Icatibant treatment for acquired C1-inhibitor deficiency: a real-world observational study

Icatibant, a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, is an established treatment for acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) with C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency. We describe our experience with icatibant in eight patients with angioedema because of acquired C1-INH deficiency (AAE). Forty-eight moderate-to-severe attacks were treated with subcutaneous icatibant 30 mg; two moderate attacks resolved without treatment. The median (range) duration of treated attacks (onset to complete resolution) was 9.33 (1.67-39.00) h; durations of the untreated attacks were 72 and 96 h. Symptom improvement following icatibant treatment occurred in 0.5 (0.25-2.10) h and complete resolution in 6.75 (0.50-30.75) h. A single icatibant injection achieved complete symptom resolution in 47 attacks; one facial attack required a second injection. One peripheral attack responded less quickly than other treated attacks. Five patients reported transient injection site reactions. Icatibant appeared to provide effective symptom relief and was generally well tolerated.