Advances in the therapy of hereditary angioedema

Abstract

Hereditary angioedema is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited disease characterized by recurrent episodes of subcutaneous and mucosal edema due to the deficiency of plasma functional C1 esterase inhibitor.Acute attacks of laryngeal swelling are often associated with a substantial risk of death.In the past,hereditary angioedema was treated with anti-histamine drugs and glucocorticoids,but the outcome was unsatisfactory,and mortality was reported as high as 30%.With further insights into the pathogenesis of hereditary angioedema,new drugs have emerged and provided clinicians and patients with more choices.The authors summarize the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of the entity with focus on the progress in its treatment. Key words: Angioneurotic edema; Heredity; C1 esterase inhibitors; Therapy