Thyroid autoimmunity in chronic urticaria.

Background: Chronic urticaria (CU) is an autoimmune process in some patients. An association between CU and autoimmune thyroid disease has also previously been proposed. Our group has identified functionally significant histamine-releasing autoantibodies in one subset of CU patients (subset 1), predicted by positive autologous intradermal serum tests and positive histamine release from donor basophil leucocytes in vitro.

An audit of the use of self-administered adrenaline syringes in patients with angio-oedema.

Background: Self-administered adrenaline syringes may be prescribed for patients at risk of life-threatening episodes of angio-oedema or anaphylaxis.

Objectives: To determine whether patients are able to use these syringes appropriately and adequately.

Methods: Twenty-nine consecutive patients who had been prescribed self-administered adrenaline syringes for severe angio-oedema were recruited.

Delayed pressure urticaria.

Delayed pressure urticaria is a physical urticaria where erythematous, often painful swellings occur at sites of sustained pressure on the skin, after a delay of several hours. If sought, it is present in up to 40% of patients with ordinary chronic "idiopathic urticaria" to a varying degree. Compared with other urticarias, the pressure-induced lesions impair the quality of life of patients most severely.

Definition, classification, and routine diagnosis of urticaria: a consensus report.

Urticaria is a well-known disease entity; however, with an increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis, there is also growing evidence for a heterogeneity of urticaria. Currently it is sometimes difficult to compare divergent data reported by different centers researching urticaria due to a lack of precisely described patient populations. A consensus definition and classification of the disease and its subtypes, taking into account new developments, are therefore needed.

A clinical study of 23 cases of female anogenital carcinoma.

Background: Vulval carcinoma is a relatively rare disorder that may have various aetiologies. Objectives To document the features and outcome in a series of patients with this disorder.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients presenting to a vulval clinic over a 5-year period.