The prophylactic use of C1 esterase inhibitor in HAE patients undergoing invasive procedures

Background For a patient with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE), physiological and/or psychological stress can cause insufficient control of local inflammatory pathways. This leads to complement and contact system activation and excess bradykinin resulting in angioedema. Therefore, an invasive procedure or surgery can trigger an HAE attack; this in turn can cause further medical complications and pose an added danger to the post-procedure patient. C1 inhibitor, Berinert, was approved in the US and Canada in 2009 and 2010, respectively, for the treatment of acute attacks. In April 2013, Berinert was approved in Europe for short-term prophylaxis prior to medical, dental, or surgical procedures to prevent HAE attacks. Currently, Berinert is not approved in Canada or the US for prophylaxis. We aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of C1 esterase inhibitor, Berinert, as a prophylactic treatment for HAE patients undergoing invasive procedures.