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Hereditary angioedema - Overview

Alternative Names

Quincke's disease

Definition of Hereditary angioedema:

Hereditary angioedema is a rare but serious problem with the immune system that is passed down through families. It causes swelling, particularly of the face and airways, and abdominal cramping.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is caused by low levels or improper function of a protein called C1 inhibitor. This problem affects the blood vessels. People with hereditary angioedema can develop rapid swelling of the hands, feet, limbs, face, intestinal tract, larynx (voicebox), or trachea (windpipe).

There is usually no itching or hives. Swelling of the gut can cause intestinal cramping. If swelling closes the airway, it can be deadly. Attacks of swelling can become more severe in late childhood and adolescence.

There is usually a family history of the condition. However, relatives may be unaware of previous cases, which may have just been reported as an unexpected, sudden, and premature death of a parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent.

Dental procedures, sickness (including colds and the flu), and surgery have been shown to trigger certain attacks of hereditary angioedema.

Antibodies

Reviewed last on: 5/1/2008
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Weiler CR, van Dellen RG. Genetic test indications and interpretations in patients with hereditary angioedema. Mayo Clin Proc. 2006 Jul;81(7):958-72. Review.

Levi M, Choi G, Picavet C, Hack CE. Self-administration of C1-inhibitor concentrate in patients with hereditary or acquired angioedema caused by C1-inhibitor deficiency. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006 Apr;117(4):904-8. Epub 2006 Feb 14.

Bork K, Barnstedt SE. Treatment of 193 episodes of laryngeal edema with C1 inhibitor concentrate in patients with hereditary angioedema. Arch Intern Med. 2001; 161(5):714-8.

Farkas H, Fust G, Fekete B, Karadi I, Varga L. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori and improvement of hereditary angioneurotic oedema. Lancet. 2001 Nov 17;358(9294):1695-6.

Visy B, Fust G, Bygum A, et al. Helicobacter pylori infection as a triggering factor of attacks in patients with hereditary angioedema. Helicobacter. 2007 Jun;12(3):251-7.