Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a rare condition defined by a severe systemic reaction to mast cell derived mediators. Mast cells are effector cells of the immune system. These cells produce a variety of proinflammatory mediators and participate in a number of different pathological conditions. In patients the risk of developing severe anaphylactic (hypersensitivity) events […]
Cold Hives (urticaria): A review
Cold hives (or urticaria), is a subtype of physical hives that is characterized by the development of hives and swelling in response to cold exposure and rewarming of the skin. It is related to the histamine release of mast cells. Several studies have shown that it is related to IgE and an unknown skin autoallergen […]
Severe Hives Treatment (Xolair and Cyclosporine)
Severe hives or chronic spontaneous urticaria is classified as hives with or without swelling that occurs for 6 weeks or more with an unknown cause. The prevalence of chronic hives (also known as chronic idiopathic urticaria) is approximately 0.5% to 5% of the population. Chronic hives may be active for 1-5 years at a time, […]
Alternative Agents for Refractory Chronic Urticaria Patients
Chronic urticaria is defined for a period of at least 6 weeks with hives. Patients with chronic urticaria who fail high-dose antihistamines should be referred to an allergy specialist to help manage their condition. We have previously spoke about the stepwise approach to chronic idiopathic/spontaneous urticaria. Stepwise approach to Chronic Urticaria (Chronic Hives) Patients with […]
Omalizumab (Xolair) for treating Angioedema and Chronic Hives
Omalizumab (Xolair) is being used to treat chronic hives (urticaria). Chronic idiopathic/spontaneous urticaria (CIU/CSU) is characterized by the spontaneous appearance of hives, angioedema or both that recur without specific external stimuli for at least 6 weeks. Angioedema, which is the acute deeper swelling of the lower skin or subcutaneous tissue has been reported to occur […]
Ligelizumab (QGE031) vs. Omalizumab (Xolair)
Ligelizumab (QGE031) is currently being developed by Novartis for the treatment of allergic diseases mainly asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria. Allergic diseases are dependent on the development of increased IgE levels. Allergen-specific IgE plays a role in the inflammatory cascade of allergic responses. Allergic individuals with elevated IgE levels have increased allergic mediators (e.g. histamine, […]
Sun Allergy (Solar Urticaria) Treatment
Sun allergy, also known as solar urticaria, is an uncommon, chronic and disabling form of physical urticaria (hives). Wheals accompanied by itching or burning sensation appear after a few minutes on sun-exposed skin, disappearing after 1 to 2 hours. In severe cases if the sun exposure is intense can lead to systemic symptoms or even […]
Response of hives after treatment with Xolair
Chronic idiopathic urticaria or chronic spontaneous urticaria is a condition characterized by itchy hives, swelling or both that recur without a cause for 6 weeks or longer. Its prevalence is between 0.6-0.8% in the general population. We have discussed extensively chronic urticaria in the past http://allergylosangeles.com/allergy-blog/stepwise-approach-to-chronic-urticaria/ and the treatment for it with Xolair http://allergylosangeles.com/allergy-blog/xolair-treatment-duration/. We will now look […]
Xolair Treatment Duration for Hives
A big question since Xolair was approved for chronic idiopathic urticaria last year, http://allergylosangeles.com/allergy-blog/xolair-omalizumab-for-chronic-urticaria/ is what should be the Xolair treatment duration for these patients? There have been few studies that have evaluated patients being treated for hives with Xolair for greater than 1 year, since it only has been recently approved. Chronic hives is a […]
Stepwise approach to Chronic Urticaria (Chronic Hives)
Recent stepwise guidelines were published by the Annals of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology regarding the treatment of Chronic Urticaria (hives).