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

Abstract 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