment options beyond antihistamines, allowing for more personalized care. Practical considerations, such as cost, the potential for needle phobia, and convenience, will also play a key role in treatment decisions.

The findings were published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and received funding from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). This study marks a significant advancement in the evidence-based treatment of chronic urticaria, paving the way for improved patient outcomes.

You May Also Like

Lifestyle

Shares of **Amerant Bancorp** (NYSE:AMTB) received an upgrade from Wall Street Zen on March 10, 2024, transitioning from a hold rating to a buy...

Sports

The UFC event in Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025, featured a record-breaking performance from Steven Nguyen, who achieved an unprecedented feat by knocking...

Sports

The Las Vegas Aces secured a convincing victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, defeating them 89-74 on March 12, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena. This...

Sports

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts are gearing up for their drafts, particularly focusing on tight ends. With players like Brock...

Top Stories

URGENT UPDATE: Affordable motorcycle helmets under ₹1000 are now available for safety-conscious riders across India. With road safety becoming a pressing issue, these helmets...

Top Stories

California has taken a stand against a federal directive from the Trump administration demanding the exclusion of transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports....

Technology

Polish cyclist Michał Kwiatkowski returned to competitive racing on Saturday at the Clásica San Sebastián, marking his first event in 141 days following a...

Top Stories

Frontier, a coalition of technology leaders including Google and Meta, has announced a landmark investment in Arbor, a cutting-edge startup specializing in bioenergy with...

Entertainment

Olivia Munn, the acclaimed actress, recently shared an intimate revelation about her personal struggles with trichotillomania, a disorder that compels individuals to pull out...

Health

A recent study led by researchers at Monash University indicates that consuming just one can of diet soda daily increases the risk of developing...

Technology

LangChain, an AI startup known for its innovative software that assists developers in creating applications using advanced models like OpenAI’s GPT-4, has successfully raised...

Entertainment

Complications in the relationship between wrestling legend Hulk Hogan and his daughter Brooke Hogan have surfaced, with revelations about Hogan’s apparent disinterest in reconnecting....

Copyright © All rights reserved. This website provides general news and educational content for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information presented. The content should not be considered professional advice of any kind. Readers are encouraged to verify facts and consult appropriate experts when needed. We are not responsible for any loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of information on this site.