A national survey of hereditary angioedema and acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency in the United Kingdom.

Abstract

Background: Detailed demographic data on people with hereditary angioedema and acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency in the UK are relatively limited. Better demographic data would be beneficial in planning service provision, identifying areas of improvement and improving care.

Objective: To obtain more accurate data on the demographics of hereditary angioedema and acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency in the UK, including treatment modalities and services available to patients.

Methods: A survey was distributed to all centres in the UK who look after patients with hereditary angioedema and acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency to collect these data.

Results: The survey identified 1152 patients with HAE-1/2 (58% female, 92% type 1), 22 patients with HAE with normal C1 inhibitor, and 91 patients with acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency. Data were provided by 37 centres across the UK. This gives a minimum prevalence of 1:59,000 for HAE-1/2, and 1: 734,000 for acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency in the UK. 45% of patients with HAE were on long-term prophylaxis with the most used medication being danazol (55% of all patients on LTP). 82% of patients with HAE had a home supply of acute treatment with C1 inhibitor or icatibant. 45% of patients had a supply of icatibant and 56% had a supply of C1 inhibitor at home.

Conclusions: Data obtained from the survey provides useful information about the demographics and treatment modalities used in HAE and acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency in the UK. These data are useful for planning service provision and improving services for these patients.