Letting the patients speak: an in-depth, qualitative research-based investigation of factors relevant to health-related quality of life in real-world patients with hereditary angioedema using subcutaneous C1 inhibitor replacement therapy.

BACKGROUND: While many studies of effective hereditary angioedema (HAE) therapy have demonstrated improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using validated instruments, specific reasons behind the improved scores have never been investigated using qualitative methods. A non-interventional, qualitative research study was designed to investigate the reasons for improvements in HRQoL while using effective prophylaxis, in this case subcutaneous C1INH (C1INH[SC]) replacement therapy. METHODS: Adult patients with HAE-C1INH type 1 or 2 who had been using C1INH(SC) for ≥ 3 consecutive months were recruited through four HAE specialty practices in the US to participate in a 60-min phone interview performed by a trained qualitative research specialist (ICON plc) using a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions developed with the Angioedema Quality of Life (AE-QoL) items in mind. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis methods to identify concepts (specific symptoms/impacts) and themes (higher-level categories grouping related concepts). A cross-mapping exercise was performed between interview-identified concepts and items included in the AE-QoL. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were interviewed and included in the analysis (age range, 28-82 years [mean 47.5 years]; 64% female; 93% white). In 10 interviews, patients mentioned having no or nearly no HAE attacks, no longer feeling limited by HAE, less HAE-related anxiety/worry and depression, an improved ability to travel, fewer emergency room/hospital visits, and ease of administration of C1INH(SC), including not requiring assistance from others. Other commonly expressed concepts included: increased feelings of confidence, independence, optimism, and normalcy; less absence from work/school; better productivity; improved sleep and energy; healthier family relationships; and improved cognition. While all AE-QoL items emerged from patient interviews, a number of identified concepts were not addressed by the AE-QoL, including sensitivity to various potential attack-triggers (e.g., stress/anxiety, sports), attack frequency, not having to cancel social plans, improvements in ability to perform day-to-day tasks, and a lower burden from medical visits. CONCLUSIONS: From these interviews, a large number of common themes and concepts emerged: a greater sense of freedom and normalcy, increased productivity, and improved interpersonal relationships while using convenient and effective prophylaxis. These findings provide insights into real-world experiences and the many facets of HRQoL that are important to patients with HAE-C1INH.

Androgen use in hereditary angioedema: A critical appraisal and approaches to transitioning from androgens to other therapies.

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disorder clinically characterized by recurrent attacks of subcutaneous and mucosal swelling. Attenuated androgens have been a prophylactic treatment option to reduce the frequency of HAE attacks for > 4 decades. However, the advent of effective on-demand treatments and highly effective, more tolerable, long-term prophylactic therapies has led to a decline in the use of attenuated androgens for the management of HAE in regions where newer therapies are available. A consensus about the best approach for discontinuing or tapering off attenuated androgen therapy does not exist. Objective: To develop a consensus on androgen tapering for patients with HAE. Methods: We sent an open-ended survey about androgen tapering to 21 physicians who treat HAE, 12 of whom responded. We reviewed the collective experience of the participating physicians in combination with results from a literature review on the topic. Results: The survey and literature review underscored potential concerns related to rapid androgen withdrawal in patients with HAE, including physician and patient concerns that the frequency and severity of attacks would abruptly worsen. In addition, discontinuation of attenuated androgens may have the potential for transient adverse effects, such as an increase in the rate of attacks or effects related to hormone withdrawal. Our survey showed that physicians often taper androgens to prevent increases in HAE attacks and possible withdrawal complications. Conclusion: Based on both experiences of the physicians who responded to our survey and reports in the endocrine literature, we provided recommendations for androgen tapering. However, we noted that the likelihood of adverse effects due to androgen withdrawal in patients with HAE is poorly understood and requires further study.

Update on the Use of C1-Esterase Inhibitor Replacement Therapy in the Acute and Prophylactic Treatment of Hereditary Angioedema.

In the vast majority of patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE), angioedema attacks are due to the quantitative or functional deficiency of C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), which leads to increased vascular permeability and unregulated release of bradykinin. Exogenous administration of C1-INH is a rational way to restore the concentration and functional activity of this protein, regulate the release of bradykinin, and attenuate or prevent subcutaneous and submucosal edema associated with HAE. Recent international guidelines for the management of HAE include C1-INH as an option for acute treatment of HAE. In addition, these guidelines recommend C1-INH as first-line treatment for long-term prophylaxis and as the therapy of choice for short-term/preprocedural prophylaxis. Several C1-INH products are available, with approved indications varying across regions. For the acute treatment of HAE, both plasma-derived and recombinant C1-INH formulations have been shown to be effective and well tolerated in adolescents and adults with HAE, with onset of relief within 30 min to a few hours. Plasma-derived C1-INH is approved for use in children, and recombinant C1-INH is being evaluated in this population. Intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) formulations of C1-INH have been approved for routine prophylaxis to prevent HAE attacks in adolescents and adults. Both formulations when administered twice weekly have been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of HAE attacks. The SC formulation of C1-INH obviates the need for repeated venous access and may facilitate self-administration of HAE prophylaxis at home, as recommended in HAE treatment guidelines. As with most rare diseases, the costs of HAE treatment are high; however, the development of additional acute and prophylactic medications for HAE may result in competitive pricing and help drive down the costs of HAE treatment.