Immunological parameters and alpha1-antitrypsinin chronic urticaria

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Abstract
Serum immunoglobulins [Ig], complement [C] and .alpha.1-antitrypsin were assayed in 48 patients with chronic urticaria. Thirteen cases had chronic cold urticaria and 32 had chronic idiopathic urticaria. Elevated mean serum IgM was found in chronic cold urticaria. Seven patients had partial Ig deficiencies. IgE was elevated in 16 cases of chronic idiopathic and in 2 with chronic cold urticaria. Eight patients had depressed serum total hemolytic C activity. Low C3 [C component 3] and normal C4 serum protein concentrations in 4 cases suggested alternative C pathway activation. Of 46 patients 20 were atopic, although specific allergies responsible for the urticaria were not identified in any of them. .alpha.1-Antitrypsin levels were normal in all patients. The etiology and pathogenesis of chronic urticarias in this study were heterogeneous. No evidence of abnormality of the protease inhibitor system in chronic idiopathic or chronic cold urticaria was found.