Danazol-induced cystitis: an undescribed source of hematuria in patients with hereditary angioneurotic edema

Long-term Prophylaxis with Androgens in the management of Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) in emerging countries

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease characterized by repetitive subcutaneous or submucosal angioedema, activation of the kinin system, and increased vascular permeability. C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency, the main mechanism of HAE pathogenesis, occurs when abnormal activation of plasma kallikrein, bradykinin, and factor XII, or mutation of genes such as SERPING1 cause quantitative or functional C1-INH defects. Although androgens are not approved for HAE treatment in many countries, they are widely used in China and Brazil to reduce the frequency and severity of HAE attacks. The long-term adverse effects of androgen treatment are concerning for both physicians and patients. Virilization, weight gain, acne, hirsutism, liver damage, headache, myalgia, hematuria, menstrual disorders, diminished libido, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, and anxiety/depression are commonly observed during long-term treatment with androgens. These adverse effects can affect the quality of life of HAE patients and often lead to treatment interruption, especially in women and children. In-depth studies of the pathogenesis of HAE have led to the approval of alternative treatment strategies, including plasma-derived C1 inhibitor, recombinant human C1 inhibitor, plasma Kallikrein inhibitor (ecallantide; lanadelumab), and bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist (icatibant), some of which have achieved satisfactory results with mostly non-serious side effects. Therefore, a new standard of medical care may expand possibilities for the management of HAE in emerging countries.

Colonic Angioectasia in an Adolescent Boy with Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson on Long-Term Anabolic Steroid Therapy

Androgen therapy has proven efficacy in treating patients with bone marrow failure who are not candidates for bone marrow transplantation. Herein, we report on a case of colonic angioectasia secondary to oxymetholone use in an adolescent patient with Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson syndrome (HHS). A 13-year-old Caucasian male with HHS characterized by cerebellar hypoplasia, developmental delay, microcephaly, esophageal strictures and myelodysplasia presented with severe hematochezia from colonic angioectasia secondary to long-term oxymetholone therapy. These vascular lesions resolved spontaneously once this anabolic steroid was discontinued. While androgen therapy is often recommended for certain anemias and myelodysplastic syndromes, clinicians should be aware of the potential complication in developing these perceived uncommon colonic angioectasias. Moreover, pediatric gastroenterologists should familiarize themselves in identifying these vascular lesions by colonoscopy, especially among the high risk groups on long-term anabolic steroid therapy.

Hereditary angioedema caused by c1-esterase inhibitor deficiency: a literature-based analysis and clinical commentary on prophylaxis treatment strategies

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) caused by C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency is an autosomal-dominant disease resulting from a mutation in the C1-inhibitor gene. HAE is characterized by recurrent attacks of intense, massive, localized subcutaneous edema involving the extremities, genitalia, face, or trunk, or submucosal edema of upper airway or bowels. These symptoms may be disabling, have a dramatic impact on quality of life, and can be life-threatening when affecting the upper airways. Because the manifestations and severity of HAE are highly variable and unpredictable, patients need individualized care to reduce the burden of HAE on daily life. Although effective therapy for the treatment of HAE attacks has been available in many countries for more than 30 years, until recently, there were no agents approved in the United States to treat HAE acutely. Therefore, prophylactic therapy is an integral part of HAE treatment in the United States and for selected patients worldwide. Routine long-term prophylaxis with either attenuated androgens or C1-esterase inhibitor has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of HAE attacks. Therapy with attenuated androgens, a mainstay of treatment in the past, has been marked by concern about potential adverse effects. C1-esterase inhibitor works directly on the complement and contact plasma cascades to reduce bradykinin release, which is the primary pathologic mechanism in HAE. Different approaches to long-term prophylactic therapy can be used to successfully manage HAE when tailored to meet the needs of the individual patient.

Hemorrhagic cystitis: A challenge to the urologist

Severe hemorrhagic cystitis often arises from anticancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy for pelvic malignancies. Infectious etiologies are less common causes except in immunocompromised hosts. These cases can be challenging problems for the urologist and a source of substantial morbidity and sometimes mortality for the patients. A variety of modalities of treatment have been described for the management of hemorrhagic cystitis but there is none that is uniformly effective. Some progress has been made in the understanding and management of viral hemorrhagic cystitis. This article reviews the common causes of severe hemorrhagic cystitis and the currently available management options.

Hereditary angiodema: a current state-of-the-art review, VII: Canadian Hungarian 2007 International Consensus Algorithm for the Diagnosis, Therapy, and Management of Hereditary Angioedema

BACKGROUND

We published the Canadian 2003 International Consensus Algorithm for the Diagnosis, Therapy, and Management of Hereditary Angioedema (HAE; C1 inhibitor [C1-INH] deficiency) in 2004.

OBJECTIVE

To ensure that this consensus remains current.

METHODS

In collaboration with the Canadian Network of Rare Blood Disorder Organizations, we held the second Canadian Consensus discussion with our international colleagues in Toronto, Ontario, on February 3, 2006, and reviewed its content at the Fifth C1 Inhibitor Deficiency Workshop in Budapest on June 2, 2007. Papers were presented by international investigators, and this consensus algorithm approach resulted.

RESULTS

This consensus algorithm outlines the approach recommended for the diagnosis, therapy, and management of HAE, which was agreed on by the authors of this report. This document is only a consensus algorithm approach and continues to require validation. As such, participants agreed to make this a living 2007 algorithm, a work in progress, and to review its content at future international HAE meetings.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a paucity of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials on the treatment of HAE, making levels of evidence to support the algorithm less than optimal. Controlled trials currently under way will provide further insight into the management of HAE. As with our Canadian 2003 Consensus, this 2007 International Consensus Algorithm for the Diagnosis, Therapy, and Management of HAE was formed through the meeting and agreement of patient care professionals along with patient group representatives and individual patients.

Adverse effects of danazol prophylaxis on the lipid profiles of patients with hereditary angioedema

BACKGROUND

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare disorder caused by the deficiency of the C1-inhibitor gene (C1INH) . Patients experience recurrent bouts of edema, which can occur in almost any region of the body. As regards the treatment of the disease, danazol (an attenuated androgen) is used, among other agents, for long-term prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible adverse effects of danazol on serum lipid profile, as well as to ascertain whether danazol treatment is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B-100, and lipoprotein(a) were compared between danazol-treated patients with HAE and 2 control groups (ie, patients who did not receive long-term danazol prophylaxis and untreated healthy subjects).

RESULTS

Serum concentrations of HDL ( P = .0002 and P < .0001) and apolipoprotein A-I ( P = .0015 and P < .0001) were significantly lower, whereas LDL ( P = .0129 and P = .0127) and apolipoprotein B-100 ( P = .0456 and P = .0013) were higher in the danazol-treated patients compared with the 2 control groups, respectively. No significant difference was found in total cholesterol, triglyceride, or lipoprotein(a) levels. Patients who received danazol had an 11.6 (95% CI, 2.7-49.7) times higher risk for abnormally low HDL levels and a 4.4 (95% CI, 1.2-16.0) times lower risk for high LDL concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the long-term use of danazol is associated with an increased risk for early atherosclerosis in patients with HAE. Consequently, monitoring of HDL and LDL levels at regular intervals is recommended during follow-up.

How do we treat patients with hereditary angioedema

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is due to the inherited deficiency of C1-Inhibitor (C1-Inh). When specific treatment was not available, the mortality rate for this disease was as high as 50% and the disability up to 100-150 days per year (Agostoni and Cicardi, Hereditary and acquired C1-inhibitor deficiency: biological and clinical characteristics in 235 patients). Such a worrying scenario dramatically improves upon appropriate treatment. Nevertheless, the disease still frequently goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as an allergic condition. Both circumstances prevent patients from receiving drugs that could save and/or improve the quality of their life. The interest of our group for patients with HAE goes back to the early seventies. Since that time, 441 such patients have been examined and treated at our department; 403 are still actively followed. Here we present our experience on the treatment of HAE.

The long-term safety of danazol in women with hereditary angioedema

Although the short-term safety (less than or equal to 6 months) of danazol has been established in a variety of settings, no information exists as to its long-term safety. We therefore investigated the long-term safety of danazol by performing a retrospective chart review of 60 female patients with hereditary angioedema treated with danazol for a continuous period of 6 months or longer. The mean age of the patients was 35.2 years and the mean duration of therapy was 59.7 months. Virtually all patients experienced one or more adverse reactions. Menstrual abnormalities (79%), weight gain (60%), muscle cramps/myalgias (40%), and transaminase elevations (40%) were the most common adverse reactions. The drug was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8 patients. No patient has died or suffered any apparent long-term sequelae that were directly attributable to the drug. We conclude that, despite a relatively high incidence of adverse reactions, danazol has proven to be remarkably safe over the long-term in this group of patients.

Hemorrhagic cystitis: a review

Acute, fulminant bladder hemorrhage usually is seen at tertiary care centers in which cancer patients are treated with oxazaphosphorine alkylating agents, particularly cyclophosphamide and isophosphamide. These agents also are used to treat benign conditions, such as lupus erythematosis and Wegener's granulomatosis. Radiation effects from treatment of prostatic or cervical carcinoma can appear for the first time as late as 15 to 20 years after initial treatment. Other iatrogenic causes of bleeding include treatment with penicillins and, rarely, danazol. Occasionally, bladder hemorrhage may be the presenting sign of metabolic disease, such as secondary amyloidosis in rheumatic arthritis. Cases of mild to moderate hemorrhagic cystitis arising in the otherwise healthy patients should lead one to pursue the possibility of environmental toxins, accidental poisoning, recreational drug use or viruses. In all cases the diagnosis should be reserved until more common causes of hematuria, such as bacterial or fungal infection, stones, cysts or tumors, have been ruled out. Prevention of chemotherapeutically induced cystitis ideally will follow careful attention to adequate hydration and the prophylactic use of antitoxins, such as mesna. Treatment, as outlined previously, consists of a series of measures beginning with the most conservative. Intervention thereby is tailored to the gravity of the clinical situation.