Long-term prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema with a pasteurized C1 inhibitor concentrate

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a relatively rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). Common clinical presentations are abdominal pain and localized edema of the skin, with laryngeal edema being potentially life-threatening. Replacement therapy with C1-INH concentrate is recommended for treatment of acute HAE attacks and results in rapid resolution of symptoms. C1-INH concentrate can also be used for prophylaxis of HAE and is recommended in cases where standard prophylactic agents are ineffective or not tolerated. This case study describes the use of C1-INH concentrate as a home therapy for on-demand and prophylactic self-administration in a patient with HAE. This treatment approach was well tolerated and effective, leading to a dramatic improvement in symptoms and improved quality of life.