[Cold urticaria: review of 12 cases]

Abstract

Background: Cold urticaria is caused after exposition to cold air, water and food. It is the third more frequent physical urticaria in pediatric population.

Methods and results: We reviewed twelve patients, studied different characteristics and obtained following results: mean age is 12 years and 9 months and it is more frequent in female subjects, atopy is present in 67 % of patients, other physical urticaria are present in 25 % and there is not familial inheritance. 83 % of patients have localized and generalized symptoms. Cold stimulation test is positive in 92 %. Cryoglobulins and cold agglutinins are negative in 100 % of patients in which these tests were made. There is infectious disease in only two patients. Cetirizine was used in most of patients and it was successful in 70 %. Mean duration is 3 years and 6 months. Only patient with negative cold stimulation test remains without symptoms.

Conclusions: Cold urticaria must be initially diagnosed by cold stimulation test and clinical history. Cetirizine is effective and cause less adverse effects than other antihistamines traditionally used.