Backgroud  

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of the plasma protein C1 inhibitor (C1-INH). HAE is characterised by the onset of angioedema, which may develop in one or several organs, and may last from a few hours to several days. Oedema of the upper airway can be life-threatening. As a result of hormonal changes, some women experience more frequent angioedema attacks during pregnancy. During pregnancy, antifibrinolytic agents should only be used with caution, and attenuated androgens are contraindicated; therefore, replacement therapy with C1-INH concentrate represents one of few therapeutic options, but it is not widely documented.

Case study  

We report the first case study of the successful management with regular infusions of C1-INH concentrate, of two successive pregnancies in a patient with HAE. During the second half of the first pregnancy, C1-INH was administered on demand at home. For the second pregnancy, on demand treatment was intensified to prophylactic therapy, with once or twice weekly infusions from the middle of the second trimester in order to efficiently control the frequent attacks.

Conclusions  

This report illustrates that HAE can be successfully managed during pregnancy with C1-INH infusions at home. Since the number of crises may vary between pregnancies, the treatment regimen must be adapted to the patient’s need.