Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in Adult Patients: Evaluating the Effect of Loratadine on Weight and Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction:

Antihistamine is standard chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) therapy. Appetite and weight are a concern as updosing may be required. We investigated effects of loratadine on appetite, weight and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in CSU patients.    

Methods:                                                             

A 12-week cohort study was performed involving CSU patients aged ≥18 years. Patients with diseases or on drugs affecting weight or appetite were excluded. CSU was treated according to standard clinical management. Anthropometric measurements, Urticaria Activity Score 7 (UAS7), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), hunger and satiety questionnaire, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and fasting lipid profile (FLP) were obtained at baseline, week 6 and week 12. Loratadine cumulative dose were determined.

Results:

Thirteen (33.33 %) males and 26(66.67 %) females aged 33.00(12.00) years with CSU duration 8.00(20.00) months participated. Weight was 62.55(18.30) kg while body mass index (BMI) was 24.60 (6.80)kg/m², 13(33.33%) patients had normal weight, 12(30.77%) overweight, 11(28.21%) obese and 3(7.69%) underweight. Significant weight gain was observed at week 6 67.56±16.14kg vs 68.16±16.95kg, p=0.045 and 67.56±16.14kg vs 64.73±14.60kg, p=0.036 at week 12. Changes in BMI, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), FBS and FLP were insignificant. Three patients developed MetS. Hunger and satiety scores were not significantly affected. Loratadine dose was not associated with weight and appetite.

Conclusion:

Loratadine induced weight gain despite no effects on hunger and satiety. Blood glucose and serum lipids were unchanged while MetS were observed in a few patients. Weight should be monitored in patients on long term loratadine therapy.