Vitamin D treatment for chronic urticaria: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Chronic urticaria is characterized by recurrent hives, with or without angioedema, persisting for 6 weeks or longer. Although often suspected by patients, in fact specific allergen triggers are infrequent. In contrast, the condition may be associated with autoimmune and thyroid disorders. While some evidence suggests an association of chronic urticaria with vitamin D levels, measurement of vitamin D or supplementation is not a part of diagnostic or treatment recommendations. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 14-year-old white boy with refractory chronic urticaria who experienced prompt remission with high-dose vitamin D repletion when vitamin D deficiency was identified as an incidental finding. CONCLUSIONS: In some patients, vitamin D may have a role in the pathophysiology and treatment of chronic urticaria; however, the cost-effectiveness of routine laboratory screening in chronic urticaria is unknown.