C1-esterase inhibitor concentrate rapidly relieves abdominal and facial attacks in patients with hereditary angioedema

Dermatology Nursing, August, 2008 by Daniel B. Burfeind

C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) concentrate is a safe and effective therapy that rapidly relieves acute abdominal and facial swelling attacks in patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE), according to data presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) 64th Annual Meeting. Results from the prospective, double-blind International Multi-center Prospective Angioedema C1-Inhibitor Trial (I.M.P.A.C.T. 1), the largest HAE study ever conducted, showed patients receiving C1-INH concentrate had a median time to symptom relief of 30 minutes, versus 90 minutes for patients receiving placebo.

Additionally, interim results from I.M.P.A.C.T. 2, also presented at AAAAI, demonstrated for the first time C1-INH replacement therapy's effectiveness in rapidly relieving HAE attacks in peripheral body locations, such as the hands and feet.

Daniel B. Burfeind, RN, DNC, is a Staff Nurse, Molts Department, Panzer Dermatology, Newark, DE; and a Dermatology Nursing Editorial Board Member.