Thyroid autoantibodies in chronic urticaria: A case-control study in a South Indian population

Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common skin disorder that accounts for 15%-20% of dermatological cases. There is growing evidence that some cases of chronic idiopathic urticarial (CIU) are associated with various autoimmune diseases, including thyroid autoimmunity. This study aims to identify the thyroid profile, including thyroid autoantibodies, in patients with CU.
This case-control study included 100 patients with CU and 100 controls without urticaria. Males and females (age range: 20-40 years) who attended the Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Research centre were included. Participants underwent laboratory investigations that consisted of a complete blood count (CBC) thyroid autoantibodies, and other relevant investigations.
Patients in the CU group had a male to female ratio of 1:2.1 and a mean age of 31.2 years. The control group had a male to female ratio of 1:1 and a mean age of 35 years. Antimicrosomal antibodies (AMA) were present in 14 (14%) patients, 13 females and 1 male. There were no autoantibodies in any of the control group participants. Among these 14 patients, 5 (35.71%) had elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and one had coexistent anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. Other associated diseases included diabetes mellitus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in one patient each.
Thyroid autoantibodies may play a role in persistent CU. Screening patients with persistent CU for thyroid functions, including thyroid autoantibodies, may help with proper management.