Elevated Comorbidity Burden and Surgical Interventions in Patients With HAE-C1INH
A comprehensive analysis of hereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency (HAE-C1INH) reveals a high burden of comorbidities and increased rates of surgical intervention prior to diagnosis.
The study included 178 adults with HAE-C1INH treated at the Hungarian Angioedema Center of Reference and Excellence. Of these, 159 patients (89%) had at least 1 comorbidity. The most frequently reported conditions were headache (58%), hypercholesterolemia (52%), hypertension (30%), and liver diseases (26%).
“Hypercholesterolemia and depression/anxiety were at least 3 times more common in the HAE-C1INH population,” the authors reported. These findings suggest a broader systemic impact of C1 inhibitor deficiency beyond episodic angioedema attacks.
Surgical interventions were also more frequent in this population, particularly prior to diagnosis. Rates of tonsillectomy, appendectomy, and inguinal hernioplasty were significantly elevated—performed 32, 11, and 2 times more often, respectively, compared with the general population. These data highlight the clinical consequences of diagnostic delay. “The early identification and adequate treatment of angioedema attacks help prevent avoidable surgical interventions,” the authors noted.
The findings support the implementation of structured screening programs tailored to the HAE-C1INH population. “Regular, targeted screening is indispensable for the prevention and timely diagnosis of certain diseases found in higher prevalence,” the authors concluded.
These results highlight the importance of integrating multisystem evaluation into the long-term care of HAE-C1INH patients, and stress the need for early and accurate diagnosis to prevent mismanagement and unnecessary procedures.
Reference
Voloncs-Mindszenthy L, Horváth HR, Andrási N, Szilágyi T, Farkas H. Hereditary angioedema: A national investigation of associated comorbidities and surgical procedures. World Allergy Organ J. Published online November16, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.waojou.2025.101136
