Parturition and angioneurotic oedema

Angioneurotic oedema is a rare disease caused by Cl esterase inhibitor deficiency. Hereditary angioneurotic oedema includes type I (quantitative and functional) deficiency and type 11 (functional) deficiency. Its prophylactic treatment during pregnancy, based on danazol therapy if the fetus is male, may avoid acute attacks of generalized or laryngeal oedema. It must be instituted before delivery and carried into the postpartum period. If the fetus is female, epsilon aminocaproic acid may be used. The acquired form of angioneurotic oedema can be due to antibodies to C1 esterase inhibitor. A prophylactic therapy is not well established, but high doses of corticosteroids are recommended. Operative delivery is best avoided when possible. Regional analgesia is indicated for labour or caesarean section to prevent pain and stress and to avoid the difficulties associated with laryngeal oedema and tracheal intubation. In the treatment of an acute attack, Cl esterase inhibitor concentrates (1500 units) may be given i.v. We present two cases, one of hereditary and one of acquired angioneurotic oedema, both presenting during pregnancy and both delivered vaginally under epidural analgesia with successful outcome.