Validation of the Urticaria Control Test (UCT) in Children with Chronic
Urticaria
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background No validated tools exist to evaluate chronic
urticaria (CU) control in children. While the Urticaria Control Test
(UCT) exhibits favourable clinometric properties in adult CU, it is not
yet validated in children. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the validity
of the UCT for the assessment of pediatric CU. Methods Children
presenting with CU were consecutively recruited. Participants completed
both the UCT and the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI).
We assessed the internal consistency, convergent and known-groups
validity, and screening accuracy of the UCT at study entry and at
follow-up. Results A total of 52 children with CU were recruited. The
UCT exhibited respectable internal consistency in the evaluation of CU
(Cronbach’s α=0.73 [95%CI: 0.62, 0.85]). UCT and CDLQI scores
strongly correlated (r=-0.74, P<0.01). The UCT distinguished
between different strata of disease severities established by the CDLQI
(P<0.01). Screening accuracy of the UCT was excellent in the
discrimination of poorly controlled CU (area under the curve=0.82). An
optimal cut-off of ≤10 was determined for defining poorly controlled CU
(sensitivity=95.5%, specificity=63.3%). Data at follow-up were
consistent with data at study entry. Conclusion The UCT is a valid tool
for the assessment of pediatric CU and CSU, as evidenced by acceptable
internal consistency, convergent and known-groups validity, and
screening accuracy at multiple time points.