The use of mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of autoimmune and chronic idiopathic urticaria: Experience in 19 patients

BackgroundThere is a paucity of investigation on which to base the treatment of chronic urticaria after a patient fails maximum therapy with antihistamines. One prospective, open-label, uncontrolled study suggested that mycophenolate mofetil may be a successful second-line therapy.ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil in 19 patients with autoimmune and chronic idiopathic urticaria.MethodsIn a retrospective chart review, records of patients with autoimmune and chronic idiopathic urticaria who were evaluated between 2001 and 2009 were analyzed.ResultsImprovement in urticaria was observed in 89% of patients, specifically 91% of patients with autoimmune urticaria and 88% with chronic idiopathic urticaria. Time to initial improvement ranged from 1 to 9 weeks. In 59% of these patients, complete control of urticaria was achieved, which included 70% of patients with autoimmune urticaria and 43% with chronic idiopathic urticaria. Mean time to complete control was 14 weeks, with a range of less than 1 to 31 weeks. The dose of mycophenolate mofetil at complete control ranged from 1000 to 6000 mg divided twice daily. Mycophenolate mofetil was tapered in 7 of these 10 patients after an average of 7 weeks. Six of the 7 patients tapered then discontinued mycophenolate mofetil with remissions lasting between 2 and 16 weeks up to when the chart review ended. Mycophenolate mofetil was well tolerated with no serious infections or laboratory abnormalities. Gastrointestinal symptoms were most common.LimitationsThis was a retrospective chart analysis. The number of patients was relatively small.ConclusionsMycophenolate mofetil is a useful and well-tolerated second-line therapy for patients with autoimmune and chronic idiopathic urticaria in whom antihistamines and other therapeutic agents have failed.