Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis
Overview
A rare condition characterized by the presence of recurring urticarial vasculitis, arthralgia or arthritis and hypocomplementemia. Hypocomplementemia involves a reduction or absence of blood complement which is a part of the body's immune system which destroying invading bacteria or other pathogens.
Symptoms
* Hives * Breathing difficulty * Chronic urticarial vasculitis * Chronic hypocomplementemia * Joint pain
Causes
* Idiopathic urticaria without angioedema –Most common diagnosis in patients with hives –Often related to food or drug allergies, bites, or stings –25% of patients with one episode will progress to chronic urticaria * Chronic urticaria –Idiopathic in 50% of cases –Chronic idiopathic urticaria spontaneously resolves within 2 years in 80% of patients –Criterion for chronic urticaria is duration of more than 6 weeks * Occult infection (e.g., sinusitis, oral infection, cholecystitis, vaginitis, prostatitis, hepatitis, HIV, tinea manus or pedis) * Malignancy * Thyroid disease * Drugs (e.g., radiocontrast media, penicillin, salicylates, benzoates, azo dyes) –May result in life-threatening episodes of urticaria and acute angioedema that can lead to anaphylaxis * Urticaria secondary to physical stimuli [e.g., exercise (cholinergic), vibratory pressure, sun exposure (solar urticaria), cold exposure] –Dermographism occurs in 5% of the population; manifests as a physical urticaria that arises in the distribution line of a scratch or rubbed skin area * Hereditary or acquired deficiency of complement factor C1 –Generally appears as episodic angioedema in the absence of urticaria –Only in the absence of urticaria should hereditary or acquired complement deficiency be considered
Diagnosis
Home medical testing related to Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis: * Home Allergy Tests o Home Mold Tests o Home Food Intolerance Tests o Home Radon Tests o Home Lung Function Tests
Treatment
* Allergy & Immunology * Pediatric Allergy and Immunology