Interplay between acute phase response and coagulation/fibrinolysis in chronic spontaneous urticaria

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is associated with activation of systemic inflammatory response and coagulation/fibrinolysis. AIM: To study whether there is a relationship between the acute phase response and coagulation/fibrinolysis in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients. METHODS: Serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), key markers of acute phase response and of D-dimer, a marker of fibrin turnover were investigated in 58 CSU patients assessed with the urticaria activity score (UAS) and the controls. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of IL-6, CRP, and D-dimer were significantly higher in CSU patients as compared with the controls. We found statistically significant correlations between D-dimers concentrations and the inflammatory markers: CRP and IL-6 as well as UAS. CONCLUSIONS: Markers of inflammation (IL-6 and CRP) and of fibrinolysis (D-dimer) are related to each other in CSU, suggesting a possible cross-talk between inflammation and coagulation/fibrinolysis. It might be implicated in pathogenesis of the disease and may be associated with higher risks of cardiovascular diseases in CSU patients.