Review

Hereditary angioedema in women

Laurence Bouillet

• Correspondence: Laurence Bouillet lbouillet@chu-grenoble.fr

Author Affiliations

National French Reference Centre of Angioedema, Internal Medicine Department, Grenoble University Hospital, France

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology 2010, 6:17 doi:10.1186/1710-1492-6-17

Published: 28 July 2010

Abstract

Women with hereditary angioedema (HAE) are more likely to be symptomatic that men. Hormonal factors (puberty, contraception, pregnancy,....) play a significant role in the precipitation or worsening of the condition in women. So, combined contraceptive pills are not indicated and progestogen pill must be preferred. During pregnancy, attack rate can increase (38-48% of women). C1Inhibitor concentrate and tranexamic acid can be used during pregnancy. Attenuated androgens for long term prophylaxis are effective but side effects appear more often in female patients. These side effects are dose dependant and can be attenuated by titrating the dose down the lowest effective level.