UNDERSTANDING what matters most to patients with chronic urticaria is vital to delivering care that truly reflects their needs and priorities. A new systematic review, encompassing 18 studies and over 28,000 participants, sheds light on the factors patients and caregivers value most when choosing chronic urticaria treatments.
The review revealed that patients consistently prioritise rapid symptom relief, preferably within two weeks, alongside long-term control of hives, itching, and swelling. When choosing between treatments of similar effectiveness, participants preferred those that were easier to take, caused fewer side effects, and provided a faster onset of action.
Rapid Relief and Safety in Chronic Urticaria Treatments
For patients living with chronic urticaria, everyday discomfort from itching and swelling can significantly affect quality of life. Unsurprisingly, the review found that fast-acting relief was among the most valued features in a treatment. Medications that could provide noticeable improvement in a matter of days to weeks were strongly favoured.
However, safety and tolerability were also key considerations. Participants preferred options with milder adverse effects, such as minor injection site reactions, over treatments associated with more serious risks, including kidney impairment. The balance between speed of relief and long-term safety emerged as a defining factor in treatment choice.
Convenience and Control Matter
Beyond symptom management, patients and caregivers expressed a preference for treatments that are convenient and easy to manage. Oral or topical medications were generally favoured over injections or infusions, which were viewed as burdensome. This reflects a broader desire for autonomy and minimal disruption to daily life, important considerations for both patients and their caregivers.
Implications for Clinical Practice
These findings emphasise that decisions around chronic urticaria treatments should be guided by patient values, not just clinical efficacy. By prioritising rapid relief, sustained control, safety, and ease of use, healthcare professionals can align care with what patients genuinely prefer, ultimately improving adherence, satisfaction, and quality of life.
Reference
Chu X al. Patient values and preferences in chronic urticaria treatment: a systematic review. JAMA Dermatol. 2025;DOI:10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.3663.
