Pasteurized C1 inhibitor concentrate in hereditary angioedema: pharmacology, safety, efficacy and future directions

Abstract

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a relatively rare genetic disorder that is most commonly caused by a deficiency of C1 inhibitor. It is estimated that HAE affects at least one in 10,000 to one in 50,000 of the worldwide population, with relapsing swelling of the skin and abdominal pain attacks being the most common clinical symptoms. Most seriously, laryngeal edema associated with HAE may lead to death. Replacement therapy with intravenous pasteurized C1 inhibitor concentrate is the recommended treatment for acute attacks of HAE, resulting in a rapid resolution of symptoms. Pasteurized C1 inhibitor concentrates can also be used for prophylaxis of HAE, and are currently also being assessed for home therapy in this setting. Future advances may improve disease burden and mortality associated with HAE.

Keywords::

• angioedema
• Berinert P
• C1 inhibitor deficiency
• hereditary angioedema
• pasteurized C1 inhibitor concentrate

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.