Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma: fever and facial swelling with hemophagocytic syndrome

We report a case of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) in a young man presenting with fever and facial swelling. He had pancytopenia and hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) on evaluation. The histopathological examination of skin punch biopsy from the face and chest wall showed SPTCL. Given the associated HPS, he was started on steroid and multidrug chemotherapy following which he had symptomatic improvement.

Angioedemas associated with renin-angiotensin system blocking drugs: Comparative analysis of spontaneous adverse drug reaction reports

INTRODUCTION

Angioedema is a subcutaneous swelling typically affecting the face, larynx or pharynx. It is a known adverse drug reaction (ADR) of ACE inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin-II-receptor blockers (ARBs) and aliskiren (renin inhibitor). Several studies have reported pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors of ACEi-associated angioedemas, whereas little is known for ARBs and aliskiren. The aim of the study was to analyze comparatively ACEi versus ARBs and aliskiren angioedema reports contained in the European ADR database EudraVigilance with regard to reported risk factors and clinical phenotypes.

METHODS

All spontaneous angioedema reports received between 01/2010-06/2017 reporting either an ACEi, ARB, or aliskiren as "suspected/interacting" drug were identified using the Standardized MedDRA Query "angioedema (narrow)". In order to perform a comparative analysis, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for angioedema reports of ACEi (n = 3.194) versus ARBs (n = 687) and aliskiren (n = 162).

RESULTS

More patients with a history of allergy were included in angioedema reports of ARBs (6.8%) and aliskiren (13.6%) versus ACEi (4.3%). "Urticaria" as an ADR was reported more frequently in angioedema reports of ARBs (18.5%) and aliskiren (9.0%) versus ACEi (5.0%). ACEi-associated angioedemas were more often designated as "life-threatening" compared to ARBs (OR 2.2 [1.6-2.9]) and aliskiren-associated angioedemas (OR 14.2 (3.5-57.4). Concomitant therapy with mTOR inhibitors (OR 4.3 [1.0-17.9]) and fibrinolytics (OR 7.8 [1.1-57.2]) was reported more often in ACEi versus ARBs angioedema reports.

CONCLUSION

The reported clinical phenotypes differed between ACEi versus ARBs and aliskiren angioedema reports. Differences between the patient populations as observed in our study or differences with regard to underlying pathomechanisms could account for this finding. Due to the methodological limitations of spontaneous reporting systems, we cannot draw a firm conclusion in this regard. Hence, further research is necessary to confirm our observation and elucidate the underyling causes.

H1R mediates local anesthetic-induced vascular permeability in angioedema

Angioedema may occur during local anesthetic (LA) injection in the perioperative period. Histaminergic angioedema is the most common form of angioedema. It has been reported that LA is a potential exogenous ligand for histamine receptor 1 (H₁R). Whether H₁R participates in LA-induced angioedema is still controversial. By using a constructed H₁R high-expressed cell model, siRNA transfection, pharmacologic means, and genetically modified animal models, here we showed that H₁R mediated LA-induced hyperpermeability. LA with uncycled N-methyl scaffold in the side chain (procaine, tetracaine and lidocaine) had a better strength of drug-H₁R affinity than that for LA with cycled N atom (bupivacaine and ropivacaine) by the molecular docking assay and equilibrium dissociation constant (K_D values) obtained from the cell membrane chromatography (CMC) relative standard method. Procaine, tetracaine, and lidocaine triggered big calcium mobilization in H₁R-HEK293 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) but much weaker in NC-HEK293 cells or H₁R knockdown HUVECs. Besides, the results of transendothelial resistance measurement, paracellular flux assay and immunofluorescence showed that procaine induced H₁R-dependent hyperpermeability, which involved in PLCγ/IP3R/PKC, ERK1/2, Akt signaling pathways, downstream vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cad) destabilization. Furthermore, H₁R gene knockout prevented paw swelling and vascular leakage caused by procaine, tetracaine, and lidocaine in vivo. This study supported a key role of H₁R in LA-induced angioedema, and suggested that in the design of LA structure, the ring formation of the N-methyl scaffold on the side chain can properly avoid the angioedema.

Urticaria and angioedema

Urticaria, also known as hives, may affect up to 20% of the population at some time. Urticaria is described as pruritic erythematous, raised, circumscribed lesions with central pallor that blanch with pressure. Urticaria is closely associated with angioedema in 40% of individuals; approximately 10% of patients experience angioedema without urticaria. Urticarial lesions often are generalized, with multiple lesions in no specific distribution; angioedema tends to be localized and commonly affects the face (periorbital and perioral regions) or tongue. Urticaria is subdivided into acute and chronic urticaria based on the duration of symptoms. Acute urticaria lasts < 6 weeks, and an identifiable cause, such as food products, medications (aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics), or insect stings, may be discovered. Urticaria that lasts for >6 weeks is designated as chronic urticaria, and an etiology is seldom identified and thus considered spontaneous. Chronic urticaria may have an autoimmune basis. There is a well-documented association between autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto disease) and urticaria and angioedema, with a higher incidence of antithyroid (antithyroglobulin and antiperoxidase) antibodies in these patients, who are usually euthyroid. Furthermore, results of studies revealed a circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody directed against the high affinity IgE receptor alpha subunit IgE receptor (FcεRI) or IgE in 40-60% of patients with chronic urticaria. A stepwise approach to the treatment of urticarial is recommended with second-generation H₁ antihistamines being the first line of therapy.

Advances in drug allergy, urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis in 2018

Many notable advances in drug allergy, urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis were reported in 2018. Broad-spectrum antibiotic use and, consequently, antibiotic resistance are widespread, and algorithms to clarify β-lactam allergy and optimize antibiotic use were described. Meaningful data emerged on the pathogenesis of delayed drug hypersensitivity reactions. Progress not only in defining biomarkers but also in understanding the effect on quality of life and developing better treatments has been made for patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria. Patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) have gained additional access to highly efficacious therapies, with associated improvements in quality of life, and some progress was made in our understanding of recurrent angioedema in patients with normal laboratory results. Guidelines have defined clear goals to help providers optimize therapies in patients with HAE. The epidemiology and triggers of anaphylaxis and the mechanisms underlying anaphylaxis were elucidated further. In summary, these disorders (and labels) cause substantial burdens for individual persons and even society. Fortunately, publications in 2018 have informed on advancements in diagnosis and management and have provided better understanding of mechanisms that potentially could yield new therapies. This progress should lead to better health outcomes and paths forward in patients with drug allergy, urticaria, HAE, and anaphylaxis.

Episodic angioedema associated with eosinophilia

We report a 12-year-old girl who presented with recurrent angioedema on the face, trunk, and extremities, and concomitant marked weight gain for 5 years. During the episode, her white blood cell count increased to 47.7×109/L with 89.9% eosinophils, followed by elevated serum level of IL-5, IgE, IgM, and LDH. Histopathology showed perivascular eosinophilic infiltration and diffuse eosinophilic infiltration throughout the dermis. Possible causes of hypereosinophilia and eosinophilic infiltration of vital organs were ruled out. We also tested the FIP1L1/PDGFRa and ETV6/PDGFRb fusion gene to exclude the possibility of myeloid and lymphatic vessel neoplasms. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone and discharged with an oral prednisolone taper, which resulted in complete remission of the edema and normalization of peripheral blood eosinophil count, serum IL-5 level, IgE, IgM, and LDH.

A nationwide study of acquired C1-inhibitor deficiency in France: Characteristics and treatment responses in 92 patients

Acquired angioedema (AAE) due to C1-inhibitor (C1INH) deficiency is rare. Treatment options for acute attacks are variable and used off-label. Successful treatment of the associated lymphoma with rituximab seems to prevent acute attacks in subjects with AAE. The aim of this study was to describe AAE manifestations, its associated diseases, and patients' responses to treatments in a representative cohort.A retrospective nationwide study was conducted in France. The inclusion criteria were recurrent angioedema attacks and an acquired decrease in functional C1INH <50% of the reference value.A total of 92 cases were included, with a median age at onset of 62 years. Facial edema and abdominal pain were the most frequent symptoms. Fifteen patients were hospitalized in the intensive care unit because of laryngeal edema, and 1 patient died. Anti-C1INH antibodies were present in 43 patients. The associated diseases were primarily non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 44, with 24 splenic marginal zone lymphomas) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (n = 24). Three patients had myeloma, 1 had amyloid light-chain (of immunoglobulin) (AL) amyloidosis, 1 patient had a bronchial adenocarcinoma, and 19 patients had no associated disease. Icatibant relieved the symptoms in all treated patients (n = 26), and plasma-derived C1INH concentrate in 19 of 21 treated patients. Six patients experienced thromboembolic events under tranexamic acid prophylaxis. Rituximab prevented angioedema in 27 of 34 patients as a monotherapy or in association with chemotherapy. Splenectomy controlled AAE in 7 patients treated for splenic marginal zone lymphoma. After a median follow-up of 4.2 years, angioedema was on remission in 52 patients.AAE cases are primarily associated with indolent lymphoma-especially splenic marginal zone lymphoma-and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance but not with autoimmune diseases or other conditions. Icatibant and plasma-derived C1INH concentrate control attacks; splenectomy and immunochemotherapy prevent angioedema in lymphoma setting.

Giant Cell Arteritis with Facial Edema Presenting with Delayed Jugular Venous Flow

The detection of abnormalities of the cranial arteries on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). However, reports on the veins of GCA patients are rare. We report the case of an elderly woman with GCA who presented with facial edema. She presented with a one month history of headache and facial edema. After MRI and enhanced computed tomography revealed delayed blood flow in the left jugular vein, a temporal artery biopsy was performed. She was diagnosed with GCA based on the biopsy findings. Following corticosteroid therapy, her symptoms and venous flow improved. The present case indicates that delayed jugular venous flow can occur in GCA patients with facial edema.

[Acquired angioedema – clinical characteristic of the patients diagnosed in 2012-2016 with acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency]

Acquired angioedema is a rare disease caused by a deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor with recurrent swelling symptoms. It may occur in the course of lymphoproliferative disorders or autoimmune diseases. Symptoms resemble hereditary angioedema, and the only differentiating features is negative family history, late onset of symptoms and accompanying lymphoproliferative disorder. The aim of the study was to analyze the cases of acquired angioedema. The retrospective analysis of 341 patients from the registry of patients with C1 inhibitor deficiency. Results: We identified 4 patients among 119 with HAE (3.57%) diagnosed in this same period of time 2012-2016 who fulfilled the criteria of acquired edema. In two cases the primary reason of angioedema was lymphoproliferive disease, in two monoclonal gammapathy of unknown reason. We analyzed also the results of laboratory tests C4, C1 inhibitor, C1q. In all cases the face was dominated localization. After the treatment of primary lymphoproliferive disease, in two cases, we observed total remission of angioedema. Only one patient with gammapathy require treatment with C1 inhibitor during the attacks. In these case we observed both plasma deriver, and recombinant C1 inhibitor were effective.

Cardiovascular Instability Preceded by Orolingual Angioedema after Alteplase Treatment

An 87-year-old man taking antihypertensive medications, including 10 mg enalapril, daily visited our hospital complaining of motor aphasia, dysarthria, and right hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an ischemic lesion in the left frontal lobe including the insular cortex and severe stenosis of the left middle cerebral artery. After he received intravenous alteplase infusion, he developed orolingual angioedema followed by transient bradycardia with subsequent hypotension, resulting in the deterioration of his neurological signs and expansion of the ischemic lesion. Orolingual angioedema after intravenous alteplase infusion may follow cardiovascular instability and disease progression in stroke patients.

[Angioedema]

Angioedema may be an overlooked common disease. Angioedema comprises the idiopathic, the allergic, pseudo allergic, the physical form as well as the hereditary form. Diagnosis is simple when symptoms are classical (lips, eyes and tongue) but might be missed if symptoms are nonspecific such as dizziness or dyspnoea. However, the most striking observation reviewing the literature is the absence of original research on angioedema considering the high prevalence of the disease. From a patient and physician perspective more information and research on angioedema is needed.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced angioedema and hereditary angioedema: a comparison study of attack severity

Objective There appears to be differences in the clinical presentation of hereditary angioedema (HAE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced (ACE-I) angioedema (AE). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of these two AE forms. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive patients with HAE or ACE-I AE. The attack characteristics experienced by the patients were compared by a logistic regression analysis using generalized estimating equations. Results A total of 56 patients were included in this study (ACE-I AE, n=25; HAE, n=31). A total of 534 attacks were documented. Severe attacks were more common in the patients who had an acute episode of ACE-I AE than HAE. Swelling of the tongue, lips and larynx were significantly associated with ACE-I AE [OR: 8.70 (95% CI, 1.04-73.70), OR: 20.4 (95% CI, 4.9-84.2) and OR: 7.50 (95% CI, 1.20-48.30), respectively]. Conclusion Swelling of the tongue, lips and larynx are significantly more frequent in drug-induced AE than HAE.

Progesterone skin test in severe attacks of angioedema during menstrual cycle

Progesterone hypersensitivity (PH) is a rare clinical condition that displays hypersensitivity to endogenous or exogenous progesterone. It is characterized by cyclic dermatologic manifestations at the end of the luteal phase that disappear some days after menses. We present a case of 24-year-old woman showing severe angioedema attacks occurring from the first day of her menstruation and continuing for 4-5 days and having positive progesterone intradermal test (IDT). To our knowledge, there is no case in the literature which is coupled with PH isolated angioedema attacks. In this case report we will discuss diagnostic value of progesterone IDT.

[Uvular edema. Rare complication in anesthesia]

A uvular edema can be associated with angioedema, urticaria and anaphylaxis. Furthermore, it can be caused by medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Other reasons can be cannabis or cocaine use or a traumatic irritation of the uvula. This article presents the case of a patient who underwent kidney transplantation and developed extensive edema of the uvula that occurred postoperatively after general anaesthesia. The case report describes the diagnosis and therapy of this rare disease.

[Angioedema]

Angioedema may be an overlooked common disease. Angioedema comprises the idiopathic, the allergic, pseudo allergic, the physical form as well as the hereditary form. Diagnosis is simple when symptoms are classical (lips, eyes and tongue) but might be missed if symptoms are nonspecific such as dizziness or dyspnoea. However, the most striking observation reviewing the literature is the absence of original research on angioedema considering the high prevalence of the disease. From a patient and physician perspective more information and research on angioedema is needed.

[Differential diagnose of angioedema. Acute edematous scleromyxedema]

A woman presented in the emergency room with the diagnosis of angioedema refractory to treatment. She had soft, compressible periorbital edema, as well as edema of her hands and lower arms. She also complained of severe pain in her hands including sensations of numbness and tingling. The history, course and examination results eliminated several possible differential diagnostic considerations like an acute histamine- or bradykinin-mediated angioedema or superior vena cava syndrome. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of scleromyxedema.

A case of nonepisodic angioedema with eosinophilia associated with livedo reticularis and erythema before onset of edema of the legs

The cause of angioedema with eosinophilia (AE) is unknown. Patients with AE sometimes develop pruritic eruptions or urticaria before the onset of edema. We report a case of a 37-year-old woman with nonepisodic AE who presented with erythema and livedo reticularis before the onset of edema. The patient noticed erythema on both heels as well as livedo reticularis on her right great toe 1 month prior to presentation. A biopsy specimen from the heel revealed numerous eosinophils with degranulation infiltrating the subcutaneous tissue. One month later, she developed edema on the legs. Histopathologic findings of biopsy specimens obtained from the legs revealed edema and eosinophils in the subcutaneous tissue. Some patients with AE present with pruritic eruptions prior to the onset of edema. The diagnosis of AE in our patient with leg edema of unknown cause was considered prior to the appearance of any pruritic eruptions.

[Argentine guidelines for urticaria and angioedema]

This interdisciplinary paper summarizes the news in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic urticaria (CU), and provides concepts, definitions and evidence-based suggestions for its management. Urticaria occurs in at least 20% of the population at some point in their lives. Acute urticaria (less than 6 weeks' duration), differs from CU in its etiology, but the onset of this disease is always acute. CU may occur as spontaneous (SCU) or induced (ICU). The diagnosis is simple, although a careful evaluation is necessary for differential diagnosis. ICU's diagnosis is mainly clinical, even if provocation tests can be useful. Supplementary studies should be limited and based on the clinical suspicion. Treatment may be divided into three approaches: avoidance, elimination or treatment of the cause, and pharmacological treatment. Recently treatment has been modified with the use of second-generation antihistamines as first-line and increased doses of nonsedating H1 antihistamines, up to 4 times, as second line. Antihistamines are essential to treat CU; however, 40% of patients do not achieve good control despite increased doses and require additional treatment. The most recent evidence indicates a group of drugs to be used as third line in these cases, to improve quality of life and to limit toxicity from frequent or chronic use of systemic steroids. Only 3 drugs are recommended as third line: omalizumab, cyclosporin A or anti-leukotrienes.

Penile granulomatosis presenting as pseudoangioedema

Many conditions may present as angioedema. We report a case of a 46 year-old man presenting with intermittent episodes of penile swelling. Following a series of investigations, he was diagnosed with genital granulomatosis. Ano-genital granulomatosis is a rare chronic inflammatory condition and that can present as diffuse penile, scrotal, vulvar or ano-perineal swelling with non-caseating non-necrotising granulomas on histology.

Acute angioedema response to topical 5-fluorouracil therapy

This is a case report involving a patient who was treated with topical 5-FU cream and subsequently developed a severe case of angioedema. This case presents the possibility of anaphylaxis to topical 5-FU treatments and/or the interaction with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. To our knowledge there has been no prior reported case of this reaction. We present this unusual case along with a review of the current literature on angioedema.

Various faces of Hansen's disease

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leproe. Leprosy once considered a taboo is still misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed. In many cases leprosy is treated as common disorders like psoriasis, pyoderma, angioedema, pre vitiligo. Leprosy can present in many diverse ways which can be confused with many treatable and non treatable, infectious and non infectious forms. Leprosy is considered on the verge of elimination. But Leprosy cases are being newly diagnosed day by day. Here we are presenting 4 atypical cases of leprosy which did not seem to have classical presentation but were diagnosed as leprosy when investigated.

Vanishing tumour of the colon ascendens due to acquired type II C1-inhibitor deficiency

We present a patient with recurrent bouts of angioedema of the lips, throat and extremities with a negative familial history for angioedema. Laboratory results confirmed an angioedema due to acquired C1-INH deficiency (or acquired angioedema, AAE). As AAE can result from underlying disease, further investigation toward malignancy was initiated. A CT-scan of the abdomen disclosed a circumferential tumour of the proximal segment of the colon ascendens which disappeared by the time an ileocolonoscopy was executed. Angioedema of the bowel has been widely reported in hereditary angioedema, whereas it is anecdotal in AAE.

[Facial angioedema after filler injections. Description of five cases]

The use of fillers for cosmetic purposes is becoming increasingly frequent. Although initially considered inert, these products produce adverse reactions around the injection site. We present 5 cases of women with a history of filler injections who presented a hard and persistent angioedema followed by local subcutaneous nodules. They were referred to the allergist for suspected allergy related angioedema without response to usual antihistamine treatment. The angioedema episodes initiated 27.6 months (range 1 to 48) after the fillers treatment. The patients underwent exacerbations and remissions of angioedema, partially relieved with oral steroids and, in 2 cases, local triamcinolone injections. Mean time from onset of symptoms to remission of angioedema was 8.75 months (range 1 to 24). Until October 2009 four patients continued into remission after 24.5 months (range 7 to 36) free of symptoms. One patient continued with exacerbations 11 months after the initial symptoms. Fillers may cause angioedema as an adverse event and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent angioedema. They are only sensitive to steroid treatment and in some steroid dependent cases they respond to ciclosporin. The frequency of angioedema after filler injections among patients with angioedema in the Unit of Asthma Allergy and Clinical Immunology was 0.5%.

[Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome. Successful therapy with intravenous immunoglobulins]

Autoimmune diseases can initially present as chronic urticaria. We describe the course of a patient with hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) as well as his successful treatment with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). HUVS was diagnosed clinically and confirmed by histology and laboratory studies. After only one cycle with IVIG (2 g/kg) all HUVS symptoms were significantly decreased.

Angioneurotisches orolinguales Ödem nach rt-PA-Lyse eines Schlaganfalls

Angioneurotic orolingual edema associated with the use of rt-PA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) for systemic thrombolysis are described in the literature, but only as isolated case reports. Strangely, the rate of anaphylactic reactions to rt-PA is higher (1.9%) when they are used in the treatment of acute stroke than when they are given to treat acute myocardial infarction (0.02%). Patients who are taking ACE inhibitors seem to be at increased risk of such a potentially life-threatening event. We now report on two patients, in each of whom asymmetric angioneurotic edema was observed following successful thrombolysis with rt-PA. Both these patients were taking ACE inhibitors. It was possible to avoid intubation and ventilation in both cases. Therapy with ranitidine, clemastine, and a C1 esterase inhibitor resulted in the resolution of symptomatic angioneurotic edema within hours.

Urticaria and angio-oedema due to ziprasidone

Antipsychotic medications are commonLy associated with adverse cutaneous reactions (ACRs) in approximately 5% of patients. Angio-oedema accompanying urticaria is one of the most serious ACRs. The 36-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with ;Paranoid schizophrenia' 6 years ago, was commenced on ziprasidone 120 mg/day. On day 30 of the treatment, the patient presented urticarial papules and plaques all over the body and angio-oedema in the face. The patient was diagnosed as ;Urticaria + Angio-oedema'. The development of ACRs after the initation of ziprasidone monotherapy, disappearance of lesions after the discontinuation of this antipsychotic, and positive intradermal skin test all suggests a possible causal relationship between ACRs and ziprasidone. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of urticaria and angio-oedema due to ziprasidone monotherapy. Ziprasidone is a valid and effective choice amongst antipsychotic medications, but this case calls for caution regarding ACRs at the time of prescribing.

C1 Inhibitor Serpin Domain Structure Reveals the Likely Mechanism of Heparin Potentiation and Conformational Disease

C1 inhibitor, a member of the serpin family, is a major down-regulator of inflammatory processes in blood. Genetic deficiency of C1 inhibitor results in hereditary angioedema, a dominantly inheritable, potentially lethal disease. Here we report the first crystal structure of the serpin domain of human C1 inhibitor, representing a previously unreported latent form, which explains functional consequences of several naturally occurring mutations, two of which are discussed in detail. The presented structure displays a novel conformation with a seven-stranded beta-sheet A. The unique conformation of the C-terminal six residues suggests its potential role as a barrier in the active-latent transition. On the basis of surface charge pattern, heparin affinity measurements, and docking of a heparin disaccharide, a heparin binding site is proposed in the contact area of the serpin-proteinase encounter complex. We show how polyanions change the activity of the C1 inhibitor by a novel "sandwich" mechanism, explaining earlier reaction kinetic and mutagenesis studies. These results may help to improve therapeutic C1 inhibitor preparations used in the treatment of hereditary angioedema, organ transplant rejection, and heart attack.

The deficiency of C1 inhibitor and its treatment

In this article, we review the traditional therapies of hereditary angioedema (HAE) that have been used for several years. Some of these therapies were proposed before the definition of the underlying defect and the understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. We also describe new compounds under investigation at present as potential therapies for HAE. Two of these new therapies (a plasma-kallikrein inhibitor and a bradykinin B(2)-receptor antagonist) have been developed based on the understanding that the pathogenesis of symptoms was mainly due to kallikrein activation and bradykinin release.

[Practical management of C1 inhibitor deficiency]

C1 inhibitor deficiency is a rare syndrome clinically characterized by recurrent episodes of swelling of subcutaneous tissue or angioedema. It can involve the skin, upper respiratory airways and abdomen. There are two main types: hereditary and acquired. Angioedema can involve practically any part of the cutaneous surface, it can cause lethal laryngeal edema and can present as gastrointestinal obstruction. The attacks can be triggered, in general, by trauma, drugs or infections. Diagnosis is confirmed by decreased serum levels of C4 and absence or marked decrease of the level or function of C1 inhibitor. Commonly employed drugs for prophylaxis and treatment of these patients include anabolic steroids, antifibrinolytic agents, and infusion of C1 inhibitor concentrate. Fresh frozen plasma is an option to be considered for short term prophylaxis or treatment of the acute attack. It is convenient to know this syndrome as it is a potentially life-threatening disease. Diagnosis of this rare syndrome is based on clinical features and characteristic alterations of laboratory tests. The acute attack should be treated as quickly as possible. Prophylactic therapy is indicated in certain circumstances (dental procedures, oral surgery).

[Angioneurotic edema of the head and neck in association with ACE inhibitors]

BACKGROUND

ACE-inhibitors are said to cause angioneurotic edema. In spite of the fact that patients with acute angioedema of the head and neck region are usually admitted to an ENT department, there is only limited information available in the otorhinolaryngological literature on the frequency, risk of recurrent episodes and clinical significance of ACE inhibitor related angioedema.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The medical histories of all patients admitted to our hospital due to acute angioneurotic edema during the period from 1 January 1988 to 31 December 2001 were reviewed. These were supplemented with the results of a standardized questionnaire filed out by the affected patients and of a non-affected control-group.

RESULTS

During the observation period. 121 patients were treated for acute angioneurotic edema of the head and neck region. In 34 patients (=28.1%), edema was related to permanent treatment with ACE inhibitors. The overall frequency of angioedema and the percentage of ACE inhibitor related angioedema showed a continuous increase during the study period. There was a latency from the beginning of ACE inhibitor treatment until the first manifestation of angioedema of up to 13 years. In comparison with the group of edema patients without ACE inhibitor treatment, we found a threefold risk of recurrent edema in the ACE group. Women were affected by recurrent episodes more often than men. Until now, any individual assessment of the probable risk of developing an angioneurotic edema during ACE inhibitor treatment appears to be impossible.

The therapeutic potential of a kallikrein inhibitor for treating hereditary angioedema

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) manifests as intermittent, painful attacks of submucosal oedema affecting the larynx, gastrointestinal tract or limbs. Currently, acute treatment is available in Europe but not USA, and requires intravenous administration of a pooled blood product. HAE is most likely caused by dysinhibition of the contact cascade, resulting in overproduction of bradykinin. DX-88 (ecallantide, Dyax Corp.) is a highly specific recombinant plasma kallikrein inhibitor that halts the production of bradykinin and can be dosed subcutaneously. In a placebo-controlled Phase II trial in patients with HAE, DX-88 resulted in significant improvement in symptoms compared with placebo. A Phase III trial is ongoing. This review explains the pathophysiology of HAE and the mechanism by which DX-88, a non-intravenous, nonplasma-derived therapy, might improve the disease, and discusses the clinical course of HAE and available treatments. Finally, it explores the potential value and efficacy of DX-88 in treating HAE.

Antihistamines in the treatment of chronic urticaria

Chronic urticaria is highly prevalent in the general population, and while there are multiple treatments for the disorder, the results obtained are not completely satisfactory. The second-generation H1 antihistamines remain the symptomatic treatment option of choice. Depending on the different pharmacokinetics and H1 receptor affinity of each drug substance, different concentrations in skin can be expected, together with different efficacy in relation to the histamine-induced wheal inhibition test--though this does not necessarily have repercussions upon clinical response. The antiinflammatory properties of the H1 antihistamines could be of relevance in chronic urticaria, though it is not clear to what degree they influence the final therapeutic result. Before moving on to another therapeutic level, the advisability of antihistamine dose escalation should be considered, involving increments even above those approved in the Summary of Product Characteristics. Physical urticaria, when manifesting isolatedly, tends to respond well to H1 antihistamines, with the exception of genuine solar urticaria and delayed pressure urticaria. In some cases of chronic urticaria, the combination of H2 antihistamines may prove effective--though only with common liver metabolism (CYP3A4 isoenzyme-mediated) H1 antihistamines, due to the existence of mutual metabolic interferences. The role of leukotriene antagonists associated to antihistamines in application to chronic urticaria remains to be clearly defined.

A case report of nonepisodic angioedema with eosinophilia in a Korean patient and a review of the Korean literature

Episodic angioedema with eosinophilia (EAE) is characterized by recurrent angioedema, peripheral eosinophilia, elevated serum IgM, fever, weight gain, and a benign course lacking any internal organ involvement. Dozens of cases of the nonepisodic variant (NEAE), which is limited to a single attack, have been reported in Japan. These NEAE cases normally have been less severe than the episodic type. In this paper, we describe the case of a Korean patient whose clinical and laboratory findings were consistent with NEAE, and review five other cases of EAE and NEAE reported in the Korean literature. The Korean NEAE cases outlined in this paper demonstrate that, as in Japan, NEAE is not uncommon in Korea, and also suggest that this disease exhibits a cultural predilection for Asian populations.

Angioedema without urticaria: a large clinical survey

BACKGROUND

Angioedema without major urticarial flares (hives) is poorly understood. Its causes are diverse, and little is known about its pathogenic mechanisms. We report on our 11 years of experience with this condition and propose a classification of patients affected by angioedema unaccompanied by urticaria.

METHODS

From 1993 through 2003 at our outpatient clinic, 929 consecutive patients were examined for recurrent angioedema unaccompanied by urticaria. A detailed history was taken to identify known causes of angioedema, with special attention to external allergenic agents. Each patient underwent a complete physical examination, routine laboratory tests (blood cell count, protein electrophoresis, erythrosedimentation rate, examination of stool for ova and parasites, pharyngeal and urine cultures, sinus and dental radiography, and measurements of antitissue autoantibodies and rheumatoid factor in plasma), and complement parameters (C1 inhibitor, C4 and C1q). Further testing was done when pertinent, based on clinical findings. When all results were negative, response to H1-antihistamine was considered.

RESULTS

Angioedema could not be classified in 153 patients who were lost to follow-up (16.4%). Among the 776 cases with adequate data, these types of angioedema were identified: 124 (16%) related to external agents such as a drug, insect bite or foodstuff; 85 (11%) related to treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; 55 (7%) associated with an autoimmune disease or infection; and 197 (25%) caused by C1 inhibitor deficiency. In the other 315 cases (41%), the etiology was undiscovered: 254 cases (33% of the study sample) were idiopathic histaminergic; 40 (5%) were idiopathic nonhistaminergic; and 21 (3%) had other causes of peripheral or generalyzed edema.

INTERPRETATION

Our data indicated that angioedema without urticaria could be classified according to specific clinical and pathogenic characteristics, and we have suggested a work-up for patients experiencing this condition.