Predictive factors of the duration of a first-attack acute urticaria in children.

PURPOSES This study's aim was to determine the predictive factors of the duration of first-attack acute urticaria in children. BASIC PROCEDURES The sample included 1075 children admitted to the emergency department with first-attack acute urticaria. Variables comprising the clinical features and past histories of children with duration of disease of 3 days or less, 4 to 7 days, 8 to 14 days, and 15 days or more were compared to determine the predictors of duration of acute urticaria. MAIN FINDINGS Age, various etiologies, clinical presentations, coexistent pyrexia or angioedema, and personal histories of allergic diseases were significant factors (all P < .05). Among allergic diseases, atopic dermatitis was the most significant predictor of duration of acute urticaria, and those with multiple allergic diseases had longer durations of urticaria (both P < .05). Oral plus injection forms of antihistamine or steroid were related to shorter duration of disease (P < .05). PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS Etiologies and personal allergy history may be the most important predictors of the duration of a first attack of acute urticaria.