[Hereditary angioedema in childhood. Diagnosis and therapeutic challenges]

Hereditary angioedema is a rare disease. In case of laryngeal edema or chronic abdominal pains, diagnosis is difficult in childhood because numerous differential diagnoses possibilities are to be considered. The diagnosis of hereditary angioedema with normal C1Inh (type III) is also a challenge because it is based only on clinical features. Important school absenteeism can be due to recurrent abdominal attacks. Early diagnosis, specific management, and therapeutic education are necessary for improvement of quality of life. Actually, subcutaneous treatment is not yet available for children. Studies are going on. In the meantime, C1Inh concentrate intravenous administration must be available for children quickly and safely.