A Cross-Sectional Study on Quality of Life and Family Quality of Life of Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers With Acute and Chronic Urticaria

Abstract

Infants and Toddlers Dermatology Quality of Life (InToDermQoL) questionnaire makes it possible to assess QoL in the youngest children with acute (AU) and chronic urticaria (CU). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of AU and CU on QoL and family QoL of children from birth to 4 years. Methods: The data were collected in Spain, Greece, and Ukraine. Parents of children with AU and CU were asked to complete the InToDermQoL, Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI), and Family Reported Outcome Measure (FROM-16). Disease severity was measured by the global severity and Urticaria Activity Score 7 (UAS7). Results: Among 108 children with AU 44.44% had severe and 28.70% had moderate effect on their QoL. Eight of eleven children with CU had a severe effect on their lives. The InToDermQoL correlated with FDLQI (r=0.78–0.88), global disease severity (r=0.68–0.76), UAS7 (r=0.77) and FROM-16 (r=0.82). FDLQI was well correlated with FROM-16 (r=0.83) and global disease severity (r=0.63). UAS7 was well correlated with the FDLQI (r=0.77) and FROM-16 (r=0.73). In children with CU, there was more severe impact on itching or scratching, bleeding, sleep, bathing, physical activity, and problems with treatment. Their families noted more impact on personal relationships, leisure activities, looking after relative, extra housework, affected job, and expenditure. Conclusions: AU and CU have a significant impact on children's QoL and family QoL. InToDermQoL, FDLQI, and FROM-16 well reflected QoL and family QoL impairment in young children with urticaria. More active educational work with their parents is needed.