C1-inhibitor concentrate home therapy for hereditary angioedema: a viable, effective treatment option

H J Longhurst1, S Carr, K Khair

  • 1Barts and The London NHS Trust, Department of Immunopathology, London, UK. Hilary.Longhurst@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk

Economic and political factors have led to the increased use of home therapy programmes for patients who have traditionally been treated in hospital. Many patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) experience intermittent severe attacks that affect their quality of life and may be life-threatening. These attacks are treated with C1-inhibitor concentrate which, for most patients, is infused at the local hospital. Home therapy programmes for HAE are currently being established. This paper reviews the extent of use of these programmes and summarizes the advantages and potential disadvantages of the concept so far.

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