Related Experiment Videos
Changing trends in angioedema
1Department of Otolaryngology and Bronchoesophagology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|August 21, 2001
Summary
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) angioedema is increasingly reported. African-Americans may face higher risks, but prompt management with ACEI discontinuation and supportive care leads to recovery without fatalities.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Angioedema is a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are increasingly implicated in angioedema causation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively examine cases of angioedema.
- To investigate the association between ACEI use and angioedema.
- To identify risk factors and effective management strategies for ACEI-associated angioedema.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 64 angioedema cases between 1994 and 1998.
- Analysis of patient demographics, ACEI usage, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- 58% of angioedema patients were using ACEIs.
- 94% of all patients and 92% of ACEI-associated cases were African-American.
- Tongue, lip, facial, and supraglottic edema were most common; 13% required intubation.
- No deaths were reported with management including corticosteroids and antihistamines.
Conclusions:
- ACEI-associated angioedema is more common than previously thought.
- African-American patients may be at increased risk for ACEI-induced angioedema.
- Observation, airway management, corticosteroids, and ACEI discontinuation are effective treatments.