Prophylactic Therapy for Hereditary Angioedema

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2017 Aug;37(3):557-570. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2017.04.003.

Abstract

Long-term prophylaxis is needed in many patients with hereditary angioedema and poses many challenges. Attenuated androgens are effective in many but are limited by side effect profiles. There is less evidence for efficacy of tranexamic acid and progestagens; however, the small side effect profile makes tranexamic acid an option for prophylaxis in children and progestagens an option for women. C1 inhibitor is beneficial, but at present requires intravenous delivery and may need dose titration for maximum efficacy. Short-term prophylaxis should be considered for all procedures. New therapies are promising in overcoming many problems encountered with current options for long-term prophylaxis.

Keywords: Androgens; C1 inhibitor; Hereditary angioedema; Progestagens; Prophylaxis; Tranexamic acid.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / administration & dosage
  • Androgens / adverse effects
  • Androgens / therapeutic use
  • Angioedemas, Hereditary / drug therapy*
  • Angioedemas, Hereditary / prevention & control*
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Complement C1 Inhibitor Protein / administration & dosage
  • Complement C1 Inhibitor Protein / adverse effects
  • Complement C1 Inhibitor Protein / therapeutic use
  • Disease Management
  • Humans
  • Premedication*
  • Progestins / administration & dosage
  • Progestins / adverse effects
  • Progestins / therapeutic use
  • Tranexamic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Tranexamic Acid / adverse effects
  • Tranexamic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Complement C1 Inhibitor Protein
  • Progestins
  • Tranexamic Acid