The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and cobalamin deficiency in patients with chronic urticaria

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of studies reporting the presence of systemic symptoms and micronutrient deficiency in patients with chronic urticaria, and these data are lacking in a Canadian population. OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency in a Canadian patient population diagnosed with chronic urticaria. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 100 adult patients with chronic urticaria was conducted. Demographic characteristics, medications, presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, and laboratory findings were abstracted from electronic medical records. RESULTS: Seventy percent of patients with chronic urticaria reported experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common symptom identified was gastroesophageal reflux (42%). Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency, defined as serum vitamin B12 level ≤ 250 pmol/L, was identified in 31.7% of the patients. Among those patients with urticaria and vitamin B12, 68% reported gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to provide data on the high prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency in a Canadian population diagnosed with chronic urticaria. Early recognition and management of systemic symptoms and micronutrient deficiency may lead to a more comprehensive approach to management of these patients. Trial registration Not applicable