Global burden of urticaria in children and adolescents, 1990 to 2021: Trends, disparities, and future projections

This study aimed to analyze the global, regional, and national burden of urticaria among individuals under 20 years old using 2021 global burden of disease data. Data on prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of urticaria in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2021 were extracted. The estimated annual percentage change was calculated to assess temporal trends. The sociodemographic index (SDI) was used to evaluate regional differences, and Bayesian age-period-cohort modeling was applied to predict future trends. From 1990 to 2021, global age-standardized prevalence (ASPR), incidence (ASIR), and DALY rates of urticaria showed marginal changes. In 2021, ASPR was 1203.16 per 100,000, ASIR was 2142.29 per 100,000, and DALY rate was 73.75 per 100,000. The estimated annual percentage change was positive for all 3 indicators: 0.035 for ASPR, 0.024 for ASIR, and 0.048 for DALY rate. Females had higher rates than males. The highest age-standardized indicators were in low and middle SDI regions, with Central Europe having the highest rates and Western Europe the lowest. Prevalence peaked in children under 5 years old and decreased with age. Future projections indicate a gradual increase in the burden of urticaria by 2050. Urticaria is a significant health issue among children and adolescents, with notable disparities. Targeted prevention and early intervention, particularly in low- and middle-SDI regions, alongside strengthened global policies to ensure effective diagnosis and treatment, are imperative to mitigate its future burden.