Karsten Weller, Tonya Winders, Jessica McCarthy, Tara Raftery, Pallavi Saraswat, Cristina Constantinescu, Maria-Magdalena Balp, Jonathan A Bernstein
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Urticaria Voices: Real-World Experience of Patients Living with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.
Introduction: The impact of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is well documented. However, considerable gaps remain in understanding the experience, perception and needs of patients with CSU. In this study, we investigate the perspective of patients with CSU about the disease journey, treatment and management of the condition as well as the physical and psychosocial impact of the disease.
Methods: A multinational, cross-sectional online survey was completed by patients with chronic urticaria (CU) and physicians treating CU. This analysis focuses on data from the patients with CSU. The patient survey included customized questions and a validated patient-reported outcomes measure, the Urticaria Control Test (UCT).
Results: A total of 582 patients with CSU (62% women; mean [standard deviation, SD] age: 42.2 [11.9] years) completed the online survey. Patients reported a mean (SD) diagnostic delay of 2 (5.4) years and saw 6.1 (8.9) physicians. The majority (79%) of patients were on antihistamines, of which 84% were inadequately controlled (UCT score of < 12) and reported a significantly higher negative impact of CSU on the HRQoL domains than adequately controlled patients, with the highest impact on mental and emotional well-being and social life and intimate relationships. More than half (55%) of the patients experienced angioedema with a mean (SD) of 7.7 (14.0) episodes per year. In addition, sleeping problems (62%), pain (55%) and fatigue (49%) were frequently reported physical symptoms during an exacerbation.
Conclusion: Patients with CSU experience substantial burden due to delayed diagnosis, insufficient symptom control (despite treatment) as well as mental and emotional well-being and social impact, particularly when uncontrolled. Early diagnosis and patient-centered approaches to symptom management and disease control should be prioritized to minimize the negative impact of CSU on patients' life.
期刊介绍:
Dermatology and Therapy is an international, open access, peer-reviewed, rapid publication journal (peer review in 2 weeks, published 3–4 weeks from acceptance). The journal is dedicated to the publication of high-quality clinical (all phases), observational, real-world, and health outcomes research around the discovery, development, and use of dermatological therapies. Studies relating to diagnosis, pharmacoeconomics, public health and epidemiology, quality of life, and patient care, management, and education are also encouraged.
Areas of focus include, but are not limited to all clinical aspects of dermatology, such as skin pharmacology; skin development and aging; prevention, diagnosis, and management of skin disorders and melanomas; research into dermal structures and pathology; and all areas of aesthetic dermatology, including skin maintenance, dermatological surgery, and lasers.
The journal is of interest to a broad audience of pharmaceutical and healthcare professionals and publishes original research, reviews, case reports/case series, trial protocols, and short communications. Dermatology and Therapy will consider all scientifically sound research be it positive, confirmatory or negative data. Submissions are welcomed whether they relate to an International and/or a country-specific audience, something that is crucially important when researchers are trying to target more specific patient populations. This inclusive approach allows the journal to assist in the dissemination of quality research, which may be considered of insufficient interest by other journals. The journal appeals to a global audience and receives submissions from all over the world.