Perfil clínico de los pacientes con urticaria crónica en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención de la Seguridad Social de Costa Rica.

Introduction: Chronic spontaneous urticaria is a disease that affects 0.5 to 1% of the population. The main treatment is second-generation anti-histamines.   Objective: Our research study describes the clinical and laboratory profile of patients diagnosed with chonic urticaria in the Allergology Outpatient Clinic in a tertiary care hospital of the Social Security System of Costa Rica.   Materials and methods: All patients older than 13 years diagnosed with chronic urticaria between January 1st, 2014 and December 31st, 2018. Variables from clinical and laboratory data were statistically analyzed and the treatment of patients was compared between their first and last consultation.   Results: 160 patients met the diagnosis of chronic urticaria; 129 patients were female, 45.7% aged 30 – 49 years. 100% had chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), 17.5% (28 patients) had inducible urticaria associated, 54.8% (46/84) had a positive antithyroperoxidase antibody. Only 16.9% (27 patients) were maintained at the end of the study with a dose of anti H1sg. 16.3% (26 patients) no longer required anti-histamine treatment at the last consultation. Cyclosporine was used in 8.8% of the patients with CSU (14 patients). Omalizumab was administered in 2.5% (4 patients) at a mean dose of 300 mg per month.   Conclusion: A real-life study in a geographic region with limited publications on this pathology, we hope that the information provided will contribute to optimizing the available resources for an efficient and effective control of these patients.