Warfarin treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria and angio-oedema

Abstract

Background: Chronic idiopathic urticaria is a disabling condition that does not always respond to antihistamine drugs and other agents are sometimes needed to control disease activity. Warfarin has demonstrated efficacy in single unblinded case studies [1] but has been dismissed by others [2].

Objective: We investigated the effect of warfarin treatment in eight patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria unresponsive to antihistamines in an open study. Six of the eight patients responded to treatment and three had a dramatic response. These three were included in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of warfarin therapy to confirm significant benefit from treatment.

Methods: The three warfarin responders had their stable warfarin dose encapsulated and placebo capsules were provided. A double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial was performed on each patient. Visual analogue scores recorded disease activity.

Results: Comparison of visual analogue scores showed a significant benefit while on warfarin with a reduction in pruritus and angio-oedema.

Conclusion: This is the first double-blind placebo-controlled study to show a response of chronic idiopathic urticaria to warfarin. The mechanisms of action are unclear and require further study.