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Background: Chronic urticaria (CU) is a prevalent dermatologic disease that negatively affects life, current therapies remain suboptimal. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify effective and safe treatment. Objective: Assess the efficacy and safety of compound glycyrrhizin (CG) combined with second-generation nonsedated antihistamine for the treatment of CU. Methods: Nine databases were queried to screen RCTs related. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias using Cochrane Collaboration. Primary objective was the total efficiency rate, while secondary was rate of recurrence, adverse events, and cure. Statistical analyses using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata17. Results: Twenty-four RCTs were identified. Significant differences were noted in rate of total efficiency (n=2649, RR = 1.36, 95%CI:1.30–1.43, p<0.00001), cure (n=2649, RR = 1.54, 95%CI:1.42–1.66, p<0.00001) and recurrence (n=446, RR = 0.34, 95%CI:0.20–0.58, p<0.00001) between the combination of CG with second-generation non-sedated antihistamine and antihistamine monotherapy. Contrastingly, adverse events rate (n=2317, RR = 0.76, 95% CI:0.59–0.97, p=0.03) was comparable between the two groups. Our results indicated that CG combined with second-generation non-sedated antihistamine could significantly mitigate the symptoms in CU compared with antihistamine monotherapy. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: CG combined with second-generation nonsedated antihistamine is effective for CU. Nevertheless, higher-quality studies are warranted to validate our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic urticaria (CU) is defined as the presence of recurring hives and/or angioedema lasting more than 6 weeks. The precise impact of food allergies, particularly to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal) and omega-5-gliadin (O5G), on the development of CU is not well established. Aim: The study examines the frequency of sensitisation to these allergens and their clinical significance in individuals with CU. Material and methods: We recruited 100 adults newly diagnosed with CU to evaluate the presence of specific immunoglobulin E antibodies and allergies to α-gal and O5G. The patients were categorised into three groups based on their specific IgE levels: those sensitised to α-gal, those sensitised to O5G, and those not sensitised to either. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were compared across the groups. Results: The findings indicated that 5% of the cohort was sensitised to α-gal, and 4% showed sensitivity to O5G, while only 4% of patients had a convincing history of food allergy (two to red meat and two to wheat). The sensitised groups exhibited the greatest levels of total IgE, and had a higher proportion of males. The α-gal group showed higher levels of specific IgE to Ascaris lumbricoides than the group without sensitisation. The groups had similar features in all other assessed aspects. Conclusions: Our CU cohort's sensitivity and convincing food allergy to α-gal and O5G were comparatively modest. While routine screening may not be essential, focused testing of individuals with severe or uncommon symptoms might enhance the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]