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Peer-reviewedCC BY-NC 4.0Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)

The Burden of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Narrative Literature Review

  • Chien-Chia Chuang1
  • Jennifer Boss2
  • Ryan B. Thomas3
  1. 1Sanofi, Cambridge, MA, USA
  2. 2Evidera PPD, ThermoFisher, London, UK
  3. 3Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, Tarrytown, NY, USA
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Abstract

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) accounts for most cases of chronic urticaria; however, the prevalence and disease burden are not well characterized.

Summary: A narrative literature review based on structured and targeted searches of the literature and iterative hand searches based on expert knowledge was conducted to assess the epidemiology and humanistic burden of CSU. Targeted searches were conducted in EMBASE (including conference abstracts), MEDLINE, and health technology agencies using a combination of terms related to “chronic spontaneous urticaria” between January 1, 2010, and June 13, 2023.

Key Messages: The searches retrieved a total of 62 articles. CSU prevalence was reported at 0.08%–2% across Asia, Europe/UK, North America, and South America. Risk factors reported for CSU included female sex, older age, and autoimmune conditions. Itch was the primary and most troublesome symptom. CSU has a significant burden on physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in patients with CSU was driven by outpatient physician office and emergency department visits. Poorly controlled CSU led to greater impact on HRQoL and HCRU. In total, 24 articles reported on available treatment approaches and/or emerging therapies that target the underlying pathophysiology of CSU. Significant evidence gaps were identified, including the need for epidemiological data from a wider range of geographic regions and economic and cost-of-illness analyses. This narrative literature review demonstrates that CSU is associated with a significant burden of symptoms, reduced HRQoL, and HCRU. Early and appropriate diagnosis and new, effective treatment options are needed for patients with CSU.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{chuang2026burden,
  title = {{The Burden of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Narrative Literature Review}},
  author = {Chien-Chia Chuang and Jennifer Boss and Ryan B. Thomas},
  journal = {Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)},
  year = {2026},
  month = aug,
  doi = {10.1159/000553409},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1159/000553409},
  note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - The Burden of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Narrative Literature Review
AU  - Chien-Chia Chuang
AU  - Jennifer Boss
AU  - Ryan B. Thomas
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/08/11
JO  - Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)
DO  - 10.1159/000553409
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1159/000553409
AB  - Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) accounts for most cases of chronic urticaria; however, the prevalence and disease burden are not well characterized.  Summary: A narrative literature review based on structured and targeted searches of the literature and iterative hand searches based on expert knowledge was conducted to assess the epidemiology and humanistic burden of CSU. Targeted searches were conducted in EMBASE (including conference abstracts), MEDLINE, and health technology agencies using a combination of terms related to “chronic spontaneous urticaria” between January 1, 2010, and June 13, 2023.  Key Messages: The searches retrieved a total of 62 articles. CSU prevalence was reported at 0.08%–2% across Asia, Europe/UK, North America, and South America. Risk factors reported for CSU included female sex, older age, and autoimmune conditions. Itch was the primary and most troublesome symptom. CSU has a significant burden on physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in patients with CSU was driven by outpatient physician office and emergency department visits. Poorly controlled CSU led to greater impact on HRQoL and HCRU. In total, 24 articles reported on available treatment approaches and/or emerging therapies that target the underlying pathophysiology of CSU. Significant evidence gaps were identified, including the need for epidemiological data from a wider range of geographic regions and economic and cost-of-illness analyses. This narrative literature review demonstrates that CSU is associated with a significant burden of symptoms, reduced HRQoL, and HCRU. Early and appropriate diagnosis and new, effective treatment options are needed for patients with CSU.
SN  - 1018-8665
SN  - 1421-9832
ER  -