Chronic urticaria and thyroid auto-immunity.

The association between thyroid auto-immunity and chronic urticaria (CU) has long been recognized as significant. The prevalence of antithyroid antibodies (ATAs) has been estimated as 12 to 29%. However, most studies have suggested that these auto-antibodies are not a direct causative agent in CU. In some patients, ATAs are associated with the presence of anti-immunoglobulin E receptor antibodies. It appears more likely that these antibodies are associated, parallel, auto-immune events. The effects of hormonal treatment on clinical symptoms of CU are controversial. They must be evaluated by controlled trials.