Risk Factors of Quality-Of-Life and Sexual Function Impairment in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Patients: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) has been associated with poor quality of life and mood disturbances. However, factors associated with these dimensions have not been properly assessed. Moreover, there is a lack of studies regarding sexual dysfunction (SxD) and CSU. Therefore, the aims of this study were to assess quality of life associated factors and to evaluate the prevalence and potential impact of SxD in patients with CSU. Method: Cross-sectional study of patients suffering from CSU. Sociodemographic and disease activity variables, quality of life, sleep, SxD, anxiety, and depression were collected using validated questionnaires. Results: Seventy-five patients were included, with a female-to-male ratio of 2.40. Female sex, worse disease control, and sexual dysfunction were associated with poor quality-of-life indexes ( p < 0.001). SxD was detected in 52% of female and 63% of male patients. SxD was associated with poor disease control ( p < 0.001). Female SxD, but not male, was associated with poorer quality of life ( p = 0.02) and an increased risk for anxiety 85% and depression 90% ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Female patients and those with an inadequate control of CSU are in higher risk of having poorer quality of life. SxD seems to be frequent in patients with CSU. Moreover, female SxD seems to have a more profound impact on quality of life and mood disturbances when compared to males. Assessment of SxD in Urticaria Clinic might be of benefit to identify patients at a higher risk of poor quality of life.