Clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of urticaria in a Lebanese population: a prospective cohort study
摘要
Urticaria is a common dermatosis that remains a major challenge for global health. Cultural, environmental, and genetic factors influence its occurrence, necessitating a personalized treatment approach. Despite its impact, urticaria remains understudied in Lebanon, limiting the development of tailored management strategies. To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with urticaria in a Lebanese population and to evaluate their response to treatment at 1 month follow-up. This prospective epidemiological study included patients with urticaria who presented to the dermatology department of the University Medical Center Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital. Demographic and clinical characteristics related to urticaria and response to treatment were assessed. Patients at 1 month follow-up had no response, partial improvement, or very good response. Six hundred and six patients were included, with many lost over follow-ups. The mean age was 33.48 years. Most were women (65.3%), and 53.3% had acute urticaria. Second-generation antihistamines were the primary treatment (98% at inclusion). Good response rates reached 70% at 1 month. History of chronic disease and concomitant chronic medication were associated with lower response at one month. Frequent flare-ups and oral corticosteroid use reduced the likelihood of optimal response. This study provides real-world data on the clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of urticaria in a Lebanese population. Most patients were treated with second-generation antihistamines with generally favorable responses. Further studies using standardized assessment tools are needed to guide individualized management.