Training hereditary angioedema patients to self-administer intravenous C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate

Shared decision-making in the management of hereditary angioedema: An analysis of patient and physician perspectives

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by recurrent, localized episodes of edema. Current treatment guidelines highlight the importance of shared decision-making (SDM) during implementation of HAE management plans. Objective: To determine what constitutes a successful SDM approach in HAE management. Method: Qualitative telephone interviews, which lasted ∼1 hour, were conducted with four HAE physicians and four patients from the APeX-S trial. The physicians were asked to describe the structure and/or content of typical HAE prophylaxis consultations and factors to consider when selecting medications for long-term treatment. Insights from these interviews were used to develop an SDM process diagram. The patients were interviewed to assess how closely the diagram fit their perspectives on the HAE consultation and their involvement in decisions that concerned their care. Interview transcripts were assessed by the interviewer to determine the degree of SDM involvement in each consultation by using qualitative criteria from the literature. Results: Two physicians followed a high-SDM format, and one physician used a "blended" approach. The fourth physician followed a standard (low SDM) format. A successful SDM approach was found to require pre-visit planning, a commitment on behalf of the physician to use SDM methods to learn more about the patient, and empowerment of the patient to reflect on and vocalize his or her preferences and/or needs. Patients engaged in SDM were more likely to proactively request a treatment switch. Conclusion: The adoption of validated HAE-specific treatment decision aids, as well as measures to change the mindsets of patients and physicians, may facilitate successful implementation of SDM in HAE.Clinical Trial Registration: The APeX-S trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03472040).

Improving the Lives of Patients with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) is a rare genetic condition that predisposes patients to lung and liver disease and is often underdiagnosed due to incomplete diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Improvements in physician awareness have been made, but better strategies for both diagnosis and management are still required. The only current disease-modifying therapy for AATD is the infusion of the missing Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) protein, which can slow progression of emphysema. However, AAT treatment can impact patient freedom and quality of life due to the need for weekly intravenous infusions. A symposium was held to discuss patient-centric aspects of care that have impact on the lives of patients with AATD, including exacerbations of their lung disease, self-administration of intravenous AAT therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation. Intravenous self-infusion of drugs is an established treatment strategy for patients with a variety of conditions and can improve patient quality of life, freedom and mental well-being. Experience from these areas show that patients typically manage their treatment well and without complications. When applied to AATD, training patients to self-infuse therapy can be successful, but formal guidelines would be beneficial. In addition to pharmacological intervention, individualized pulmonary rehabilitation, exercise and educational programs can encourage health-enhancing patient behavior and further improve patient quality of life. However, differences in skeletal muscle adaptations to pulmonary rehabilitation exercise regimens have been observed between patients with AATD and non-AATD COPD, highlighting the need to develop training programs specifically designed for patients with AATD.

Training patients for self-administration of a new subcutaneous C1-inhibitor concentrate for hereditary angioedema

AIMS

The aim of this study was to provide recommendations for training patients with hereditary angioedema, based on nursing clinical trial experience, to self-administer subcutaneous C1-INH (C1-INH[SC]) used as routine prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND

A volume-reduced, subcutaneous C1-INH concentrate (C1-INH(SC); HAEGARDA®; CSL Behring) was recently FDA-approved for the routine prevention of hereditary angioedema attacks. Nurses will play an important role in patient training.

DESIGN

Review of a phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial of C1-INH(SC) (COMPACT) and summary of recommendations for training patients based on nurses' "hands-on experience."

METHODS

A panel of nurses with clinical trial experience provided recommendations for patient training.

RESULTS

Practical suggestions and guidelines were compiled regarding patient selection, product reconstitution and administration and patient follow-up. Successful patient self-administration of C1-INH(SC) can be greatly facilitated by qualified nursing intervention. The information provided in this paper will be useful to nurses anywhere who have an opportunity to interact with patients dealing with hereditary angioedema.

Angioedema: Clinical Presentations and Pharmacological Management

Angioedema (AE) is a unique clinical presentation of an unchecked release of bradykinin. The origin of this clinical presentation can be either genetic or acquired. The outcome within the patient is subcutaneous swelling of the lower layers of the epidermis. Symptoms are most often localized to the upper airway or the gastrointestinal tract. A typical course resolves in 5 to 7 days, but in some patients, the clinical manifestations exist up to 6 weeks. Hereditary AE is rare and genetically linked, and typically, the patient has episodes for many years before diagnosis. Episodes of acquired AE may be drug induced, triggered by a specific allergen, or idiopathic. Angioedema can elicit the need for critical care interventions, for advanced airway management, or unnecessary abdominal surgery. The treatment for these patients is evolving as new pharmacological agents are developed. This article addresses subtypes of AE, triggers, pharmacology, and information for interdisciplinary team planning of individualized case management.

Prophylaxis in hereditary angioedema (HAE) with C1 inhibitor deficiency

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of subcutaneous or submucosal edema. Laryngeal manifestations can be life-threatening. In the majority of cases, the disease can be adequately treated with an on-demand approach--in some cases, however, short- or long-term prophylaxis is indicated. Attenuated androgens used to be the drugs of choice, but they are associated with considerable side effects and no longer commercially available in the German-speaking countries of the EU. They are currently being replaced by more effective and more tolerable agents such C1-inhibitors, the kallikrein inhibitor ecallantide, and the B2 receptor antagonist icatibant, which have recently obtained market authorization. These new drugs have had a major impact, especially on the indications and procedures for long-term prophylaxis. According to the most recent international consensus papers and our own experience, self-administered C1-inhibitors are now the first option for long-term prophylactic therapy. The decision for prophylaxis should no longer be based on single parameters such as the frequency of attacks but on adequate overall disease control including quality of life. More drugs are currently being developed, which may lead to further changes in the treatment algorithms of HAE.

Managing the female patient with hereditary angioedema

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare disorder resulting from decreased functional levels of C1-inhibitor (C1-INH), which manifests as periodic episodes of localized edema which can be extremely painful, debilitating and even fatal if the swelling affects the larynx. HAE can complicate many aspects of obstetric/gynecologic care, and an awareness of the disease is critical for clinicians involved in the care of women because of potential HAE-related complications pertaining to pregnancy, labor and delivery, and other women's health issues. This article provides a review of published literature specific to HAE and its management in female patients, including important concerns regarding obstetric/gynecologic care. A growing body of relevant experience is presented to help guide the care of women with HAE.