A recent systematic review and meta-analysis reveals the promising efficacy and safety of combining compound glycyrrhizin with second-generation non-sedating antihistamines in treating chronic urticaria, offering a potential advancement in dermatological therapy. This innovative approach may redefine chronic urticaria management, providing new options for patients seeking more effective treatments.
- Compound glycyrrhizin combined with second-generation non-sedating antihistamines shows higher effectiveness for treating chronic urticaria compared to antihistamine monotherapy.
- This combination therapy significantly improves cure rates and reduces recurrence rates in chronic urticaria patients.
- The safety profile of the combination therapy is comparable to that of antihistamine monotherapy, with no significant increase in adverse events.
Chronic urticaria (CU), a prevalent and challenging dermatologic condition, affects millions worldwide. Despite existing treatments, many patients experience suboptimal outcomes. A systematic review, published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, investigated the potential of compound glycyrrhizin (CG) combined with second-generation non-sedating antihistamines in improving CU treatment efficacy.
Unveiling the Efficacy of Combined Therapy
The study included 24 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of CG and antihistamine combination therapy. The results showed significant improvements in total efficiency, cure rates, and a notable reduction in recurrence rates.
Patients receiving the combination therapy showed a 36% higher overall efficiency in treating symptoms compared to those on antihistamine alone. In addition, the likelihood of completely curing the condition was 54% higher with the combined treatment. Notably, there was a significant 66% reduction in the recurrence of urticaria symptoms in patients treated with the CG-antihistamine combination, indicating a strong and lasting effect of the therapy.
Assessing the Safety of This Treatment Method
The study assessed adverse events and found that the combination therapy’s safety profile aligns closely with that of antihistamine monotherapy.
Clinical Applications: Toward Improved Patient Outcomes
The combination of CG and second-generation non-sedating antihistamines could offer patients a more effective treatment option with a reassuring safety profile. Clinicians may consider applying this therapy to their practice, particularly for patients who have not achieved optimal outcomes with traditional treatments. Further research and high-quality RCTs are encouraged to solidify these findings and guide clinical application.
Source:
Chen, S., Cao, W., Xiao, X., Wang, L., Wan, R., Zou, Z., Yang, Q., & Li, Y. (2024). A systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of compound glycyrrhizin combined with second-generation non-sedated antihistamine for the treatment of chronic urticaria. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 35(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2023.2299597
