Adrenalin treatment for hereditary angioneurotic edema

In two patients studied with HAE the repeated use of 1.0 cc of 1:1000 epinephrine every hour for episodes threatening the upper airway resulted in both subjective and objective improvement of signs and symptoms in a manner we interpret as helpful. No harmful side effects have been encountered in these two young, otherwise healthy, people. Until a more definite therapy is found, we believe repeated high doses of adrenalin should be considered in young patients with HAE presenting with symptoms and signs of airway involvement.