[Hereditary angioneurotic edema and pregnancy]

Hereditary angioneurotic oedema (HANE) is an autosomal dominant disorder, relatively uncommon, in which patients experience recurrent bouts of oedema of the extremities, face and larynx. Attacks of HANE, sometimes fatal when involving the larynx may, among other causes, be triggered by the anesthetist's manipulation of the upper airway (tracheal intubation). HANE may affect women during their reproductive years and present serious problems in case of pregnancy. Labour can precipitate laryngeal oedema in case of general anesthesia with tracheal intubation indicated for a caesarean section or a forceps delivery, and/or perineal oedema after delivery. The authors describe a vaginal delivery in a patient with HANE that was accomplished under lumbar epidural anesthesia. No laryngeal or perineal attack was noted. This review article describes various treatments and discusses the features relevant and specific to pregnancy.