Exploring the Diagnostics of Urticaria at ACAAI

Exploring the Diagnostics of Urticaria Provocation at ACAAI

With urticaria affecting as many as 20% of the world’s population at some point in their life, understanding its definition, diagnosis, and management is crucial. This year at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting, the session “Physical Urticaria Provocation: Diagnostics and Interpretation” was designed to review the tools used in diagnosis to increase clinicians’ confidence in evaluating and treating the disorder.¹

During the session, David A. Khan, MD, FACAAI, Program Director, Allergy & Immunology Fellowship Program at the The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, shared insights on the understanding spontaneous versus inducible urticaria and the resulting treatment approached. Jonathan A. Bernstein, MD, FACAAI, Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine Professor of – Division of Allergy & Immunology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, detailed the use of cold, heat, delayed pressure in testing for inducible urticarias. Eric T. Oliver, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Robert Meyerhoff Endowed Professor, and work group member for the AAAAI/ACAAI Joint Task Force Practice Parameters on chronic urticaria, reviewed dermographism, solar, aquagenic, and vibratory testing for inducible urticarias.

Dermatology Times invited co-moderator Theresa A. Bingemann, MD, FACAA, to discuss highlights from the session. Bingemann also shared tips for dermatological clinicians who may be collaborating with allergist colleagues as they care for patients with urticaria, including tips for educating patients and their caregivers about the disorder, setting clear and appropriate expectations. Bingemann is program director for the Allergy and Immunology fellowship training program at the University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, NY. She currently has dual appointments as associate professor in the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Department of Pediatric Allergy & Immunology and the Department of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology. Bingemann also serves on the editorial board of the Annals of Allergy and Immunology and on the board of directors of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and ACGME review committee for allergy and immunology. Dixie D. Griffin, MD, allergist in private practice, moderated alongside Bingemann.

Reference

1. Physical Urticaria Provocation: Diagnostics and Interpretation. Session during the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting; November 9-13, 2023 ; Anaheim, CA.