CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OF NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY URTICARIA/ANGIOEDEMA PATIENTS

In the large majority of previous studies, patients with a history of acute urticaria induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) seeking safe alternative drugs have undergone tolerance tests uniquely with compounds exerting little or no inhibitory effect on the cyclooxygenase 1 enzyme. In light of recently published studies, however, this approach seems inadequate and should be changed. The present article critically reviews the clinical management of patients presenting with a history of urticaria induced by a single NSAID or multiple NSAIDs and suggests a simple, updated diagnostic algorithm that may assist clinicians in correctly classifying their patients.