Recombinant human C1 esterase inhibitor as short-term prophylaxis in patients with hereditary angioedema

Abstract

Hereditary angioedema (HAE), an inherited deficiency offunctional C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), is characterized byrecurrent episodes of disabling and often painful swelling insubcutaneous and/or submucosal tissues.1HAE attacks aregenerally unpredictable, but triggers for an attack can includehaving a dental or medical procedure (eg, surgery), other trauma,or stress. A preemptive management plan for patients under-going these types of situations may reduce the risk of HAE at-tacks. Recommendations include administration of short-termprophylaxis in patients with HAE before invasive medical pro-cedures, especially those involving the upper airways or digestivetract, with C1-INH concentrate typically the medication ofchoice.