Autonomic function in cholinergic urticaria and atopic eczema

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Abstract
Autonomic function in patients with cholinergic urticaria and atopic aczema was compared with that in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria and non-atopic allergic contact dermatitis, respectively. Patients (49) were studied. The following specific tests of sympathetic and parasympathetic function were used to assess the integrity of autonomic control: pupillary reflex amplitude in response to pulsed light stimulation and response to topical arecoline hydrobromide (parasympathetic); the speed of pupillary dilatation following a large light reflex (sympathetic); pupillary resting diameter (sympathetic and parasympathetic); sweat gland response to forearm intradermal injection of acetylcholine chloride; and the effect of postural change and deep breathing on blood pressure and heart rate (sinus arrhythmia indicating parasympathetic function). No significant difference in autonomic function was found between the 4 groups of patients.