Angioneurotic oedema in the elderly

Recent developments in the treatment of acute abdominal and facial attacks of hereditary angioedema: focus on human C1 esterase inhibitor

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a potentially fatal genetic disorder typified by a deficiency (type I) or dysfunction (type II) of the C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) and characterized by swelling of the extremities, face, trunk, abdominal viscera, and upper airway. Type III is normal estrogen-sensitive C1-INH HAE. Bradykinin, the main mediator of HAE, binds to endothelial B2 receptors, increasing vascular permeability and resulting in edema. HAE management includes short- and long-term prophylaxis. For treating acute episodes, C1-INH concentrate is recommended with regression of symptoms achieved in 30-90 min. Infusions of 500-1000 U have been used in Europe for years. Two plasma-derived C1-INH concentrates have been licensed recently in the United States: Berinert(®) for treating acute attacks and Cinryze(®) for prophylaxis in adolescent/adult patients. A recombinant C1-INH that is being considered for approval (conestat alfa) exhibited significant superiority versus placebo. Ecallantide (Kalbitor(®)) is a selective kallikrein inhibitor recently licensed in the United States for treating acute attacks in patients aged >16 years. It is administered in three 10-mg subcutaneous injections with the risk of anaphylactic reactions. Icatibant (Firazyr(®)) is a bradykinin B2 receptor competitor. It is administered subcutaneously as a 30-mg injection and approved in Europe but not in the United States.

Angioedema. Pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and treatment

Angioedema is a constellation of syndromes that present a great challenge to the clinician. The term "angioedema" describes the localized, transient, episodic edema of the deeper layers of the skin or of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Although angioedema may affect any part of the body, the skin and gastrointestinal tract are involved most commonly by far. Episodic abdominal pain arising from angioedema affecting any intra-abdominal organ may occur without skin angioedema; therefore, angioedema must be included in the differential diagnosis of intermittent, unexplained abdominal pain. Angioedema is caused by extravasation of plasma in the affected areas, which at times is accompanied by nonspecific, minimal cellular infiltrate. The most commonly identified causes of angioedema are medications, allergens, and physical agents, but most angioedema is idiopathic. Rare forms of angioedema associated with either hereditary or acquired faulty activation of the complement and kallikrein-kinin systems have been extensively described. Taking a comprehensive personal and family history, performing a physical examination, and compulsively monitoring the response to therapy are the most rewarding and cost-effective diagnostic and treatment tools. Diligent and knowledgeable follow-up by the attending physician spares patients costly and unnecessary tests as well as harmful treatment. The most effective treatment depends on the identification of the causative mechanism and--especially when the mechanism is not identified--on the clinician's knowledge and experience with innovative therapeutic regimens.