Evaluation of Vitamin B12 Levels in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Patients and Correlation with Severity of Disease.

BACKGROUND

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a condition with an unclear etiology, which is characterized by recurring hives and/or angioedema. Evidence suggests a potential role of vitamin B12 in modulating immune responses and disease severity. This study explores the relationship between vitamin B12 levels, CSU severity and autoimmunity markers such as autologous serum skin test (ASST) positivity.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 57 CSU patients was conducted. Participants' demographic and clinical characteristics, vitamin B12 levels and ASST positivity were assessed. Symptom severity was measured using urticaria activity scores (UAS), wheal/flare duration and pruritus severity. Associations between vitamin B12 levels, symptom severity and ASST positivity were analysed.

RESULTS

Participants had a mean age of 36 years, with a higher share of female subjects. Vitamin B12 deficiency (<200 pg/mL) was observed in 15.7% of patients, while 78.9% had normal levels. A significant negative correlation was found between vitamin B12 levels and wheal/flare duration (p=0.04). Patients with low vitamin B12 levels had longer wheal/flare duration and trends toward higher pruritus severity compared to those with normal levels. Autologous serum skin test positivity was observed in 21% of participants and was associated with more severe symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a potential role for vitamin B12 in modulating CSU severity. Assessing vitamin B12 levels in patients with severe or refractory symptoms could aid in personalized management strategies. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the role of supplementation in improving CSU outcomes.