Patient Values and Preferences in Chronic Urticaria Treatment

JAMA Dermatology

Clinical Summary

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What was studied

Systematic review of 18 studies (n=28,497) synthesizing patient and caregiver values and preferences for chronic urticaria treatment; databases were searched from inception to May 15, 2025, and findings were synthesized using thematic analysis with GRADE-CERQual ratings.

Key findings

Moderate-certainty evidence indicates patients value rapid improvement (about 2 days to 2 weeks), long-term effectiveness, and easy-to-use, self-managed treatments—favoring oral or topical options over injections, with infusions least favored. Low-certainty evidence suggests patients may accept minor burdens for rapid and sustained relief but shift to prioritizing safety and tolerability as the risk or severity of adverse effects (e.g., kidney injury, vomiting) increases.

Study limitations

Certainty was low for evidence about trade-offs between accepting feasibility burdens and prioritizing safety/tolerability.

Clinical implications

In CU care, emphasize options that deliver fast (within 2 days to 2 weeks) and durable relief with simple self-management, favoring oral or topical routes when reasonable. Discuss adverse effect risks clearly, as higher risk or severity can shift patients toward prioritizing safety over convenience.