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Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with hereditary angioedema in Canada
Erika Yue Lee1, Jane Hsieh2, Teresa Caballero3
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
Canadian patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) experience significant diagnostic delays and a high disease burden. This study highlights common clinical features and treatment access in the Canadian HAE population.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Limited data exists on the clinical and demographic profiles of Canadian patients diagnosed with hereditary angioedema (HAE).
- Understanding these characteristics is crucial for improving patient care and management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the clinical and demographic features of a large Canadian cohort of HAE patients.
- To compare these features with those reported in HAE patient populations internationally.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered to members of two Canadian HAE patient advocacy groups.
- Data collected included demographics, HAE type, attack frequency, location, prodromes, triggers, and treatment modalities.
- Eligibility criteria included individuals aged 18+ with HAE type I or II.
Main Results:
- Ninety participants completed the survey, with 57% reporting HAE type I and 26% HAE type II.
- The average diagnostic delay was 11 years, with 35% experiencing over 5 attacks in the prior six months.
- Commonly affected areas included the abdomen (83%), limbs (63%), face (41%), and larynx/throat (41%).
- Access to C1 inhibitor at home was reported by 87%, with 69% using it for prophylaxis.
Conclusions:
- Canadian HAE patients exhibit clinical characteristics similar to international cohorts.
- A significant diagnostic delay and high disease burden, evidenced by frequent attacks, are prevalent.
- This research enhances the understanding of demographic and clinical aspects of HAE in Canada.
Background:
Data on the clinical and demographic features of Canadian patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) are lacking.
Objective:
To describe the clinical and demographic features in a large Canadian HAE cohort and compare them with patients with HAE in other countries.
Methods:
An online questionnaire was distributed to the members of 2 Canadian HAE patient groups to collect information on demographics and HAE clinical characteristics. All participants 18 years of age or older with HAE type I or II were eligible. Frequency, location, prodromes, and triggers of HAE attacks, including types of HAE treatment, were characterized.
Results:
Among the 90 participants who completed the online survey, 57% self-identified as having HAE type 1 and 26% HAE type II. The average diagnostic delay was 11 years. In the preceding 6 months, 24% of the participants had no attacks and 35% experienced greater than 5 attacks. The most frequently affected regions of the body were the abdomen (83%), arms orlegs (63%), face (41%), and larynx or throat (41%). Approximately 87% of the participants reported having access to C1 inhibitor at home, and 69% reported using it for long-term prophylaxis.
Conclusion:
Canadian patients with HAE share common clinical characteristics with patients with HAE in other countries. They had a delay in HAE diagnosis and a high burden of disease, as indicated by the high frequency of attacks in the preceding 6 months. This study provides a better understanding of the demographic and clinical characteristics of Canadian patients with HAE.
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