Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (Jun 2021)

Acute Urticaria in Children in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study

  • KANNU PRIYA,
  • Anupama Vinayak Mauskar

DOI
https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2021/46546.15026
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 6
pp. SC05 – SC08

Abstract

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Introduction: Urticaria is a highly prevalent condition resulting in a large number of medical consultancies worldwide. Urticaria is derived from the Latin word “urere” meaning “to burn”. Urticaria usually manifests as a transient, itchy, polymorphic skin eruption. It can occur in any age group. Aim: A study was undertaken to find out the prevalence and possible triggers of acute urticaria in children. Materials and Methods: All children of age group six months to 12 years visiting the Institute from June 2018 to April 2019, with the complaint of acute urticaria with or without angioedema were included in the study while those with chronic urticaria and only angioedema were excluded. Sixty five children presented with acute urticaria with or without angioedema. Patients were diagnosed based on history and clinical examination. All patients were subjected to a detailed history, general physical examination and, necessary investigations like Complete Blood Count (CBC), Absolute Eosinophil count, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-reactive Protein (CRP), Skin Prick test as indicated. They received appropriate treatment and their clinical outcome was studied. Results: Prevalence of acute urticaria was found to be 0.23. It was more commonly seen in males (63.08%) and more in the age group of 1 to 5 years (56.92%). The focus of infection was found in 44.6% of children, while 21% of children had a history of consumption of some form of medications leading to urticaria. Conclusion: Urticaria can be prevented in children by preventing them from infection and avoiding the use of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid unless very necessary. Those children with a family history of acute urticaria should be prevented from exposure to excessive heat, cold, pressure, vibration, etc. Investigations are also recommended as an important diagnostic tool to find out the aetiology of acute urticaria.

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