What is angioedema

Angioedema is swelling underneath the skin caused by fluid leakage from blood vessels into the surrounding skin and tissue ¹, ². There are multiple types of angioedema, including acute allergic angioedema, non-allergic drug reactions, idiopathic angioedema, acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency angioedema and hereditary angioedema (HAE) ³. Angioedema can present with urticaria or not (angioedema without wheals) ⁴. Angioedema without wheals is classified into hereditary angioedema (HAE) and acquired angioedema (AAE) ⁵.

Angioedema is usually a reaction to a trigger, such as a medication or something you’re allergic to. Angioedema is most often characterized by a sudden onset or come on gradually over a few hours of short-lived swelling of the skin and mucous membranes. The nonpitting, localized swelling of the subcutaneous and mucosal tissues caused by angioedema normally lasts a few days, at most within 72 hours, and leaves no evidence of skin damage ⁶. All parts of your body may be affected but swelling most often occurs around the eyes, lips, mouth, tongue, extremities, and genitalia. In severe cases the internal lining of the upper respiratory tract and intestines may also be affected causing breathing difficulties, tummy (abdominal) pain and dizziness. The swelling may be accompanied by a raised, itchy rash called hives (urticaria), which are more superficial, while angioedema affects the deeper layers of skin.

Up to 20% of people will develop hives (urticaria) at some time in their life and around one in three of these will have angioedema as well. Having angioedema on its own (without hives) is much less common. Urticaria also known as hives is the development of transient localized edema (swelling) in the dermis, characterized by itchy welts (wheals) that range in size from small spots to large blotches and often co-exists with angioedema. Wheals are usually superficial skin-colored or pale swellings, surrounded by erythema (redness).

There are three major patterns of angioedema:

• Angioedema plus hives (urticaria): the hives itch and the angioedema is itchy, hot or painful.
• Angioedema alone: itchy, hot and red swellings, often large and uncomfortable.
• Angioedema alone: skin-colored swellings, not itchy or burning, often unresponsive to antihistamines.

Angioedema eventually disappears in most people. It may reappear following infection, when under stress or for no particular reason that can be identified. Occasionally it is a recurrent problem that reappears throughout life. Angioedema is seldom caused by a serious underlying disease, nor does it make you sick or cause damage to organs such as kidneys, liver or lungs.

Angioedema isn’t normally serious, but it can be a recurring problem for some people and can very occasionally be life-threatening if it affects your breathing. Treatment can usually help keep the swelling under control.

It is important to distinguish histamine-mediated versus bradykinin-mediated or other non-histamine-mediated angioedema ⁷, ⁸. Antihistamines only help itchy swelling mediated by histamine. Epinephrine can be helpful with histamine-mediated angioedema, typically with associated hypotension. Epinephrine, antihistamines, and corticosteroids are completely ineffective against non–histamine-mediated, bradykinin-mediated, or idiopathic angioedema ⁹. The clinical features distinguishing histamine- and bradykinin-mediated or idiopathic non–histamine-mediated angioedema are displayed in Table 1 below.

Table 1. Clinical features associated with histamine-mediated angioedema and bradykinin-mediated angioedema

	Histamine-mediated	Bradykinin-mediated
Itching	Commonly	Never
Hives	Commonly	Never
Abdominal pain	Rarely	Commonly
Exacerbated by heat	Commonly	Rarely
Exacerbated by alcohol	Commonly	Possibly
Exacerbated by NSAIDs	About 30% of the time	Rarely
Exacerbated by ACE inhibitors	Occasionally	Commonly
Triggered by surgery	No	Commonly
Triggered by physical factors such as mechanical pressure on the skin or vibration	Occasionally	Commonly
Triggered by stress or hormonal changes	No	Commonly
Triggered by acute infections	Yes	Yes

Abbreviations: ACE = angiotensin-converting enzyme; NSAIDs = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

[Source ¹⁰ ]

Figure 1. Angioedema eyes

Figure 2. Angioedema lips

Figure 3. Angioedema tongue

Figure 4. Hives (urticaria)

What is urticaria?

Urticaria is the medical term for hives (very itchy raised skin reactions known as weals). Hives are red swellings of the skin that occur in groups on any part of the skin. Angioedema is a swelling similar to urticaria, but the swelling is beneath the skin rather than on the surface. Urticaria and angioedema often occur together. A weal (or wheal) is a superficial skin-colored or pale skin swelling, usually surrounded by erythema (redness) that lasts anything from a few minutes to 24 hours.

The key point when attempting to distinguish urticaria from all other rashes is answering the question, “how long do the spots last” ¹¹. With urticaria the answer must be minutes to hours, and by definition, always less than 24 hours ¹⁰. Because urticaria is due to dilation of blood vessels caused by histamine and other mediator release from mast cells or bradykinin activation, there is no tissue damage, other than scratch damage, and basically no pathologic cellular infiltration. If there are painful lesions lasting for more than 24 hours, even if they look like “hives”, consider alternative diagnoses such as contact dermatitis or urticarial vasculitis ¹⁰.

The name urticaria is derived from the common European stinging nettle Urtica dioica. Urticaria can be acute or chronic, spontaneous or inducible.

The most common form of urticaria is called spontaneous urticaria. Spontaneous urticaria is usually divided into ‘acute’ and ‘chronic’ forms. In ‘acute’ urticaria, the episode lasts up to six weeks. Chronic or long-lasting urticaria lasts for six weeks or more.

Urticaria is caused by the release of histamine and other chemicals from cells in the skin called mast cells. Urticaria is often thought of as an allergy but, in fact, it usually results from histamine release from mast cells due to other reasons.

Allergens in food, or medicine may sometimes cause acute urticaria. For young babies, in whom urticaria is rare, cow’s milk allergy is the commonest cause. As children grow up, they may react to different foods, including nuts, fruits or shellfish if they become allergic. Bee and wasp stings can cause acute urticaria.

However, a specific reason for urticaria is often not found. Chronic spontaneous urticaria may be autoimmune, the patient’s own antibodies that release histamine from mast cells. Tests for autoimmune urticaria are not routinely available and generally do not alter treatment. When a cause cannot be found, it is called ‘idiopathic’. Weals may be set off by a physical trigger, such as cold, pressure or friction. This type of urticaria is called inducible because hives are induced by a specific stimulus and are not spontaneous.

Some people with urticaria have other conditions, such as thyroid disease or other autoimmune disorders.

Where does angioedema occur?

The most common areas of the body involved are the face, lips, tongue, throat and genital areas. Swelling in one area usually lasts between one to three days. Occasionally, swelling of internal organs like the esophagus, (food pipe or gullet that leads to the stomach), stomach, or bowel can trigger chest or stomach pains.

Whilst angioedema may be itchy, tingling, or burning, often there are no symptoms other than the discomfort of the swelling. Sometimes the swelling can be painful, particularly when it occurs over joints. These swellings can be large and may last for days. If swelling is constant rather than coming and going, other possible causes of swelling should be considered.

Is angioedema dangerous?

Angioedema does not damage internal organs like kidneys, liver or lungs. The only danger is if the throat or the tongue swell severely, as this can cause difficulty breathing. Severe throat swelling requires early use of medication such as adrenaline for anaphylaxis or icatibant (Firazyr) for hereditary angioedema (HAE), and transfer to hospital by ambulance.

Swelling on the outside of the neck is uncomfortable but does not affect breathing. Swelling that interferes with breathing is uncommon, even in people with recurrent angioedema.

People with recurrent angioedema should be referred by their doctor to a clinical immunology/allergy specialist to investigate for an underlying cause and optimize treatment.

Angioedema symptoms

Symptoms and signs of angioedema may vary slightly between the different types of angioedema but in general the main symptom of angioedema is swelling that develops below the skin’s surface:

• Marked swelling, usually around the eyes and mouth (lips and tongue)
• Throat, tongue, hands, feet and/or genitals may be affected too
• Skin may appear normal, i.e. no hives or other rash
• Swellings may or may not be itchy
• Swellings may be painful, tender or burning
• In severe angioedema swelling of the throat and/or tongue may make it difficult to breath
• Swelling of the lining of the intestinal tracts may cause gastrointestinal pain and cramps

Many people also have a raised, itchy rash called urticaria (hives). The rash will usually settle in a few days. Otherwise, the skin over the swelling may feel tight and painful but look normal.

Less common symptoms of angioedema include:

• difficulty breathing
• red, irritated eyes (conjunctivitis)
• tummy (abdominal) pain
• feeling sick
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• fainting

Some features specific to the different types of angioedema are listed below.

Angioedema type	Clinical features
Acute allergic angioedema	Almost always occurs with urticaria Angioedema and urticaria both usually occur within 1-2 hours of exposure to allergen (exception is ACE inhibitor induced angioedema that usually occurs within the first week of treatment but can occur weeks to months later) Reactions are usually self-limiting and subside within 1-3 days Reactions will recur with repetitive exposures or exposure to cross-reactive substances
Non-allergic drug reaction angioedema (drug-induced angioedema)	ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) induced angioedema occurs without urticaria
Idiopathic/chronic angioedema	Similar to acute allergic but angioedema keeps on recurring and often no known cause is found
Hereditary angioedema	Patients often experience no symptoms until they reach puberty Swellings can occur without any provocation or induced by precipitating factors, including local trauma, vigorous exercise, emotional stress, alcohol, and hormonal factors (menstruation, pregnancy, estrogen) Some patients may get a transitory prodromal non-itchy rash, headache, visual disturbance or anxiety Face, hands, arms, legs, genitals, digestive tract and airway may be affected; swellings spread slowly and may last for 3-4 days Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing and rarely urinary retention from swelling of internal tracts Urticaria (wealing) does not occur The tendency to angioedema is less pronounced in adults

Angioedema causes

There are several different types of angioedema, each of which has a different cause. Angioedema can be classified into at least four types, acute allergic angioedema, non-allergic drug reactions, idiopathic angioedema, hereditary angioedema and acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency.

Whatever the cause of angioedema, the actual mechanism behind the swelling is the same in all cases. Small blood vessels in the subcutaneous and/or submucosal tissues leak watery liquid through their walls and cause swelling. This same mechanism occurs in urticaria but just closer to the skin surface.

Angioedema type	Causes
Acute allergic angioedema (almost always occurs with urticaria within 1-2 hours of exposure to the allergen)	Food allergy, especially nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs Drugs, eg, penicillin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sulfa drugs, vaccines Radiocontrast media Insect venoms Natural rubber latex, e.g, medicinal gloves, catheters, balloons, contraceptive devices
Non-allergic drug reaction (drug-induced angioedema) (onset may be days to months after first taking the medication)	Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors Cascade of effects via kinin production, arachidonic acid metabolism and nitric oxide generation
Idiopathic angioedema (frequently chronic and relapsing and usually occurs with urticaria)	In most cases the cause of angioedema is unknown Recent research indicates that 30-50% of this type of angioedema may be associated with some types of autoimmune disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Hereditary angioedema (very rare autosomal dominant inherited disease)	Inherited abnormal gene that causes a deficiency of a normal blood protein 3 types: Type 1 and 2 mutation of C1NH (SERPING1) gene on chromosome 11, encoding C1 inhibitor protein (C1–INH); Type 3 mutation in F12 gene on chromosome 12, encoding coagulation factor XII. Type 1 results in low levels and function of circulating C1 inhibitor (C1–INH); Type 2 has normal levels of C1 inhibitor protein but reduction in function Occurs in 1 in 50,000 males and females; Type 3 more severe in women. Decreased C1 inhibitor activity leads to excessive kallikrein, which in turn produces bradykinin, a potent vasodilator and activation of bradykinin B2 receptors 12, 13. This increases vascular permeability and results in angioedema attacks 14.
Acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency	Acquired during life rather than inherited May be due to B-cell lymphoma or antibodies against C1 inhibitor Associated with lymphoproliferative and autoimmune disease e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Age of onset is usually over 40 years No family history of angioedema
Inducible angioedema	A form of chronic inducible urticaria Rarely vibration (vibratory angioedema) and cold stimuli can induce angioedema Localized vibratory urticaria is also due to a vibratory stimulus and is considered distinct from vibratory angioedema

Allergic angioedema

Acute allergic angioedema almost always occurs with urticaria within 1-2 hours of exposure to the allergen. Allergic angioedema is where the body mistakes a harmless substance, such as a certain food, for something dangerous. It releases chemicals into the body to attack the substance, which cause the skin to swell. Swellings due to allergic reactions to foods or drugs are sometimes severe and dramatic, but usually resolve within 24 hours.

Angioedema can be triggered by an allergic reaction to ⁵:

• certain types of food – especially nuts, shellfish, milk and eggs
• some types of medication – including some antibiotics (penicillin), aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, sulfa drugs and vaccines
• insect bites, venoms and stings – particularly wasp and bee stings
• natural rubber latex – a type of rubber used to make medical gloves, catheters, balloons, contraceptive devices and condoms
• radio contrast media

Drug-induced angioedema

Some medicines can cause angioedema – even if you’re not allergic to the medication.

The swelling may occur soon after you start taking a new medication, or possibly months or even years later.

Medications that can cause angioedema include:

• angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril and ramipril, which are used to treat high blood pressure
• ibuprofen and other types of NSAID painkillers
• angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs), such as andesartan, irbesartan, losartan, valsartan and olmesartan – another medication used to treat high blood pressure

Hereditary angioedema

Rarely, angioedema occurs because of a genetic fault that you inherit from your parents. Hereditary angioedema also known as HAE, hereditary angioneurotic edema or C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE), is a very rare and potentially life-threatening genetic disorder that is associated with recurrent attacks (also called episodes) of noninflammatory, nonpitting, self-limiting edema (swelling) affecting subcutaneous tissues and gastrointestinal and oropharyngeal mucosa without urticaria ¹⁵, ¹⁶. The frequency of attacks usually increases after puberty ¹⁷. Attacks most often affect 3 parts of the body: skin – the most common sites are the face (such as the lips and eyes), hands, arms, legs, genitals, and buttocks. Skin swelling can cause pain, dysfunction, and disfigurement, although it is generally not dangerous and is temporary. Gastrointestinal tract – the stomach, intestines, bladder, and/or urethra may be involved. This may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain; abdominal angioedema attacks can lead to unnecessary surgery and delay in diagnosis, as well as to narcotic dependence due to severe pain; and cutaneous attacks can be disfiguring and disabling ¹⁸. Upper airway (such as the larynx and tongue) – this can cause upper airway obstruction and asphyxiation. The majority of attacks affecting the airway resolve before complete airway obstruction. Attacks may involve one area of the body at a time, or they may involve a combination of areas. They always go away on their own but last from 2 to 4 days. Attacks generally continue throughout life, but the frequency of attacks can be significantly reduced with therapy. While people with hereditary angioedema have reported various triggers of attacks, emotional stress, physical stress, and dental procedures are the most commonly reported triggers.

The typical signs and symptoms of hereditary angioedema start during childhood or adolescence, worsen during puberty, and persist throughout the patient’s lifetime ¹⁹. A retrospective analysis of 209 patients with hereditary angioedema by Bork et al ²⁰ reported a mean age at disease onset of 11.2 years (range 1 to 40 years), with approximately 50% of patients having their first attack before age 10. After the onset of clinical symptoms, most patients with hereditary angioedema have recurrent attacks of edema with symptom-free intervals of less than 12 months, although considerable variability exists in attack frequency—untreated patients may have attacks every 7 to 14 days on average ²¹, while patients whose disease is well controlled with long-term prophylactic therapy may be symptom-free for a decade or more ²⁰. The severity of attacks also varies considerably, even within affected families and even if they have the same genetic mutation ²⁰.

Usual attacks start with a prodromal symptoms such as a transient reticular rash (erythema marginatum), skin tingling or vague complaints such as nausea, anxiety, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms ²². One-third of patients with hereditary angioedema experience early symptoms of erythema marginatum (Figure 6) that may be confused for urticaria (Figure 5). Erythema marginatum is a non-pruritic form of annular erythema more commonly associated with rheumatic fever. The lesions can be static or extend peripherally in a centrifugal way. This is followed by slowly progressive swelling that gradually subsides over 48 to 72 hours. The type of swelling seen in hereditary angioedema is not associated with the presence of urticaria and it is not responsive to the use of steroids and/or antihistamines. Oropharyngeal swelling is of great concern as it can lead to asphyxia and death if it not recognized or treated appropriately. These type of attacks are less frequent, but more than half of hereditary angioedema patients have at least 1 oropharyngeal attack during their life. Abdominal attacks carry significant morbidity and often require emergency visits, hospitalizations, and unnecessary procedures.

Hereditary angioedema attacks are accompanied by neither inflammatory nor allergic components, and therefore generally do not respond to treatment with antihistamines, epinephrine, or corticosteroids—this clinical feature often provides an important diagnostic clue ²³.

Hereditary angioedema has an incidence of approximately 1 in 50,000 individuals ¹⁹. Hereditary angioedema shows no ethnic- or sex-based differences but tends to be more severe in women ²¹. Hereditary angioedema leads to about 15,000 to 30,000 emergency department visits per year ²⁴.

Hereditary angioedema may be caused by the lack of or a dysfunctional C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) protein due to genetic changes (300 pathogenic variants) in the C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) gene (also called the SERPING1 gene) or in the F12 gene ²⁵. In some cases, the cause is not yet known. These types are also characterized by abnormal complement protein levels. Most cases of hereditary angioedema are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, with approximately 25% of cases arising from de novo mutations (spontaneous mutation of the particular gene at conception). However, not all people with a SERPING1 genetic change will develop symptoms of hereditary angioedema. For this reason, the nomenclature has been developed to replace the initial use of type 1, 2, or 3 HAE. Instead, the names are hereditary angioedema with deficient C1-inhibitor (type 1 hereditary angioedema), hereditary angioedema with dysfunctional C1-inhibitor (type 2 hereditary angioedema), and hereditary angioedema with normal C1-inhibitor (type 3 hereditary angioedema). Though unique in the testing that leads to the diagnosis, they all behave similarly with angioedema ²⁶.

3 types of hereditary angioedema ²:

1. Hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency (hereditary angioedema type 1) caused by mutations in the C1NH gene (also called the SERPING1 gene) ⁵
   
2. Hereditary angioedema with dysfunctional C1 inhibitor (hereditary angioedema type 2) caused by mutations in the C1NH gene (also called the SERPING1 gene) ⁵
3. Hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-HAE or hereditary angioedema type 3) caused by mutations in the coagulation factor XII (F12), plasminogen, angiopoietin 1, kininogen 1 and myoferlin gene ²⁷. Hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-HAE) was previously referred to as type 3 hereditary angioedema, but this term is obsolete and should not be used ²⁸.
   • Based on these findings, 4 additional hereditary angioedema with normal C1-INH types were defined ²⁹, ³⁰, ³¹, ³²:
     1. Hereditary angioedema with a specific mutation in the PLG gene (HAE-PLG),
     2. Hereditary angioedema with a specific mutation in the ANGPT1 gene (HAE-ANGPT1),
     3. Hereditary angioedema with a specific mutation in the KNG1 gene (HAE-KNG1), and
     4. Hereditary angioedema with a specific mutation in the MYOF gene (HAE-Myoferlin).
     5. When no mutation is detected in families with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-HAE), the disease is known as hereditary angioedema of unknown origin (U-HAE) ⁵

Hereditary angioedema type 1 is the most common, accounting for 85 percent of cases. Type 2 occurs in 15 percent of cases, and hereditary angioedema type 3 is very rare ³³.

The angioedema attacks are usually disfiguring, potentially causing severe morbidity and might be life threatening ². Attacks vary in frequency and severity and are difficult to predict, although prodromal symptoms may precede. They generally progress over 24 hours and resolve within 2–5 days. Some members of the family often have similar symptoms ². Hereditary angioedema is often confused with other causes of angioedema, including allergic angioedema; however, unlike histaminergic angioedema, which typically starts to swell in minutes and resolves in hours, swellings develop more slowly; do not respond well to treatment with corticosteroids, antihistamines, or adrenaline; and resolve in days (see Table 1). This confusion can sometimes lead to a delay in delivering appropriate treatment, resulting in severe consequences and even death. The swelling does not have well-defined borders, is usually not painful but bothersome, and develops owing to plasma leakage from postcapillary venules into the dermal layers of the skin. This leakage is mainly associated with the absence or dysfunction of a protein called C1-INH owing to a mutation in the SERPING1 gene ¹⁶, ³⁴. The increase in vascular permeability that causes angioedema in hereditary angioedema is related to the mediators of the contact system or kallikrein-kinin pathway. C1-INH regulates the contact system through the inhibition of plasma kallikrein and coagulation factor FXIIa. This inhibition suppresses the formation of bradykinin. Bradykinin is a nonapeptide produced as a result of contact system activation. It binds to Bradykinin 2 receptors (B2R) on vascular endothelial cells, leading to increased vascular permeability and edema. Bradykinin concentrations increase acutely in patients with hereditary angioedema ³⁵.

Management of hereditary angioedema involves treatment of sudden (acute) attacks and preventing attacks (prophylaxis) ¹⁷. Treatment for acute attacks in hereditary angioedema types 1 and 2 includes replacement with C1 inhibitor concentrates, a kallikrein inhibitor, or fresh-frozen plasma (by infusion). Sudden attacks involving the upper airway may involve intubation if stridor or signs of respiratory distress are present. Hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor levels (hereditary angioedema type 3) is treated similarly, however C1 inhibitor infusion is not effective. Prophylaxis may involve regular injections of C1 inhibitor concentrates, long-term androgen (male hormone) therapy, or antifibrinolytics.

The long-term outlook (prognosis) for hereditary angioedema varies depending on the frequency and location of attacks, and the severity of attacks in each person. Attacks generally continue throughout life, but the frequency of attacks can be significantly reduced with therapy.

Hereditary angioedema causes

Mutations in the SERPING1 gene cause hereditary angioedema type 1 and type 2. The SERPING1 gene provides instructions for making the C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) protein, which is important for controlling inflammation. C1 inhibitor blocks the activity of certain proteins that promote inflammation. Mutations that cause hereditary angioedema type 1 lead to reduced levels of C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) in the blood, while mutations that cause type 2 result in the production of a C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) that functions abnormally. Without the proper levels of functional C1 inhibitor (C1-INH), excessive amounts of a protein fragment (peptide) called bradykinin are generated. Bradykinin promotes inflammation by increasing the leakage of fluid through the walls of blood vessels into body tissues. Excessive accumulation of fluids in body tissues causes the episodes of swelling seen in individuals with hereditary angioedema type 1 and type 2.

Mutations in the F12 gene are associated with some cases of hereditary angioedema type 3. This gene provides instructions for making a protein called coagulation factor XII. In addition to playing a critical role in blood clotting (coagulation), factor XII is also an important stimulator of inflammation and is involved in the production of bradykinin. Certain mutations in the F12 gene result in the production of factor XII with increased activity. As a result, more bradykinin is generated and blood vessel walls become more leaky, which leads to episodes of swelling in people with hereditary angioedema type 3.

The cause of other cases of hereditary angioedema type 3 remains unknown. Mutations in one or more as-yet unidentified genes may be responsible for the disorder in these cases.

Hereditary angioedema inheritance pattern

Hereditary angioedema is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Genetic diseases are determined by two genes, one received from the father and one from the mother.

Autosomal dominant genetic disorders occur when only a single copy of an abnormal gene is necessary for the appearance of the disease.

Hereditary angioedema is an autosomal-dominant condition, meaning if one parent has the abnormal gene that codes for angioedema, half of their children will inherit the condition (their children have a 50% possibility of inheriting this disease regardless of the sex of the resulting child) ³⁶. However, less commonly, there may be no family history of the condition, as hereditary angioedema may occur “spontaneously”. Around 25% of hereditary angioedema cases result from people who have a spontaneous mutation (de novo mutations) of the particular gene at conception. Subsequently, these people can pass the defective gene to their children ³⁷.

Hereditary angioedema symptoms

The characteristic symptom of hereditary angioedema is recurrent episodes of swelling of affected areas due to the accumulation of excessive body fluid (edema). The areas of the body most commonly affected include the hands, feet, eyelids, lips, and/or genitals. Edema may also occur in the mucous membranes that line the respiratory and digestive tracts, which is more common in people with hereditary angioedema than in those who have other forms of angioedema (i.e., acquired or traumatic). People with hereditary angioedemar typically have areas of swelling that are hard and painful, not red and itchy (pruritic). A skin rash (urticaria) rarely is present. About 25% of people with hereditary angioedema experience a flat, non-itching red rash that often occurs before or during an hereditary angioedema attack.

Symptoms associated with swelling in the digestive system (gastrointestinal tract) include nausea, vomiting, acute abdominal pain, and/or other signs of obstruction. Edema of the throat (pharynx) or voice-box (larynx) can result in pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), difficulty speaking (dysphonia), noisy respiration (stridor), and potentially life-threatening asphyxiation.

The symptoms of hereditary angioedema may recur and can become more severe. A number of possible attack triggers have been proposed in hereditary angioedema, including exposure to cold, minor trauma, dental procedures, prolonged sitting or standing, exposure to certain foods, medications (eg, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, estrogen-containing contraceptives, hormone replacement therapies), chemicals, infection, viral illness, severe pain and emotional stress ³⁶. However, many attacks occur without an obvious trigger, and the same trigger may not always provoke an attack in a specific individual ²¹. Elevated levels of female sex hormones have been linked to edema attacks in women in all 3 hereditary angioedema subtypes  ³⁸. Case studies have documented both initiation of and exacerbations of hereditary angioedema symptoms in women during puberty and after starting estrogen-containing oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) ³⁹.

In 1 study, approximately two-thirds of women with hereditary angioedema (either type 1 or hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor [hereditary angioedema type 3]) experienced an initial edema attack or worsening of both frequency and severity of attacks after starting oral contraceptives or HRT ³⁹. Changing the formulation of the oral contraceptive had no effect; in a number of cases the attacks continued even when oral contraception was stopped altogether ³⁹. Like the disease course, symptoms of hereditary angioedema are quite consistent. Nearly all patients suffer from skin swelling and recurrent abdominal pain; laryngeal edema attacks by contrast are rare but will occur in 50% of patients with hereditary angioedema at some time in their lives. Attacks are often preceded by nonerythematous rash (erythema marginatum), tingling sensations, anxiety, mood changes, or exhaustion. Symptoms gradually worsen over the first 24 hours and then slowly resolve, usually within 48 to 72 hours, although swelling sometimes persists for up to 5 days ³⁸. While attacks typically involve a single site, some patients may have simultaneous or closely spaced episodes of cutaneous and abdominal involvement ³⁸.

Cutaneous edema

Skin swelling, most commonly affecting the extremities, is the defining feature of hereditary angioedema in the vast majority of patients—upper extremities more than lower—followed by the face and genitals and, more rarely, the trunk and neck ²⁰. In a retrospective analysis by Bork et al ²⁰, recurrent skin swelling occurred in 201 of the 209 patients observed, of whom 196 (97.5%) had swelling of the extremities. Skin edema in hereditary angioedema is nonpitting and nonpruritic; blisters and compartment syndromes may accompany particularly severe cases ²⁰. Typically, 1 site is involved, with the edema gradually spreading then receding over a period of days ²⁰. Approximately one-third of cutaneous hereditary angioedema attacks are preceded by erythema marginatum, a nonprurutic, serpiginous rash that produces a map-like pattern on the skin ³⁶. This symptom occurs more frequently in pediatric patients and is a potential diagnostic pitfall, as it can be mistaken for similar rashes accompanying childhood viral or bacterial illnesses, or may be misdiagnosed as urticaria ³⁶, ⁴⁰.

Abdominal symptoms

Recurrent abdominal pain resulting from edema of the gastrointestinal wall is reported in 70% to more than 90% of patients with hereditary angioedema  ²⁰. Symptoms can range from mild, intermittent abdominal discomfort to severe colicky pain accompanied by vomiting and/or diarrhea. Cases of hypovolemic shock resulting from fluid loss, plasma extravasation, and vasodilation have been reported in severe abdominal attacks  ³⁸. Abdominal episodes of hereditary angioedema can mimic a number of other conditions, including gastroenteritis, acute appendicitis, mesenteric lymphadentitis, and intussusception, among several less common conditions, which can lead to unnecessary emergency abdominal surgery  ³⁸. Abdominal ultrasound and computer-assisted tomography scans help with the differential diagnosis by detecting free peritoneal fluid, edematous intestinal mucosa, and liver structure abnormalities, but these signs are not clearly specific for angioedema ³⁶. Hemoconcentration and leukocytosis are sometimes seen in association with abdominal hereditary angioedema attacks ³⁸.

Laryngeal edema

Laryngeal edema is a rare but potentially fatal clinical manifestation of hereditary angioedema. While less than 1% of all swelling episodes involve the larynx, approximately half of all patients with hereditary angioedema have a laryngeal attack at some point in their lives ³⁸. Before the availability of agents to specifically treat hereditary angioedema, mortality associated with laryngeal edema was approximately 30% ³⁸. Data from 123 patients suggested that, on average, patients experienced their first episode of laryngeal edema at a later age (26.2 years) compared with their first skin swelling (15.4 years) or abdominal pain attack (16.2 years) ⁴¹. However, laryngeal edema has been reported in patients as young as 3 years ⁴¹. Pediatric patients present a particular diagnostic challenge because laryngeal edema may be misdiagnosed as allergic asthma or epiglottitis ³⁶. Further, compared with adults, asphyxiation in children may develop more quickly due to their smaller airway diameter.20 An important diagnostic clue is that standard medications (ie, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine) normally effective for alleviating acute airway edema in children are generally ineffective for laryngeal hereditary angioedema attacks ³⁶.

Clinical symptoms of laryngeal edema include voice changes (eg, hoarseness or deepening of the voice), a feeling of tightness or a lump in the throat, and dysphagia ²⁰. Patients with advanced swelling often have aphonia (ie, loss of voice) and fear of asphyxiation with substantial anxiety. Upper airway obstruction is usually caused by laryngeal and glottal edema ⁴¹. In some patients, laryngeal edema may be accompanied by swelling of the soft palate, including the uvula and the tongue ²⁰. The time from onset of laryngeal edema to maximal swelling has been reported to range from 8 to 12 hours, but may be shorter or considerably longer ⁴¹. Local trauma, such as dental work, endoscopy, and intubation during general anesthesia, has been reported to trigger laryngeal swelling in some patients with hereditary angioedema ⁴¹.

Other symptoms

Less common but clinically important manifestations of hereditary angioedema may include neurological, pulmonary, renal, urinary, and musculoskeletal symptoms, many of these having been only recently identified ²⁰. Edema of the soft palate, uvula, and, rarely, the tongue has occurred, both separately and in conjunction with laryngeal edema. Severe headache accompanied by other neurological symptoms, such as vision disturbances, impaired balance, and disorientation, has recently been reported in patients with hereditary angioedema ²⁰. Recurrent pulmonary and esophageal symptoms have been documented in a number of patients, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and severe pain while swallowing food ²⁰. Because the symptoms resolved relatively rapidly after administration of C1INH concentrate, they were suggestive of an underlying hereditary angioedema etiology rather than a surgical emergency. Pulmonary involvement in hereditary angioedema is controversial and the underlying pathology is not well understood ²⁰. Urinary symptoms of hereditary angioedema may include difficulty of urination, pain while urinating, and bladder spasm. Pain and swelling of the shoulder and hip joints and muscles of the neck, back, and arms has been reported in some patients ²⁰.

Hereditary angioedema diagnosis

The diagnosis of hereditary angioedema should be considered in individuals presenting with recurrent and transient episodes cutaneous angioedema attacks, abdominal pain, or upper airway angioedema, together with a family history, particularly if the swelling is not responsive to antihistamines or steroid therapy. The diagnosis should also be considered if swelling episodes are not associated with hives. The absence of a family history, however, is not a disqualifying feature, since up to 25% of HAE patients have spontaneous C1INH mutations ⁴². Published guidelines for the diagnosis of hereditary angioedema are available ⁴³.

The differential diagnosis of hereditary angioedema includes the following:

• Immediate hypersensitivity (immunoglobulin E–mediated) reactions;
• Urticaria/angioedema syndromes (including idiopathic angioedema);
• ACE inhibitor–induced angioedema; and
• Acquired angioedema syndromes associated with underlying malignant or rheumatologic disease.

Unlike hereditary angioedema, the main mediator of angioedema in the setting of hypersensitivity reactions or urticaria/angioedema syndromes is histamine, not bradykinin. Bradykinin is responsible for recurrent episodes of swelling seen in hereditary angioedema and in acquired angioedema and ACE inhibitor–induced angioedema syndromes ⁴⁴.

The diagnosis of hereditary angioedema should be confirmed by laboratory tests. Screening for hereditary angioedema due to C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) is based on the measurement of plasma levels of complement factor 4 (C4) levels, which is low in most cases ⁴⁵. Measurement of complement factor 4 (C4) is generally considered a valuable, cost-effective test for hereditary angioedema in patients with unexplained recurrent edema because normal C4 levels, particularly at the time of a swelling episode, almost always indicate an alternate etiology ⁴⁶. Some clinicians, however, advocate testing for C1-esterase inhibitor (C1INH) regardless of C4 levels to avoid possible false negatives—1 study of diagnostic assays for hereditary angioedema reported a sensitivity of low C4 of just 81%  ⁴⁷. Despite the best available evidence, 1 recent survey of US allergists/immunologists and primary care physicians who treat hereditary angioedema found that only 64% of respondents used C4 testing to aid in the diagnosis of hereditary angioedema ⁴⁶. Almost 84% reported that they used C1INH level and function testing ⁴⁶.

Virtually all patients with hereditary angioedema have persistent low levels of antigenic C4, although about 2% of patients have been reported to have normal C4 levels between edema attacks ⁴⁸. Given that cases with normal C4 levels have been described, joint assessment of serum antigenic C4 and C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) levels and C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) function is advised ⁴⁵. Functional C1INH is a specialized test and should be obtained from an experienced laboratory to avoid sample mishandling or misinterpretation ⁴⁸. A normal C4 and functional C1INH result rules out both type 1 and type 2 hereditary angioedema, but does not rule out hereditary angioedema with normal C1INH (hereditary angioedema type 3) ⁴⁸. At this point, there is no validated assay for diagnosing this type of hereditary angioedema. A minority of patients with normal C1INH (hereditary angioedema type 3) have mutations in genes encoding coagulation factor XII; testing for this mutation may have some utility in women with recurrent, unexplained edema and an established family history of hereditary angioedema ⁴⁹.

C1q measurement can help to distinguish acquired angioedema (AEE) from hereditary angioedema (HAE). C1q levels are normal in hereditary angioedema but low in acquired angioedema, which otherwise has a similar C1-INH/C4 profile. The diagnosis should be confirmed by screening for the C1NH or SERPING1 gene ⁴⁵. De novo mutations can be present in up to 25% of cases ⁴⁵.

The vast majority of patients found to have C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency have hereditary angioedema (HAE), approximately 10% are acquired angioedema (AAE) and can be secondary to lymphoproliferative disease or autoimmune disorders. 50% of cases of hereditary angioedema (HAE) start before puberty but onset can be in adult life. Acquired angioedema (AAE) starts in adult life.

Prenatal and postnatal diagnosis

As hereditary angioedema is a genetic disorder transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion, the offspring of a parent with hereditary angioedema have a 50% chance of inheriting the disease ³⁶. Prenatal genetic testing for hereditary angioedema is requested rarely and is only indicated if the mutation of the affected parent is known ⁵⁰. Material for genetic testing is obtained from a chorionic villus sample after 10 weeks or amniocentesis after 15 weeks ⁵⁰. It is generally considered impractical to test for hereditary angioedema in the prenatal setting because a mutation is not always detected, the same mutation may be associated with different phenotypes, and the severity of the disease is not predictable ³⁶.

For infants with an affected parent, testing for antigenic and functional C1INH is first performed at the age of 6 months or later, when complement levels typically reach adult values ³⁶. As false positive or false negative C1INH results can occur in infants under 1 year of age, repeat testing at a later age (usually at 1 year) is indicated to confirm the diagnosis ³⁶. C4 levels typically reach adult values between the ages of 2 and 3 years ⁵⁰. Genetic testing can be useful for establishing a diagnosis of hereditary angioedema in asymptomatic children for whom C1INH and C4 assay results are equivocal ³⁶.

Diagnosis of hereditary angioedema in symptomatic children may be impeded by a negative family history, resulting in misdiagnosis. Conversely, a diagnosis of hereditary angioedema in children has sometimes led to screening and identification of the disorder in a previously undiagnosed parent ³⁶.

Delayed diagnosis of hereditary angioedema

Diagnostic delays in patients with hereditary angioedema have decreased substantially over the past few decades—in 1976 the average time to diagnosis from onset of symptoms was reported to be 21 years ⁵¹. Even today, however, the majority of US physicians estimate that most patients experience symptoms for an average of 7 years before a definitive diagnosis is made ⁵² and a few patients completely slip through the cracks. A recent case report from Texas described a 57-year-old man with previously undiagnosed hereditary angioedema who started experiencing symptoms in his teens—a diagnostic delay of about 40 years ⁵³. While this case is clearly an outlier, in the Spanish hereditary angioedema registry study from 2005, the average time to diagnosis from symptom onset was still more than 10 years ⁵⁴. A web-based survey of US physicians conducted in 2009 to 2010—The Surveillance Project on Hereditary Edema—reported an average time to diagnosis ranging from 0 to 6 months (5.8%) to more than 10 years (5.8%) ⁵². Less than 38% of patients with hereditary angioedema were diagnosed within 1 to 3 years from the first appearance of symptoms ⁵².

Delays in the diagnosis of hereditary angioedema can have serious consequences, including impaired quality of life, lost productivity and income, depression, unnecessary and/or inappropriate medical procedures, and more frequent utilization of health resources leading to increased healthcare costs ⁵³. An online survey of 63 patients with hereditary angioedema conducted in 2004 found that patients averaged 4.7 emergency department (ED) visits each year; nearly 21% received treatment for anaphylaxis in the ED ⁵⁵. Unnecessary abdominal surgery was not uncommon in patients with undiagnosed hereditary angioedema, particularly if severe abdominal pain was the presenting or predominant symptom ⁵⁶. Appendectomy and exploratory diagnostic procedures, such as colonoscopy, were common procedures ⁵⁶.

Acquired C1-inhibitor deficiency

In even rarer cases, low levels of C1 inhibitor occur in association with some cases of lymphoma, malignancies and in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The swellings are similar to those described above.

Infection

A viral infection is usually the most common cause of hives (urticaria) and angioedema in children, especially if they last for more than 24 hours.

Other causes

Thyroid gland disease and some types of inflammatory arthritis are more common in people with hives (urticaria) and angioedema. In some people whose swellings persist for years without an obvious cause, an autoimmune process may be responsible. This means that part of the body’s immune system may be attacking the skin. In most cases, a single cause is not found. Allergic disease is almost never the cause of swellings that last for days or recur for weeks at a time.

Idiopathic angioedema

Angioedema without a clear cause is known as idiopathic angioedema. One theory is that an unknown problem with the immune system might cause it to occasionally misfire.

Certain triggers may lead to swelling, such as:

• anxiety or stress
• minor infections
• hot or cold temperatures
• strenuous exercise

In very rare cases, the swelling may be associated with other medical conditions, such as lupus or lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system).

Angioedema diagnosis

If you have experienced angioedema for the first time, your doctor will try to work out what may have caused it.

There are several different causes of angioedema. It’s important to know what’s causing your symptoms, as this affects the treatment you’ll need.

There’s no single test to determine the cause of angioedema. Some of the checks and tests you may have are outlined below.

A detailed medical history is invaluable in diagnosing angioedema.

• Keep a diary of exposure to possible irritants
• Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and herbal remedies (even if taking them irregularly)
• Any family history of skin rash, allergies

Skin prick testing may be performed to try and identify any allergens. If hereditary angioedema is suspected, blood tests to check for levels and function of specific complement blood proteins may be done.

Allergy tests

If your doctor thinks your symptoms may have been caused by an allergy, they may refer you to a specialist allergy or immunology clinic for further testing.

Tests you may have include:

• a skin prick test – your skin is pricked with a tiny amount of the suspected allergen to see whether there’s a reaction.
  • The skin prick test involves:
    • Placing a small amount of substances that may be causing your symptoms on the skin, most often on the forearm, upper arm, or back.
    • The skin is then pricked so the allergen goes under the skin’s surface.
    • Your health care provider closely watches the skin for swelling and redness or other signs of a reaction. Results are usually seen within 15 to 20 minutes.
    • Several allergens can be tested at the same time. Allergens are substances that cause an allergic reaction.
• a blood test – a sample of your blood is tested to determine whether your immune system reacts to a suspected allergen

Blood test

If your doctor thinks your symptoms may be caused by a genetic fault (hereditary angioedema) you’ve inherited from your parents, they may refer you for a blood test.

The test checks the level of a substance called C1 esterase inhibitor in your blood. This substance is important in regulating the immune system.

A very low level of C1 esterase inhibitor would suggest you have hereditary angioedema affecting how much of this substance your body is able to produce.

Angioedema treatment

The swelling will usually get better by itself in a few days, but there are treatments that can help it settle faster and reduce the risk of it happening again.

Treatment of angioedema depends on the severity of the condition. Angioedema can usually be treated at home, although severe cases may need to be treated in hospital. In cases where the respiratory tract is involved the first priority is to secure the airway. Patients may need emergency hospital care and require intubation (placement of a tube in the throat to keep the airway open).

Allergic and idiopathic angioedema

Allergic angioedema and idiopathic angioedema are usually treated in a similar way as acute urticaria.

In many cases the swelling is self-limiting and resolves spontaneously after a few hours or days. In more severe cases where there is persistent swelling, itchiness or pain the following medications may be used:

• Subcutaneous adrenaline (epinephrine)
• Oral or intravenous corticosteroids
• Oral or injected antihistamines

Antihistamines and steroid medication

Your doctor may suggest taking antihistamines to reduce swelling when it occurs.

Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, one of the chemicals responsible for the swelling. Some types can be bought in pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription.

Some antihistamines can make you feel drowsy, so it’s best to take non-drowsy medications such as cetirizine and loratadine if your symptoms occur during the day.

Some antihistamines can make you feel drowsy. Avoid driving, drinking alcohol or operating dangerous machinery if you experience this.

Other side effects of antihistamines can include:

• headaches
• a dry mouth
• a dry nose

If the swelling is severe, your doctor may prescribe a short course of steroid medication. This is a powerful medication that’s only used for short periods because it can have troublesome side effects.

Adrenaline auto-injectors

If you have a particularly serious allergy, you may be given adrenaline auto-injectors to use if you experience a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

There are several types of auto-injector, which are used in slightly different ways.

Chronic angioedema with chronic autoimmune or chronic idiopathic urticaria

Chronic angioedema with chronic autoimmune or chronic idiopathic urticaria is often difficult to treat and response to medication variable. The following treatment steps are recommended. Each step is added to the previous one if inadequate response is obtained.

• Step 1: non-sedating antihistamines, eg, cetirizine
• Step 2: sedating antihistamines, e.g., diphenhydramine
• Step 3:
  • a) oral corticosteroids, e.g., prednisone
  • b) immunosuppressants eg, ciclosporin or methotrexate

Omalizumab, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, has been reported to be effective in some refractory cases of angioedema.

The goal of treatment for chronic angioedema is to reduce itch, swelling, tenderness and pain to a tolerable level to maintain function (e.g, at work, school, and during sleep).

Avoiding triggers

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the substance that you’re allergic to, may help reduce your chances of experiencing swelling, although this isn’t always easy or practical.

For example, if you’re allergic to a certain type of food, it can help to check the ingredients in food you buy and be careful when eating out.

Below is some practical advice that should help you avoid the most common allergens.

Food allergies

By law, food manufacturers must clearly label any foods that contain something that’s known to cause allergic reactions in some people. By carefully checking the label for the list of ingredients, you should be able to avoid an allergic reaction.

People with food allergies most often experience an allergic reaction while eating out at a restaurant. You can avoid this by:

• not relying on the menu description alone (remember, many sauces or dressings could contain allergens)
• communicating clearly with the waiting staff and asking for their advice
• avoiding places where there’s a chance that different types of food could come into contact with each other, such as buffets or bakeries
• let restaurant staff you know your dietary requirements, including how severe your food allergy or intolerance is
• always check what allergens are in the dish even if you have eaten it before, as recipes and ingredients can change

Remember, simple dishes are less likely to contain “hidden” ingredients. If you’re not sure about a dish, don’t risk it

House dust mites

One of the biggest causes of allergies are dust mites, which are tiny insects found in household dust. You can limit the number of mites in your home by:

• choosing wood or hard vinyl floor coverings instead of a carpet
• fitting roller blinds that can be easily wiped clean
• choosing leather, plastic or vinyl furniture instead of upholstered furniture
• cleaning cushions, soft toys, curtains and upholstered furniture regularly, either by washing (at a high temperature) or vacuuming
• using tested allergy-proof covers on mattresses, duvets and pillows
• using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, because it can trap more dust mites than ordinary vacuum cleaners
• regularly wiping surfaces with a damp, clean cloth – avoid dry dusting, as this can spread dust into the air

Concentrate your efforts of controlling dust mites in the areas of your home where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom and living room.

Pets

It’s not the pet fur that causes an allergic reaction. Instead, it’s flakes of their dead skin, saliva and dried urine.

If you can’t permanently remove a pet from the house, you could try:

• keeping pets outside as much as possible, or limiting them to a particular area of the house, preferably an area without carpet
• not allowing pets in bedrooms
• washing pets at least once a week
• regularly grooming pets outside
• regularly washing all bedding and soft furnishings on which a pet has lain
• using an air filter in rooms where you spend most of your time
• increase ventilation with fans, air-conditioning or by opening windows

If you’re visiting a friend or relative with a pet, ask them not to dust or vacuum on the day you’re visiting, as this will stir up the allergens into the air. Taking an antihistamine medicine about an hour before entering a pet-inhabited house can also help reduce your symptoms.

Mold spores

Tiny particles released by molds can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

You can help prevent this by:

• keeping your home dry and well-ventilated
• removing any indoor pot plants from your home
• not drying clothes indoors, store clothes in damp cupboards or packing clothes too tightly in wardrobes
• dealing with any damp and condensation in your home
• avoiding damp buildings, damp woods and rotten leaves, cut grass and compost heaps

Hay fever

Pollen allergies – more commonly known as hay fever – are caused when trees and grasses release pollen into the air. Doctors often call hay fever allergic rhinitis.

Different plants pollinate at different times of the year, so the months that you get hay fever will depend on what sort of pollen(s) you are allergic to. Typically, people are affected during spring (trees) and summer (grasses).

To help keep your hay fever under control, you can:

• check weather reports for the pollen count and stay indoors when it’s high, if possible
• avoid drying clothes and bedding outside when the pollen count is high
• wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes
• keep doors and windows shut when possible
• shower and change your clothes after being outside
• avoid grassy areas, such as parks and fields – particularly in the early morning, evening or night, when the pollen count is highest
• if you have a lawn, try asking someone else to cut the grass for you
• Insect bites and stings

If you’ve ever suffered a bad reaction to an insect bite or sting, it’s important to take precautions to minimize your risk.

When you’re outdoors, particularly in the summer, you could:

• cover exposed skin
• wear shoes
• apply insect repellent
• avoid wearing strong perfumes or fragrances, as these can attract insects

Preventing severe allergies (anaphylaxis)

If you’re at risk of experiencing a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), make sure you carry two adrenaline auto-injectors with you everywhere.

Wearing a MedicAlert or Medi-Tag medallion or bracelet can make others aware of your allergy in an emergency.

Consider telling your teachers, work colleagues and friends, so they can give you your adrenaline injection in an emergency, while waiting for an ambulance.

There are three types of auto-injector – EpiPen, Jext and Emerade – that are each slightly different.

It’s important to remember the following:

• carry an auto-injector at all times (if you have two, carry them both) – there should be no exceptions; you may also be advised to get an emergency card or bracelet with full details of your allergy and doctor’s contact details to alert others
• extremes of heat can make adrenaline less effective – so don’t leave your auto-injector in the fridge or your car’s glove compartment, for example
  check the expiry date regularly – an out-of-date injector will offer limited protection
• manufacturers offer a reminder service, where you can be contacted near the expiry date – check the information leaflet that comes with your medicine for more information
• don’t delay injecting yourself if you think you may be experiencing anaphylaxis, even if your initial symptoms are mild – it’s better to use adrenaline early and then find out it was a false alarm than delay treatment until you’re sure you’re experiencing severe anaphylaxis

If your child has an auto-injector, they will need to change over to an adult dose once they reach 30kg (approximately 4.5 stone).

Drug-induced angioedema

If a certain medication you’re taking is thought to be responsible for your angioedema, your doctor will usually advise stopping it.

They can prescribe a different medication for you to take instead.

This is usually all that needs to be done. Tell your doctor if your symptoms continue or come back after switching medication.

Hereditary angioedema treatment

At the present time hereditary angioedema cannot be cured, although scientists are working on gene therapy which will result in exciting possibilities for the future. Patients with hereditary angioedema should be counselled to avoid agents that may precipitate attacks such as an ACE inhibitor or estrogen. Stress is thought to be a trigger for attacks, so stress reduction or management may also be advised ²¹.

It is important to note that acute hereditary angioedema attacks do NOT respond to antihistamines, corticosteroids or adrenaline.

Currently there are modern treatments available that are divided into three areas:

• Treatment of acute hereditary angioedema attack ⁴⁸
• Long-term prophylaxis to prevent hereditary angioedema attacks in the first place
• Short-term prophylaxis (eg, for a surgical procedure). Some dental and surgical procedures can be dangerous for people with hereditary angioedema, so it is important that protective treatment is used beforehand to limit the risk of hereditary angioedema attacks.

In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cinryze, a C1-esterase inhibitor therapy, for routine prevention (prophylaxis) of attacks of spontaneous swelling (angioedema) in adolescents and adults with hereditary angioedema. This is the first drug approved for this purpose in the U.S.

In 2009, FDA approved Berinert, a C1-esterase inhibitor therapy that is delivered intravenously, to treat acute abdominal attacks and facial or laryngeal swelling associated with hereditary angioedema in adults and adolescents. It is a protein product derived from human plasma. In 2016, FDA approved Berinert as the first and only pediatric treatment for hereditary angioedema. Also in 2009, FDA approved Kalbitor (the subcutaneous kallikrein inhibitor ecallantide) to treat sudden and potentially life-threatening fluid buildup related to hereditary angioedema. Kalbitor is a liquid that is intended to be injected under the skin of people age 16 and older with hereditary angioedema.

In 2014, FDA approved Ruconest, a recombinant C1-esterase inhibitor for the treatment of acute attacks in adult and adolescent patients with hereditary angioedema.

In 2017, FDA approved Haegarda (C1-esterase inhibitor) for administration under the skin to prevent hereditary angioedema attacks.

Most recently, in 2020, FDA approved Orladeyo (berotralstat) to prevent attacks in patients 12 years of age and older with hereditary angioedema ⁵⁷. Orladeyo is an oral capsule taken one time per day. The most commonly reported adverse events in patients taking berotralstat 150 mg once daily were upper respiratory tract infection (30.00%), abdominal pain (22.50%), diarrhea (15.00%), nausea (15.00%), and vomiting (15.00%), and, overall, gastrointestinal events were reported in 50% of patients in this dose group ⁵⁸.

Icatibant (Cipla or Firazyr) generic brand of bradykinin receptor antagonist (BDKRB2 antagonist) approved for treating acute hereditary angioedema attacks in patients 2 years and older. Icatibant is delivered by subcutaneous injection and is approved for self-administration.

The various treatment options should be discussed with your clinical immunology/allergy specialist to enable you to have the most appropriate treatment for your circumstances.

To avoid episodes of angioedema associated with surgery, dental work, and similar stresses, short-term treatment is suggested before surgery or dental procedures. Patients should discuss options with their physicians.

In acute attacks with the danger of severe airway swelling and obstruction, it is essential to maintain or establish an airway. A temporary surgical opening in the throat (tracheotomy) may be created and oxygen may have to be supplied.

Treatment of acute attacks

The goal of acute therapy for hereditary angioedema is to minimize morbidity and prevent mortality from an ongoing angioedema attack. The ability to treat episodes of swelling “on-demand” has been a critical advance in accomplishing this objective ⁵⁹. Improved understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanism of swelling in Hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency has catalyzed the development and approval of 4 specific products for on-demand treatment (Table3), each of which has been shown in randomized controlled studies to be effective and safe ⁶⁰, ⁶¹, ⁶², ⁶³. Subsequent open-label extension data along with registry data have underscored the enduring efficacy and continued safety of these drugs ⁶⁴, ⁶⁵.

Four different medications have been approved for use to treat hereditary angioedema attacks (Table 3). Plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) concentrates (pdC1INH, Berinert) and recombinant human C1-INH (rhC1INH, Ruconest) are given by intravenous (IV) injection. The plasma kallikrein inhibitor (ecallantide) and the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist (BDKRB2 antagonist) icatibant are administered subcutaneously. All 4 on-demand medications are very effective and generally safe. Ecallantide has been associated with allergic and even anaphylactic reactions in a relatively small number of cases (<2%) and therefore needs to be administered by a health care provider. These medications typically become effective within 60 minutes but have a relatively short half-life and cannot be used for prophylaxis (with the exception of plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor [Berinert] that has a longer half-life). Anabolic androgens and antifibrinolytic agents have no role in on-demand treatment.

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) contains C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) and can be used to treat hereditary angioedema attacks if none of the FDA-approved on-demand medications are available ⁶⁶.The efficacy of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) has not been studied in randomized trials, and there are anecdotal reports of hereditary angioedema symptoms precipitously worsening after FFP administration possibly due to the fact that FFP contains factors that could lead to the generation of more bradykinin (HMWK, plasma prekallikrein, and FXII) in addition to C1-INH. If another acute therapy is not available, FFP remains an option as long as precautions are taken to protect the patient’s airway (particularly if oropharyngeal or laryngeal swelling is present). Solvent detergent–treated plasma may be safer than FFP due to reduced viral risk. In the absence of effective on-demand treatment, patients may require supportive care (ie, IV fluids, antiemetics, narcotic pain medication, or intubation). When effective on-demand treatment is not given, significantly higher morbidity is seen ⁶⁷.

Although there have been no randomized controlled studies of on-demand treatment during attacks in patients with confirmed hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-hereditary angioedema), numerous open-label reports have revealed successful responses to each of the on-demand treatments used for hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency ⁶⁸.

Supportive care, including fluid replacement and pain management, should also be implemented.

Maintaining airway patency is the primary concern for patients with laryngeal edema. If the airway is threatened, the patient should be intubated by an experienced physician. In addition, the capability for emergency tracheostomy should be readily available. Because gastrointestinal edema usually involves severe pain, frequent vomiting, and the potential for hypotension, therapy should include aggressive fluid replacement and pain management.

Table 1. FDA-approved on-demand medications for hereditary angioedema attacks

Drug (trade name, manufacturer)	Regulatory status	Self-administration	Dosage	Mechanism	Anticipated potential side effects
Ecallantide (Kalbitor, Dyax)	Approved in the United States for patients ≥12 y of age	No	30 mg SC	Inhibits plasma kallikrein	Uncommon: antidrug antibodies, risk of anaphylaxis
Icatibant (Firazyr, Takeda)	Approved in the United States for patients ≥18 y of age; approved in Europe for patients ≥2 y of age	Yes	Pediatric (EU): 12-25 kg, 10 mg SC; 26-40 kg, 15 mg SC; 41-50 kg, 20 mg SC; 51-65 kg, 25 mg SC; >65 kg, 30 mg SC Adults: 30 mg SC	Bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist	Common: discomfort at injection site
Plasma-derived nanofiltered C1INH (Berinert, CSL Behring)	Approved in the United States and Europe for children and adults	Yes	20 U/kg IV	Inhibits plasma kallikrein, coagulation factors Xlla, XIIf and Xla, C1s, C1r, MASP-1, MASP-2, and plasmin	Rare: risk of anaphylaxis Theoretical: transmission of infectious agent
Recombinant human C1-INH (Ruconest, Pharming)	Approved in the United States and Europe for adolescents and adults	Yes	50 U/kg up to 4200 U IV	Inhibits plasma kallikrein, coagulation factors Xlla, XIIf and Xla, C1s, C1r, MASP-1, MASP-2, and plasmin	Uncommon: risk of anaphylaxis in rabbit-sensitized individuals Theoretical: transmission of infectious agent

Abbreviations: C1INH = C1 inhibitor; FDA = Food and Drug Administration; HAE = hereditary angioedema; IV = intravenous; MASP-1, -2 = mannose-binding lectin–associated serine proteases 1, 2; SC = subcutaneous.

[Source ²⁸ ]

Short-term prophylaxis

Trauma and stress are well-known triggers of angioedema attacks ⁵¹. Short-term prophylactic therapy is imperative to prevent attacks of angioedema when the patient is at high risk of swelling, particularly before expected trauma such as surgery or dental procedures. Dental surgery, in particular, is associated with swelling of the oral cavity that can progress and cause airway obstruction. Novel targeted therapies such as a plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor, a kallikrein inhibitor (ecallantide), or a BDKRB2 antagonist (icatibant) should be given prior to the procedure if available ⁶⁹. Short-term prophylaxis can be either a single dose of plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor or a course of anabolic androgen (danazol) ⁷⁰.

A single dose of 20 IU/kg plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor can be given 1 to 12 hours before the stressor. Alternatively, anabolic androgens (ie, 400-600 mg/day of danazol) can be started 5 to 7 days before the stressor and continued for 2 to 5 days after the procedure. Recombinant human C1-esterase inhibitor (50 IU/kg) has also been used successfully for short-term prophylaxis ⁷¹, although there is less data and experience compared with plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor products. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) can be used in the event that the treating physician cannot obtain plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor and there is insufficient time for a course of anabolic androgens.

There are no data on short-term prophylaxis for hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-hereditary angioedema). For patients with a confirmed diagnosis, the same approach as hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency may be used with the important caveat that on-demand therapy be available if needed ²⁸.

Table 2. FDA-approved prophylactic medications for hereditary angioedema

Drug (trade name, manufacturer)	HAE regulatory status	Self-administration	Dosage	Mechanism	Anticipated potential side effects
Plasma-derived nanofiltered C1-INH (Cinryze, Takeda)	Approved in the United States and Europe for patients ≥6 years of age	Yes	Pediatric (6-11 years of age): 500 IU every 3-4 days IV Adolescents and adults: 1000 U IV every 3-4 days Doses up to 2500 U IV every 3-4 days may need to be considered based on individual patient response	Inhibits plasma kallikrein, coagulation factors Xlla, XIIf and Xla, C1s, C1r, MASP-1, MASP-2, and plasmin	Rare: risk of anaphylaxis Theoretical: transmission of infectious agent
Plasma-derived nanofiltered C1-INH (HAEGARDA, CSL Behring)	Approved in the United States for adolescents (≥12 years of age) and adults	Yes	60 IU/kg SC twice-weekly	Inhibits plasma kallikrein, coagulation factors Xlla, XIIf and Xla, C1s, C1r, MASP-1, MASP-2, and plasmin	Rare: risk of anaphylaxis Theoretical: transmission of infectious agent
Lanadelumab (Takhzyro, Takeda)	Approved in the United States for adolescents and adults	Yes	300 mg SQ every 2 weeks 300 mg every 4 weeks may be considered if a patient is well controlled (eg, attack free) for more than 6 months	Inhibits plasma kallikrein	Rare: risk of anaphylaxis Common: injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infection and headach
Danazol (Danocrine, Sanofi-Synthelabo)	Approved in the United States for adults	Yes	Adult: 200 mg/d PO (100 mg every 3 day to 600 mg/day) Pediatric: 50 mg/day PO (50 mg/week to 200 mg/day)	Unknown	Common: weight gain, virilization, acne, altered libido, muscle pains and cramps, headaches, depression, fatigue, nausea, constipation, menstrual abnormalities, increase in liver enzymes, hypertension, and alterations in lipid profile Uncommon: decreased growth rate in children, masculinization of the female fetus, cholestatic jaundice, peliosis hepatis, and hepatocellular adenoma
Stanozolol (Winstrol, Winthrop)	Approved in the United States for adults and children	Yes	Adult: 2 mg/day PO (1 mg every 3 day to 6 mg/day) Pediatric: 0.5 mg/day PO (0.5 mg/week to 2 mg/day)		Same as danazol
Oxandrolone	Not approved for HAE indication	Yes	Adult: 10 mg/day PO (2.5 mg every 3 day to 20 mg/day) Pediatric: 0.1 mg/kg/day PO (2.5 mg/week to 7.5 mg/day)	Unknown	Same as danazol
Methyltestosterone (Android)	Not approved for HAE indication	Yes	Adult men: 10 mg/day PO (5 mg every 3 days to 30 mg/day) Women and pediatric: not recommended	Unknown	Same as danazol
Epsilon aminocaproic acid (Amicar, Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals)	Not approved for HAE indication	Yes	Adult: 2 g PO tid (1 g bid to 4 g tid) Pediatric: 0.05 g/kg PO bid (0.025 g/kg bid to 0.1 g/kg bid)	Inhibits activation of plasminogen and activity of plasmin	Common: nausea, vertigo, diarrhea, postural hypotension, fatigue, muscle cramps with increased muscle enzymes Theoretical: thrombosis
Tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron, Pfizer; Lysteda, Ferring)	Not approved for HAE indication	Yes	Adult: 1 g PO bid (0.25 g bid to 1.5 g tid) Pediatric: 20 mg/kg PO bid (10 mg/kg bid to 25 mg/kg tid)	Inhibits activation of plasminogen and activity of plasmin	Same as epsilon aminocaproic acid

Abbreviations: C1INH = C1 inhibitor; FDA = Food and Drug Administration; HAE = hereditary angioedema; PO = orally; bid = twice daily; tid = three times daily; IV = intravenous; SC = subcutaneous; SQ = subcutaneous.

[Source ²⁸ ]

Long-term prophylaxis

Some patients experience only infrequent and mild attacks and therefore require no long-term therapy. Clinicians generally recommend long-term therapy for patients who experience more than one attack per month, or who believe that the disease significantly interferes with their life style. The options include:

• An androgen (eg, danazol, stanozolol, methyltestosterone, or oxandrolone).
• An antifibrinolytic (tranexamic acid)
• A plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor (eg, nanofiltered C1-INH or plasma-derived C1-INH) ⁷²
• A progestin (norethisterone).

The decision on when to use long-term prophylactic treatment cannot be made on rigid criteria but should be tailored to the needs of each hereditary angioedema patient ⁷³. Decisions regarding which patients should be considered for long-term prophylactic treatment should take into account the patient’s quality of life and treatment preferences in the context of attack frequency, attack severity, comorbid conditions, and access to emergent treatment. Because disease severity may change over time, the need to start or continue long-term prophylaxis should be periodically reviewed and discussed with the patient.

Medications for long-term prophylactic treatment in hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency can be divided into 2 broad categories: first-line or second-line. The first-line therapies include IV plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor replacement (Cinryze), subcutaneous (SC) plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor replacement (Haegarda), and a monoclonal inhibitor of plasma kallikrein (lanadelumab, Takhzyro). Second-line therapies include the anabolic androgens (ie, Danazol) and antifibrinolytics (tranexamic acid or epsilon aminocaproic acid). The United States Hereditary Angioedema Association Medical Advisory Board recommends the use of any of the first-line medications when long-term prophylaxis is indicated for patients with hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency ²⁸. Second-line prophylactic medications should be reserved for when first-line medications are not available or when the patient will only accept oral therapy, with acknowledgment of potential side effects. The potential availability of new first-line oral prophylactic medications in the future (see below) may also influence this choice. The long-term prophylaxis medicines are presented by first-line versus second-line and then in the order they were approved for hereditary angioedema.

First-line options

IV replacement therapy with plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor concentrate (Cinryze) has been shown to be both safe and effective for the prophylactic treatment of hereditary angioedema ⁶². IV plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor prophylaxis (Cinryze) was initially approved in 2008 for adolescents and adults based on an approximately 50% reduction in attack rate. After favorable outcomes of a second phase 3 study, indications were expanded in 2018 to include treatment of children as young as age 6 ⁷⁴.

Open-label extension data for IV plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor revealed improved outcomes with continued use. Efficacy of IV plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor prophylaxis directly correlated with the interval between dosing. Five subjects, all with risk factors for thromboembolic events, experienced serious adverse events of a thromboembolic nature but none were considered study drug related. Additional safety concerns such as infectious transmission, hypersensitivity reactions, and formation of anti-C1INH antibodies were not apparent during the study ⁷⁵. Another 7.5% of subjects in the open-label extension cohort failed to improve. For patients who continue to have attacks despite receiving the standard dose of 1000 IU twice weekly, dose (up to 2500 IU) and frequency (3 times per week) escalation has been shown to improve efficacy ⁷⁶.

Repeated IV administration can result in loss of readily available venous access unless great care is taken to preserve the veins. In some cases, indwelling ports have been placed to allow easier IV administration. Indwelling ports pose a significant risk of thrombosis and infection ⁷⁷. Although a careful technique may reduce these risks, they cannot be eliminated. For these reasons, the US Hereditary Angioedema Association Medical Advisory Board discourages the use of indwelling ports unless deemed medically necessary, and further recommends that patients who require IV administration of drug exercise great care in protecting their veins by using butterfly needles with careful attention to technique, withdrawing the needle without pressure and then applying light pressure for 5 minutes after infusion without bending the elbow if an antecubital vein is used ²⁸. Veins that are inflamed should not be used until the phlebitis is resolved. As outlined below, safe and effective alternative SC long-term prophylaxis treatments are now available, thus eliminating many of the problems associated with venous access for the future.

Subcutaneous plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor replacement

Subcutaneous plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor replacement (Haegarda) has recently been shown to be highly effective in preventing attacks of angioedema in patients with hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency. The pivotal phase 3 trial demonstrated a statistically significant median reduction in attack rates of 95% at 60 IU/kg during the 16-week treatment period. There was a corresponding dramatic reduction in rescue medication use and a meaningful improvement in measures of health-related quality of life. Subcutaneous plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor replacement (Haegarda) appears safe and well tolerated with adverse events predominantly being transient local site reactions ⁷⁸. In open-label extension studies, up to 83% of patients were free of attacks, and continuing improvements in health-related quality of life were seen ⁷⁹.

Lanadelumab

Lanadelumab (Takhzyro), a fully human monoclonal antibody inhibitor of plasma kallikrein, was shown to be safe and effective for long-term prophylaxis in hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency. The phase 3 study showed that lanadelumab at 150 mg every 4 weeks, 300 mg every 4 weeks, and 300 mg every 2 weeks significantly reduced attacks with the highest dose being most effective (86.9% reduction in attacks) ⁸⁰. Use of on-demand treatment and incidence of high morbidity attacks were substantially reduced on lanadelumab. There were no significant safety concerns with the most common adverse events site reactions or dizziness. The FDA-recommended starting dose is 300 mg every 2 weeks. A dosing interval of 300 mg every 4 weeks may be considered after 6 months for well-controlled patients (attack free).

Second-line options

Although anabolic androgens (also known as 17α-alkylated androgens) such as danazol have been successfully used for prophylaxis for many years ⁸¹, they can cause significant dose-related side effects. The side effects of anabolic androgens are dose related, include virilization, weight gain, acne, hypertension, hepatotoxicity and atherosclerosis. All patients receiving anabolic androgens need to be carefully followed for the potential of drug-related side effects. Patients taking anabolic androgens should have their liver enzymes checked every six months. Since hepatic adenomas have been reported as a consequence of anabolic androgens liver and spleen ultrasonography should be done yearly. The lowest possible dose should be used to control hereditary angioedema to minimize side effects. The dose of anabolic androgens used to treat hereditary angioedema should be titrated down to find the lowest dose that prevents attacks. A reasonable starting dose for danazol is 100 to 200 mg/day.

Androgens are contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding women, cancer, hepatitis, and childhood (under the age of 16) ⁸².

It is the position of the United States Hereditary Angioedema Association Medical Advisory Board that these drugs should not be used in patients who express a preference for an alternative therapy and that patients should not be required to fail anabolic androgen therapy as a prerequisite to receiving first-line long-term prophylaxis ²⁸. Given the current therapeutic options for long-term prophylaxis in the United States, the United States Hereditary Angioedema Association Medical Advisory Board does not recommend the routine use of anabolic androgens for the treatment of hereditary angioedema ²⁸.

Antifibrinolytics

Antifibrinolytic medications (tranexamic acid or epsilon aminocaproic acid) have been successfully used for long-term prophylaxis in hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency ⁸³, but are less effective than the other drugs described and are therefore seldom used for long-term prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency in the United States.

Additional potential considerations

Although not yet FDA approved for long-term prophylaxis, recombinant human C1 inhibitor (Ruconest) demonstrated significant long-term prophylaxis efficacy in a phase II study ⁸⁴. Given the periodic shortages that have impacted plasma-derived C1-INH product availability in the past, the use of recombinant human C1 inhibitor for prophylactic as well as on-demand treatment is an important consideration. In addition, the orally available once daily small molecule plasma kallikrein inhibitor berotralstat (BioCryst, Durham, NC) recently completed a pivotal phase III study in which it met its endpoints for long-term prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency.

Long-term prophylaxis in patients with hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor

Long-term prophylaxis for patients with hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-hereditary angioedema) has not been studied in randomized placebo-controlled trials. Nevertheless, smaller open-label trials have suggested potential long-term prophylaxis strategies that can be used for hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-hereditary angioedema). The 2 major long-term prophylaxis modalities frequently used for hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-hereditary angioedema) are hormonal therapy and antifibrinolytics. long-term prophylaxis with C1 inhibitor concentrates has been occasionally used but should be approached with significant cautions as described below.

Hormonal therapy for long-term prophylaxis

Given the prominent role of estrogens in escalating hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-hereditary angioedema) disease severity, stopping exogenous estrogens in women with hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-hereditary angioedema) is a first step for treatment ⁸⁵. Treatment with a progestin only pill, in contrast, has been shown to be beneficial in women with hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-hereditary angioedema) with 45 of 55 (82%) of women experiencing benefit ⁸⁶, ⁸⁷. In the United States, norethindrone 0.35 per day has been used although optimal dosing has yet to be established, and progestin therapy should be instituted in collaboration with a gynecologist or endocrinologist. Anabolic androgens have also been documented for multiple cases of hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-hereditary angioedema) with the same concerns regarding the adverse side effect profile as hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency ⁸⁸.

Antifibrinolytics for long-term prophylaxis

Tranexamic acid has been used successfully for long-term prophylaxis with speculation that reducing the sensitivity to plasmin cleavage may provide the mechanism ⁸⁹. In the United States, tranexamic acid (Lysteda) is available with the usual dose starting at 650 mg twice daily and increasing to 1300 mg twice daily if required. Creatinine should be monitored for any impairment requiring dose adjustment. There is a slight risk of thrombosis with additional side effects of gastrointestinal upset, myalgia, and dysmenorrhea ⁹⁰.

C1 inhibitor replacement for long-term prophylaxis

Use of C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) replacement in hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-hereditary angioedema) is complex and controversial. C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) cleavage has been demonstrated during pregnancy and with attacks in HAE-XII ⁹¹, providing a rationale for on-demand use. Successful long-term prophylaxis with plasma-derived C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) during pregnancy was reported for 3 patients with hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-hereditary angioedema), 2 with hereditary angioedema with a specific coagulation F12 (FXII) gene mutation (HAE-FXII) and 1 with HAE-unknown ⁹². There are anecdotal reports that long-term prophylaxis with C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) helps some nonpregnant patients with hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-hereditary angioedema), but there is insufficient evidence and experience to recommend C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) long-term prophylaxis more broadly for this subgroup of patients. In exceptional circumstances with frequent attacks not manageable with other therapies, patients with hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-hereditary angioedema) could be tried on a short course of C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) long-term prophylaxis. A clear indication of high efficacy should be documented to warrant its continued use, but this indication should be restricted to clinicians who are highly experienced in treating hereditary angioedema.

Lanadelumab

As reviewed in the previous sections, the attacks of swelling for patients with hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (nC1-INH-hereditary angioedema) appear to involve the generation of bradykinin by plasma kallikrein. Given the mechanism of action for lanadelumab, it would be anticipated to be an effective therapy in this cohort—with theoretical advantages over C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) for long-term prophylaxis. For patients who are candidates but have failed tranexamic acid and progestins, the United States Hereditary Angioedema Association Medical Advisory Board would favor a trial of lanadelumab with the same caveats as above to support its continued use ²⁸.

Angioedema prognosis

The prognosis of angioedema is dependent on the presentation severity and the initiation of, and response to appropriate treatment. Mild symptoms often self-resolve within 72 hours. However, angioedema can be life-threatening, particularly after insect bites and stings, and in hereditary and ACE-inhibitor induced angioedema if there is airway involvement. This requires emergency assessment and intervention.

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