Development and validation of the Urticaria Control Test: a patient-reported outcome instrument for assessing urticaria control.

Background Chronic urticaria is a frequent and debilitating skin disease. Its symptoms commonly fluctuate considerably from day to day. As of yet, the only reliable tool to assess disease activity is the Urticaria Activity Score, which prospectively documents the signs and symptoms of urticaria for several days. Objective We sought to develop and validate a novel patient-reported outcome instrument to retrospectively assess urticaria control, the Urticaria Control Test (UCT). Methods Potential UCT items were developed by using established methods (literature research and expert and patient involvement). Subsequently, item reduction was performed by using a combined approach, applying impact…

Development and construct validation of the angioedema quality of life questionnaire

Background Recurrent angioedema is a frequent clinical problem characterized by unpredictably and rapidly occurring cutaneous and mucosal swellings. These swellings may be painful and/or disfiguring. Upper airway involvement can also lead to dyspnea and suffocation. Although the disease burden is high, there is currently no specific instrument to measure health-related quality of life (QoL) impairment. Objective To develop and validate the first symptom-specific tool to assess QoL impairment in recurrent angioedema patients, adhering to established methodological recommendations. Methods During the development phase, 29 questions (items) were generated. Subsequently, item reduction was perf…

Health-Related Quality Of Life (HRQoL) In Adult Patients With Hereditary Angioedema Due To C1 Inhibitor Deficiency (HAE-C1-INH) Assessed By SF-36v2

Development, validation, and initial results of the Angioedema Activity Score

Background Recurrent angioedema (RecA) is a frequent clinical problem characterized by suddenly occurring cutaneous and/or mucosal swellings. Depending on their location, RecA may be painful, hindering, disfiguring, or even life-threatening. The assessment of disease activity in affected patients is important to guide treatment decisions. Currently, however, there is no standardized and validated outcome measure available to do so. Objective To develop and validate the first specific patient-reported outcome instrument to assess disease activity in RecA patients, the Angioedema Activity Score (AAS). Methods After a set of potential AAS items was developed, item evaluation and reduction were…

Substance P is upregulated in the serum of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.