D2.235 - Urticaria Voices: Patient-reported disease burden and treatment experiences in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in China - A real-world evidence study (UV in China)

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is characterized by recurring itchy wheals (hives) and/or angioedema lasting >6 weeks without identifiable triggers, affecting 1.29% of China’s population. As studies on CSU in China are largely epidemiological with few patient-reported perspectives, studying real-world patient outcomes is important. This study investigated Chinese CSU patients' perspectives on disease burden, treatment patterns and unmet needs, assessing gaps between current management outcomes and treatment expectations.

Cross-sectional study using 40-minute online surveys. Patients recruited through online panels. Eligibility: adults ≥18 years with physician-confirmed CSU diagnosis, currently receiving treatment. Descriptive analysis stratified by disease control and treatment type.

The study included 400 CSU patients (55% male, mean age 35.9 years). Symptoms onset occurred 1-5 years prior in 71% patients, with a mean disease duration of 5.31 years (SD 4.89). Based on Urticaria Control Test (UCT) scores (<12), 35% patients had inadequately controlled disease, while Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGIS) self-assessment showed better perceived control (mild/no symptoms 92%). Diagnoses were predominantly made by dermatologists (94%), 86% had consulted 1+ additional dermatologists since diagnosis; 57% reported no fixed visit schedule while 42% had less than 2 visits annually. Quality of life was affected: sleep disturbance reported by 79% inadequately controlled patients, with worsening during exacerbations. Most patients (82%) were currently receiving second-generation antihistamines, and 1/3 had taken Traditional Chinese Medicine with/without medical advice in the past. Patients rated complete symptom control as most important treatment goal, mean importance ~8.5/10 (=10 extremely important), but only 16% considered it achievable with current treatments – 9% among inadequately controlled. 

This study identified inadequate disease control in 35% of Chinese CSU patients despite active treatment, accompanied by quality-of-life impairment. The discordance between patient treatment priorities and perceived achievability, together with irregular follow-up patterns across all control levels, suggest current therapeutic and care delivery limitations. These findings suggest opportunities for more effective treatments and structured management approaches to optimise CSU care in China.