Fresh Frozen Plasma for Progressive and Refractory Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor-induced Angioedema

Abstract

BackgroundAngioedema secondary to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) is a commonly encountered problem in the Emergency Department (ED). The treatment of ACEI-induced edema with conventional methods such as epinephrine, steroids, and antihistamines is usually not effective. There is limited experience using bradykinin receptor blockers and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) as a treatment modality for ACEI-induced angioedema. ObjectiveTo emphasize alternative treatment option for ACEI-induced angioedema in the ED. Case ReportsWe report a case series of progressive and refractory presumed ACEI-induced angioedema that all improved in temporal association with administration of FFP, with a brief review of the literature. ConclusionThere was a temporal association between the administration of FFP and improvement in angioedema in seven cases of presumed ACEI-induced angioedema that were refractory to antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine.