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Chronic spontaneous urticaria — recurrent pruritic wheals, angioedema, or both that last longer than 6 weeks — affects 1% to 2% of the population. It is thought to be an autoallergy or autoimmune skin condition in which autoantibodies to mast cell receptors trigger mediator release; an allergic trigger usually is not identified. Researchers performed a systematic review to see if leukotriene-receptor antagonists (LTRAs), added to first-line nonsedating antihistamines, improve urticaria symptoms and quality of life.
The researchers identified 34 trials that involved 3300 patients with uncontrolled chronic urticaria who were randomized to receive LTRAs (mostly montelukast) in addition to antihistamines or to continue antihistamines alone. The …