The following is a summary of “7-day recall period version of the Urticaria Control Test—UCT7,” published in the November 2023 issue of Allergy & Immunology by Buttgereit, et al.
For a study, researchers sought to develop and validate a 7-day recall period version of the Urticaria Control Test (UCT), named UCT7, aiming to enhance the assessment of chronic urticaria disease control over shorter intervals.
The UCT7 was crafted based on the established UCT and subjected to testing in a cohort of 152 chronic urticaria patients (spontaneous: n = 101, inducible: n = 51). The study evaluated the UCT7 for internal consistency reliability using Cronbach’s α (0.91) and test-retest reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (0.83). Convergent validity was established through correlations with disease control anchors, wheal and angioedema frequency, and urticaria-related quality of life impairment. Sensitivity to change was assessed, determining a cutoff value of 12 points for identifying well-controlled disease. The minimal clinically important difference for improvement was estimated at 2 points.
The UCT7 demonstrated excellent reliability, with strong internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.91) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.83). Convergent validity was confirmed through significant correlations with disease control anchors and related parameters. Notably sensitive to change, the UCT7 identified a cutoff value of 12 points for well-controlled disease. The minimal clinically important difference for improvement was determined to be 2 points.
The UCT7, a validated 7-day recall period adaptation of the UCT, provided a reliable and sensitive tool for frequent assessments of chronic urticaria disease control. With its recommended cutoff value and minimal clinically important difference, the UCT7 is a valuable asset for clinical research and practical evaluations in chronic urticaria patients.
Source: jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(23)00604-8/fulltext
