Markers of systemic inflammation in delayed pressure urticaria

Background We have previously reported, increased plasma IL-6 concentration in chronic urticaria. In addition, it has been suggested that IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) may be useful markers of the disease activity. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a systemic inflammation is present in delayed pressure urticaria (DPU). Methods Plasma IL-6 and serum CRP concentrations, biomarkers of acute phase response, were measured in DPU, and the healthy subjects matched by age, gender, and BMI using ELISA method. Results DPU patients showed significantly higher plasma IL-6 and serum CRP concentrations than the healthy subjects. Conclusions Similarly to the known locally increased IL-6 activity in DPU lesions, the elevated circulating levels of IL-6 and CRP have been currently found in DPU. This indicates that the disease induces a systemic inflammatory process, termed the acute phase response.