REMISSION OF HEREDITARY ANGIOEDEMA ATTACKS ASSOCIATED WITH STARTING TERIFLUNOMIDE IN A PATIENT WITH MULTIPLE...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disorder causing recurrent swelling attacks.
• The precise pathophysiology of HAE remains unclear, limiting effective therapeutic development.
• Current HAE management primarily relies on on-demand treatments, with limited cost-effective long-term prophylactic options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of hereditary angioedema where teriflunomide treatment for multiple sclerosis led to the cessation of HAE attacks.
• To explore the potential of teriflunomide as a prophylactic agent for HAE based on observed outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A 34-year-old male with a history of frequent HAE attacks, unresponsive to standard treatments, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
• Teriflunomide was initiated for multiple sclerosis at 14 mg/day.
• The patient's HAE attack frequency and severity were monitored before and after teriflunomide initiation.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced a complete resolution of hereditary angioedema attacks within 40 days of commencing teriflunomide therapy.
• Previous prophylactic treatments including antifibrinolytic agents and androgens, as well as on-demand therapies like C1-INH concentrate and icatibant, had shown limited efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Teriflunomide demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing hereditary angioedema attacks in this patient.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of action and confirm the effectiveness of teriflunomide for HAE prophylaxis.