Treatment of Hereditary Angioedema

Hereditary angioedema due to C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disease.In the last decade, new drugs and new indications for old drugs have played a role in the management of C1-INH-HAE. This review examines current therapy for C1-INH-HAE and provides a brief summary of drugs that are under development. Increased knowledge of the pathophysiology of C1-INH-HAE has been crucial for advances in the field, with inhibition of the kallikrein-kinin system (plasma kallikrein, activated factor XII) as a key area in the discovery of new drugs, some of which are already marketed for treatment of C1-INH-HAE.Pharmacological treatment is based on 3 pillars: treatment of acute angioedema attacks (on-demand treatment), short-term (preprocedure) prophylaxis, and long-term prophylaxis.The 4 drugs that are currently available for the treatment of acute angioedema attacks (purified plasma-derived human C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate, icatibant acetate, ecallantide, recombinant human C1 esterase inhibitor) are all authorized for self-administration, except ecallantide.Purified plasma-derived human C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate is the treatment of choice for short-term prophylaxis.Tranexamic acid, danazol, intravenous and subcutaneous nanofiltered purified plasma-derived human C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate, and lanadelumab can be used for long-term prophylaxis.New drugs are being investigated, mainly as long-term prophylaxis, and are aimed at blocking the kallikrein-kinin system by means of antiprekallikrein, antikallikrein, and anti-activated FXII action

El angioedema hereditario por déficit del inhibidor de la C1 esterasa (AEH-C1-INH) es una enfermedad rara hereditaria autosómica dominante.En la última década nuevos fármacos y nuevas indicaciones de antiguos fármacos han llegado al área del AEH-C1-INH. En esta revisión se valora el conjunto de fármacos disponibles para el AEH-C1-INH, junto con los fármacos en desarrollo. Los avances en el conocimiento de la fisiopatología del AEH-C1-INH han sido fundamentales para este desarrollo, con la inhibición del sistema de calicreína-cininas (calicreína plasmática, factor XII activado) como un punto caliente para el descubrimiento de nuevos fármacos, algunos de los cuales ya han llegado al mercado del AEH-C1-INH.El tratamiento farmacológico se basa en tres pilares: tratamiento de los ataques agudos de angioedema (tratamiento a demanda), profilaxis a corto plazo o preprocedimiento, profilaxis a largo plazo.Hay actualmente 4 fármacos disponibles para el tratamiento de los ataques agudos de angioedema (concentrado plasmático purificado nanofiltrado del inhibidor de la C1 esterasa humana, acetato de icatibant, ecalantida, inhibidor recombinante de la C1 esterasa humana), todos ellos autorizados para autoadministración, excepto la ecalantida.El concentrado plasmático del inhibidor de la C1 esterasa humana es el tratamiento de elección como profilaxis a corto plazo.Como profilaxis a largo plazo se puede utilizar ácido tranexámico, danazol, concentrado plasmático del inhibidor de la C1 esterasa humano intravenoso y subcutáneo y lanadelumab.Se están investigando nuevos fármacos, fundamentalmente como profilaxis a largo plazo, dirigidos a bloquear el sistema calicreína cininas con acción anti precalicreína, anti calicreína y anti FXII activado

Angioedema and emergency medicine: From pathophysiology to diagnosis and treatment.

Angioedema is a self-limiting edema of the subcutaneous or submucosal tissues due to localised increase of microvascular permeability whose mediator may be histamine or bradykinin. Patients present to emergency department when angioedema involves oral cavity and larynx (life-threatening conditions) or gut (mimicking an acute abdomen). After initial evaluation of consciousness and vital signs to manage breathing and to support circulation if necessary, a simple approach can be applied for a correct diagnosis and treatment. Forms of edema such as anasarca, myxedema, superior vena cava syndrome and acute dermatitis should be ruled out. Then, effort should be done to differentiate histaminergic from non-histaminergic angioedema. Concomitant urticaria and pruritus suggest a histaminergic origin. Exposure to allergens and drugs (mainly ACE inhibitors and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) should be investigated as well as a family history of similar symptoms. Allergic histaminergic angioedema has a rapid course (minutes) whereas non histaminergic angioedema is slower (hours). Since frequently the intervention needs to be immediate, the initial diagnosis is only clinical. However, laboratory tests can be subsequently confirmatory. Allergic angioedema is sensitive to standard therapies such as epinephrine, glucocorticoids and antihistamines whereas non histaminergic angioedema is often resistant to these drugs. Therapeutic options for angioedema due C1-inhibitor deficiencies are C1-inhibitor concentrates, icatibant and ecallantide. If these drugs are not available, fresh frozen plasma can be considered. All these medications have been used also in ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema with variable results thus they are not currently recommended whereas experts agree on the discontinuation of the causative drug.

[Classification and pathophysiology of angioedema]. / Klassifikation und Pathophysiologie von Angioödemen.

BACKGROUND: The classification of angioedema in daily clinical practice is often challenging. OBJECTIVES: The goal is to review the most recent classification of angioedema and to discuss the underlying pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Current guidelines and research on the pathophysiology and classification of angioedema were evaluated. RESULTS: Angioedema is mast cell mediator-induced or bradykinin-mediated. Classic examples for mast cell mediator-induced angioedema are acute angioedema due to allergic reactions or acute urticaria as well as recurrent angioedema in chronic urticaria. Bradykinin-mediated angioedema forms include hereditary angioedema and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor-induced angioedema. Bradykinin-mediated angioedema is less common than mast cell mediator-induced angioedema and often more severe. The diagnostic workup of angioedema patients includes a good medical history and subsequent laboratory testing. CONCLUSIONS: In most cases, mast cell mediator-induced and bradykinin-mediated forms of angioedema are readily classified clinically and/or by laboratory tests. In very rare cases, however, the cause and mediators of angioedema remain unknown.

Development and validation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) induced angioedema investigator rating scale and proposed discharge criteria.

BACKGROUND: The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) has been associated with the development of bradykinin-mediated angioedema. With ever-widening indications for ACEI in diseases including hypertension, congestive heart failure and diabetic nephropathy, a concomitant increase in ACEI-Angioedema (ACEI-A) has been reported. At present there is no validated severity scoring or discharge criteria for ACEI-A. We sought to develop and validate an investigator rating scale with corresponding discharge criteria using clinicians experienced in treating ACEI-A. METHODS: In-depth, 60-min qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with 12 US-based emergency physicians. Beforehand, clinicians were sent four case studies describing patients experiencing different severities of angioedema attacks. Clinicians were initially asked open-ended questions about their experience of patients' symptoms, treatment and discharge decisions. Clinicians then rated each patient case study and discussed patient diagnoses, ratings of symptom severity and discharge evaluation. The ratings were used to assess inter-rater reliability of the scale using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) using IBM SPSS analysis Version 19 software. RESULTS: The findings provide support focusing on four key symptoms of airway compromise scored on a 0-4 scale: 1) Difficulty Breathing, 2) Difficulty Swallowing, 3) Voice Changes and 4) Tongue Swelling and the corresponding discharge criteria of a score of 0 or 'No symptoms' for Difficulty Breathing and Difficulty Swallowing and a score of 0 or 1 indicating mild or absence of symptoms for Voice Change and Tongue Swelling. Eleven clinicians agreed the absence of standardized discharge criteria supported the use of this scale. All physicians concurred with the recommended discharge criteria. The clinician ratings provided evidence of strong inter-rater reliability for the rating scale (ICC > 0.80). CONCLUSION: The investigator rating scale and discharge criteria are clinically valid, relevant and reliable. Moreover, both address the current unmet need for standardized ED discharge criteria.

Angioedema.

OBJECTIVES: Angioedema is a potentially life-threatening occurrence that is encountered by critical care providers. The mechanistic understanding of angioedema syndromes has improved in recent years, and novel medications are available that improve outcomes from these syndromes. This clinically focused review will describe the underlying genetics, pathophysiology, classification and treatment of angioedema syndromes, with an emphasis on the novel pharmacologic agents that have recently become available for acute treatment. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search was conducted with the MeSH terms angioedema, acquired angioedema, hereditary angioedema type III, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor-induced angioedema. STUDY SELECTION: Selected publications describing angioedema, clinical trials, diagnosis, management, and genetics were retrieved (reviews, guidelines, clinical trials, case series), and their bibliographies were also reviewed to identify relevant publications. DATA EXTRACTION: Data from the relevant publications were reviewed, summarized and the information synthesized. DATA SYNTHESIS: The data obtained were used to describe the current state of diagnosis and management of various angioedema syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: Angioedema is a life-threatening syndrome with multiple subtypes, each with a distinct pathophysiology. We present an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and suggested management of various subtypes of angioedema. Securing the airway remains the most important intervention, followed by administration of both established and more novel pharmacologic interventions based on disease pathology.

[Management of patients with bradykinin-mediated angioedema in oral and maxillofacial surgery]. / Prise en charge des patients atteints d'angiœdèmes bradykiniques en chirurgie orale et maxillo-faciale.

Bradykinin-mediated angioedema (AE) is a rare disease characterized by recurrent cutaneous or mucosal angioedema. This hereditary or acquired disease is of rapid installation, non-pruritic, usually painless and can affect the face, lips, larynx, gastrointestinal tract or extremities. When the affected area involves the upper respiratory tract, laryngeal angioedema can lead to imminent death by asphyxia. This is the reason for the high mortality rate (30 %) in undiagnosed or improperly managed patients. High-risk situations in oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures should be identified preoperatively. Short-term prophylaxis must be carried-out prior to any procedure that may trigger an attack. A multi-site reference center (CREAK) has been created to help clinicians to manage this disease. This article reviews the pathophysiologic mechanisms, the clinical presentations, the possible treatments, the acute strategies for attacks and different prophylactic possibilities in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

[Angioedema]. / Angioedema.

Angioedema is defined as edema of the skin or mucosa, including the respiratory and the gastrointestinal mucosa, which is self-limiting, and in most cases is completely resolved in less than 72 hours. It occurs due to increased permeability of the mucosal and submucosal capillaries and postcapillary venules, with resulting plasma extravasation. There are different types of angioedema: histaminergic (which may be mediated by immunoglobulin E), hereditary, from acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency, from angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, bradykinin-mediated, and non-histaminergic idiopathic angioedema. Treatment depends on the cause of angioedema, age, and the frequency and severity of manifestations. The main measures are avoiding external triggers or causes, giving antihistamines, steroids, or adrenaline for histaminergic angioedema; replacing the deficient protein or blocking the action of bradykinin in C1 inhibitor deficiency and angioedema from angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor.

El angioedema se define como el edema de piel o mucosas, incluidas las de los tractos respiratorio y gastrointestinal, de carácter autolimitado, que en la mayoría de los casos se resuelve en forma completa en menos de 72 horas. Ocurre por aumento de la permeabilidad de los capilares mucosos, submucosos y vénulas poscapilares, con la consiguiente extravasación del plasma. Existen diferentes tipos de angioedema: el histaminérgico (que puede ser mediado o no por inmunoglobulina E), el hereditario, por déficit de C1 inhibidor adquirido, por inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de la angiotensina, mediados por bradiquininas y el angioedema no histaminérgico idiopático. El tratamiento depende de la causa del angioedema, la edad, frecuencia y gravedad de sus manifestaciones. Las principales medidas son evitar los desencadenantes o disparadores externos, la administración de antihistamínicos, esteroides o adrenalina en el angioedema histaminérgico; el reemplazo de la proteína deficiente o el bloqueo de la acción de la bradiquinina en el déficit de C1 inhibidor y en el angioedema por inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de la angiotensina.

Angioedema hereditario por déficit del inhibidor de la esterasa C1 / No disponible

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Histological Classification and Differential Diagnosis of Nonepisodic Angioedema With Eosinophilia: A Clinicopathologic Study of 12 Cases With Literature Review.

Nonepisodic angioedema with eosinophilia (NEAE) is a rare condition characterized with monoepisodic angioedema, a nonfebrile state, eosinophilia, normal serum IgM levels, and lack of internal organ involvement. The histology of this disease is not yet well known. The purpose of this study was to characterize the histopathologic features of NEAE. Twelve cases of clinically confirmed NEAE were retrieved from 6 institutions, and these cases were reviewed regarding the clinical data and histopathology, particularly regarding granulomatous lesions. The authors demonstrated that the histology of NEAE can be classified into 3 patterns that of eosinophilic granulomatous panniculitis (7/12 cases), eosinophilic dermatitis without granuloma formation (3/12 cases), and invisible dermatosis (2/12 cases). Six of the 7 granulomatous cases showed the characteristic eosinophilic granulomatous lesions containing individual necrotic adipocytes with membranous fat changes, which could be a differential clue to the diagnosis of NEAE. Review of the previously reported cases (n = 37) revealed that the histological classification could be adaptable to these reported cases. The authors should recognize the histological variation of NEAE and distinguish it from the histological mimickers, including eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, erythema nodosum, hypereosinophilic syndrome, and episodic angioedema with eosinophilia.

[Angioedema]. / Angioødem.

Angioedema may be an overlooked common disease. Angioedema comprises the idiopathic, the allergic, pseudo allergic, the physical form as well as the hereditary form. Diagnosis is simple when symptoms are classical (lips, eyes and tongue) but might be missed if symptoms are nonspecific such as dizziness or dyspnoea. However, the most striking observation reviewing the literature is the absence of original research on angioedema considering the high prevalence of the disease. From a patient and physician perspective more information and research on angioedema is needed.

Epidemiology of angioedema without wheals in an allergy and immunology center.

We describe the diagnostic epidemiology, the clinical course, the family history and the response to treatment of patients with angioedema without wheals (AWW) at an Allergy and Immunology Clinical Center. We reviewed the case records of all patients at our office from January 1997 to April 2013. We recorded sex, age, age at onset of symptoms, family history of angioedema, number of visits to the office, type of angioedema, and response to treatment from those patients with angioedema without wheals. We classified angioedema according to its pathophysiology. We also describe those patients with angioedema mimics. From a total of 17,823 new patients, 303 had a presumptive diagnosis of angioedema without wheals. Twenty-three patients had an angioedema mimic. Forty percent were male and 60% were female. Average age at first visit was 40.6. Average number of visits was 2.4. Fifty-seven patients referred a family history. We attributed idiopathic angioedema to 55.7% of patients, 24.3% were drug related, 15.7% were due to C1 inhibitor deficiency, 2.1% were drug related+idiopathic angioedema, 1.4% were type III and 0.7% had exercise-induced angioedema. Ninety six percent of 53 evaluable idiopathic angioedema patients referred a benefit with anti-histamine therapy. AWW was a rare cause of consultation. Most of our patients had anti H1 responsive idiopathic angioedema and none had allergic angioedema. Women cases prevailed over men's. Family history and average age of onset of symptoms were different among the different types of angioedema.

Angioedema hereditario / Hereditary angioedema

No disponible

Epidemiology of angioedema without wheals in an allergy and immunology center

We describe the diagnostic epidemiology, the clinical course, the family history and the response to treatment of patients with angioedema without wheals (AWW) at an Allergy and Immunology Clinical Center. We reviewed the case records of all patients at our office from January 1997 to April 2013. We recorded sex, age, age at onset of symptoms, family history of angioedema, number of visits to the office, type of angioedema, and response to treatment from those patients with angioedema without wheals. We classified angioedema according to its pathophysiology. We also describe those patients with angioedema mimics. From a total of 17 823 new patients, 303 had a presumptive diagnosis of angioedema without wheals. Twenty-three patients had an angioedema mimic. Forty percent were male and 60% were female. Average age at first visit was 40.6. Average number of visits was 2.4. Fifty-seven patients referred a family history. We attributed idiopathic angioedema to 55.7% of patients, 24.3% were drug related, 15.7% were due to C1 inhibitor deficiency, 2.1% were drug related + idiopathic angioedema, 1.4% were type III and 0.7% had exercise-induced angioedema. Ninety six percent of 53 evaluable idiopathic angioedema patients referred a benefit with anti-histamine therapy. AWW was a rare cause of consultation. Most of our patients had anti H1 responsive idiopathic angioedema and none had allergic angioedema. Women cases prevailed over men´s. Family history and average age of onset of symptoms were different among the different types of angioedema.

Describimos la epidemiología, historia clínica, antecedentes familiares y respuesta al tratamiento de los pacientes consultando por angioedema sin urticaria en nuestra clínica especializada en Alergia e Inmunología. Revisamos retrospectivamente todas las historias clínicas de nuestro consultorio entre enero de 1997 y abril de 2013. Seleccionamos aquellos pacientes que habían consultado por angioedema sin urticaria y registramos el sexo, edad, edad de comienzo de síntomas, antecedentes familiares de angioedema, número de consultas, tipo de angioedema y respuesta al tratamiento. Clasificamos el angioedema de acuerdo a su fisiopatología. Describimos también los diagnósticos diferenciales que encontramos. De un total de 17 823 pacientes, 303 consultaron por angioedema sin ronchas. Veintitrés presentaban un diagnóstico alternativo. El 40% eran hombres y el 60% mujeres. La edad promedio de la primera visita fue 40.6 años. El promedio de consultas fue 2.4. Cincuenta y siete refirieron antecedentes familiares. El 55.7% fue clasificado como angioedema idiopático, el 24.3% secundario a drogas, el 15.7% secundario a deficiencia del inhibidor C1, 2.1% por drogas + idiopático, 1.4% angioedema tipo III y 0.71% asociado al ejercicio. Noventa y seis por ciento de 53 pacientes evaluables con angioedema idiopático se beneficiaron con antihistamínicos. El angioedema sin urticaria fue una causa rara de consultas. Las mujeres prevalecieron sobre los hombres. Los antecedentes familiares y la edad de comienzo de síntomas variaron de acuerdo al tipo de angioedema.

Manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico de la urticaria crónica por el dermatólogo y papel del servicio de dermatología / Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management of Chronic Urticaria by Dermatologists and the Role of Dermatology Departments

No disponible

[Biological investigation of kinin-mediated angioedema]. / Exploration biologique des angiœdèmes à kinines.

Kinin-mediated angioedema results from accumulation of kinins, vasoactive and vasopermeant peptides, on the vascular endothelium. The disease is characterized by sudden episodes of swelling in the subcutaneous and submucosal tissues; the edema may occur spontaneously or it may be precipitated by triggering factors such as physical or emotional stress, or certain medicines. The characterization of kinin formation and catabolism systems helps improve knowledge of the aetiopathogenic mechanisms involved and provides the basis for classification of kinin-mediated angioedema conditions; thus, we may distinguish between angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency, whether inherited or acquired, and angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor activity, associated with increased kinin-forming activity or deficiency in kinin catabolism enzymes. In support of the clinical diagnosis, the physician may request laboratory investigation for a functional and molecular definition of the disease. Laboratory diagnosis is based on the characterization of: (1) kinin production control by C1 inhibitor investigation (function, antigen levels and circulating species); (2) kinin production (kininogenase activity, kininogen cleavage species); and (3) kinin catabolism enzymes (aminopeptidase P, carboxypeptidase N, angiotensin-I converting enzyme and dipeptidyl peptidase IV). An abnormal biological phenotype is supported by examination of susceptibility genes (SERPING1, F12 and XPNPEP2) and mutation segregation in the families.

Distinct conditions support a novel classification for bradykinin-mediated angio-oedema.

BACKGROUND: Angio-oedema (AO) can be attributable to bradykinin (BK) accumulation, as is the case for prototypical hereditary AO (HAO) due to C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency. However, our clinical experience in a reference centre has shown that some patients display a clinical history suggestive of HAO, but exhibit normal C1-INH function, have no mutation in the causative genes associated with HAO (SERPING1, F12), and report no intake of drugs known to promote AO. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the frequency and distribution of different AO subtypes suspected to be BK-mediated AO (BK-AO) and defined by clinical, history and biological criteria (enzyme activities implicated in BK formation and catabolism). METHODS: The files of all patients referred to our centre for suspected BK-AO were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: The distribution of patients (n = 162) was 16 and 4% with a hereditary deficiency of C1-INH or a gain of factor XII function, respectively, 29% with iatrogenic BK-AO, 21% with non-iatrogenic defective kininase activity and 30% with idiopathic increased kinin formation. CONCLUSION: BK-AO may be caused by multiple inherited or acquired factors triggering BK accumulation. Therefore, we propose a novel typology for BK-AO based on the imbalance of production/catabolism of BK.

[Angioedema: differential diagnosis]. / Angiœdème: diagnostics différentiels.

Angioedema (AO) is a clinical syndrome defined by a local swelling of the deep dermis or subcutaneous/submucosal tissues. AO is of rapid installation, non-pruritic, always circumscribed and transitory without any sequellae. A swelling not fulfilling these characteristics is not an AO. Characterization of the bradykinic or histaminic mechanism should not be started until it is firmly established that the patient has an AO. Among differential diagnosis of AO, two clinical situations can be particularly misleading: generalized edema with flare and remission or with a subjective or objective localized predominance; permanent localized edema but with fluctuation during time. Diagnosis of AO should be questioned if the evolution is unusual or if there is a resistance to the treatment. Hereditary AO are rare diseases whereas histaminic AO are much more frequent (beware of overdiagnosis of a rare disease). Even in patients with a known and real AO, a differential diagnosis should be evoked when a new clinical manifestation is atypical or is treatment resistant.

[Angioedema].

Angioedema may be an overlooked common disease. Angioedema comprises the idiopathic, the allergic, pseudo allergic, the physical form as well as the hereditary form. Diagnosis is simple when symptoms are classical (lips, eyes and tongue) but might be missed if symptoms are nonspecific such as dizziness or dyspnoea. However, the most striking observation reviewing the literature is the absence of original research on angioedema considering the high prevalence of the disease. From a patient and physician perspective more information and research on angioedema is needed.