HAE is chronic, unpredictable, and life limiting1
Characterized by recurrent angioedema attacks, hereditary angioedema (HAE) is associated with considerable morbidity. While HAE attacks can be debilitating, laryngeal attacks are life-threatening and often occur without warning.1
Diagnosing suspected HAE
The journey to diagnosis is long for patients in the United States. A 2016 study showed that nearly half of all patients with HAE reported prior misdiagnoses.2
If a patient presents with angioedema, manage airways and anaphylaxis risk per local protocols3
For angioedema that does not respond to epinephrine, corticosteroids, or antihistamines, proceed with suspicion of bradykinin-mediated angioedema3
Discuss personal history of recurrent angioedema and family
history of HAE4
Assess for key characteristics of bradykinin-mediated angioedema3
- Gradual worsening over several hours3
- Lasts 3 to 5 days3
- Pain rather than itching3,4
- Abdominal and cutaneous swelling and pain3,4
-
Erythema marginatum
(a nonpruritic rash pathognomonic of HAE)3,4
- No response to epinephrine, corticosteroids, or antihistamines3
To confirm clinical suspicion, continue with diagnostic workup for bradykinin-mediated angioedema to determine if patient has HAE type 1, HAE type 2, or HAE due to normal C1 esterase inhibitor (HAE-nl-C1INH)4,5
Upon confirmation of HAE (ICD-10 code D84.1), testing of first-degree relatives is strongly encouraged4-6
For more information on diagnosing
HAE, visit this site
Research shows a majority of patients with HAE prefer oral prophylaxis8
HAE consensus guidelines state that the overall goals of HAE treatment are to reduce morbidity and mortality, and to restore a normal quality of life to patients5
In the life of a patient with HAE, burden can take many forms
HAE consensus guidelines state that the overall goals of HAE treatment are to reduce morbidity and mortality, and to restore a normal quality of life to patients4
Each patient has unique needs and goals—prophylactic therapy should be determined based on individual considerations.
Shared decision making empowers patients to play a more active role in their own care choices and be more adherent with their treatment, leading to better overall outcomes10
Research shows a majority of patients with HAE prefer oral prophylaxis9
According to an October 2023 survey of 150 adults with HAE9,a:
- Efficacy is the most important treatment attribute when choosing a prophylactic therapy
- Where efficacy is comparable, most people prefer an oral once-daily prophylactic option even with less frequent subcutaneous dosing available
In a 2020b study of 75 adults living with HAE, approximately 90% say they have learned to tolerate difficult aspects of treatment and approximately 75% say they try not to think about the demanding nature of their treatment despite a positive view regarding the impact of their prophylaxis.10
a98% of respondents were receiving treatment for HAE at the time of the survey and experienced >1 attack per month on average.9
b100% of respondents in the study were on injectable, intravenous, or androgen prophylaxis.10
Top reasons for oral treatment preference7
Avoid unpleasantness of using needles
Ease of use and convenience
Easy to carry and travel with
Enhances and normalizes quality of life
Faster administration
6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D84.1. ICD10Data.com website. Updated October 1, 2023. Accessed October 25, 2023. https://www.icd10data.com/ICD10CM/Codes/D50-D89/D80-D89/D84-/D84.1 7. Banerji A, Davis KH, Brown MT, et al. Patient-reported burden of hereditary angioedema: findings from a patient survey in the United States. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2020;124(6):600-607. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2020.02.018 8. Aygören-Pürsün E, Bygum A, Beusterien K, et al. Socioeconomic burden of hereditary angioedema: results from the hereditary angioedema burden of illness study in Europe. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2014;9:99. doi:1186/1750-1172-9-99 9. Data on file, BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. 10. Radojicic C, Riedl MA, Craig TJ, et al. Patient perspectives on the treatment burden of injectable medication for hereditary angioedema. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2021;42(3):S4-S10. doi:10.2500/aap.2021.42.210025