Iram Saddiqa Aamir, Usama Khalid Choudry, Nighat Mannan.
Association between chronic idiopathic urticaria and body mass index.
Pak J Physiol Jan ;12(1):35-7.

Background: Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is defined as recurrence of transient and itchy maculopapular rash with or without angioedema for >6 weeks duration. No cause is identified in about 40% of the general population. Autoimmunity can be a contributing factor in CIU. Increased Body Mass Index (BMI) is associated with autoimmune thyroid disease and may have autoimmune basis. This study was carried out to determine any association between BMI and VIU. Methods: This case control study was conducted in Physiology department at Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi from Jan 2007 to Jan 2008. A total number of 90 patients were enrolled and divided into 3 groups of 30 each. Group 1 consisted of diagnosed cases of CIU, Group 2 consisted of diagnosed cases of hypothyroidism, and Group 3 comprised of normal age and sex matched group. CIU disease activity was assessed by history of patients, physical examination and laboratory findings (complete blood count, IgE levels, food allergy tests). Diagnosis of hypothyroidism was made by history, physical examination and laboratory criteria: Serum T4<4.5, FT3 <1.8, TSH >4 µIU/ml, anti-thyroglobulin antibodies <1:10=Negative, >1:10=Positive, Anti-microsomal antibodies <1:100=Negative, >1:100=Positive. BMI was calculated from height (m) and weight (Kg) of the subjects. Results: Body mass index was significantly raised in Group 2, but BMI was normal in chronic urticaria patients. No significant association was found between CIU and BMI. Conclusion: No statistically significant association exists between CIU and increased BMI.

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