RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: There is limited literature in the management of chronic urticaria in children. Treatment algorithms are generally extrapolated from adult studies. OBJECTIVE: Utility of a weight and age-based algorithm for antihistamines in management of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in childhood. To document associated factors that predict for step of control of CSU and time taken to attain control of symptoms in children. METHODS: A workgroup comprising of allergists, nurses, and pharmacists convened to develop a stepwise treatment algorithm in management of children with CSU. Sequential patients presenting to the paediatric allergy service with CSU were included in this observational, prospective study. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were recruited from September 2012 to September 2013. Majority were male, Chinese with median age 4 years 7 months. A third of patients with CSU had a family history of acute urticaria. Ten point two percent had previously resolved CSU, 25.5% had associated angioedema, and 53.1% had a history of atopy. A total of 96.9% of patients achieved control of symptoms, of which 91.8% achieved control with cetirizine. Fifty percent of all the patients were controlled on step 2 or higher. Forty-seven point eight percent of those on step 2 or higher were between 2 to 6 years of age compared to 32.6% and 19.6% who were 6 years and older and lesser than 2 years of age respectively. Eighty percent of those with previously resolved CSU required an increase to step 2 and above to achieve chronic urticaria control. CONCLUSION: We propose a weight- and age-based titration algorithm for different antihistamines for CSU in children using a stepwise approach to achieve control. This algorithm may improve the management and safety profile for paediatric CSU patients and allow for review in a more systematic manner for physicians dealing with CSU in children.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors have been found to be safe alternatives in adults with cross-intolerant hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However they are usually not prescribed in children and there is little information about their tolerance in the pediatric age group. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the tolerance to etoricoxib in children with hypersensitivity to multiple antipyretics. METHODS: A retrospective case series of children diagnosed with hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs and/or paracetamol who underwent a drug provocation test (DPT) with etoricoxib. Information on atopy, family history of allergic diseases, and medication usage was collected. Outcomes of the DPTs and tolerance to etoricoxib were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 24 children, mean age 13.5 years, had a diagnosis of cross-intolerant hypersensitivity to NSAIDs and/or paracetamol. All except one patient successfully tolerated an oral challenge with etoricoxib. Of those who passed the DPT, the majority continued to use etoricoxib with no problems. It was found to be moderately effective in reducing fever and pain. CONCLUSION: Etoricoxib can be used as a safe alternative in older children with hypersensitivity to multiple antipyretics.
