Angioedema - Our Experience Focused On Socio-Demographic, Etiological and Clinical Characteristics of the Condition and Its Management

BACKGROUND: Angioedema (AE) is acute oedema of the skin and mucous surfaces, involving the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. AE could be a life-threatening medical condition. Regardless of its growing clinical importance, many aspects of its aetiology and pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Its incidence, demographic characteristics, diagnosis and therapy, need further investigation. AIM: This study reports our experience with angioedema concerning its social and demographic characteristics, aetiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Study design: Eighty-eight patients with AE were enrolled. The study is a retrospective analysis of patients treated in our Clinics. METHODS: All participants were asked on a voluntary basis to fill out a specially designed questionnaire on the day of their discharge. Other important data sources included: patients’ history and notes during the hospital stay, information from previous admissions, etc. Parametric and non-parametric statistical methods were used for data processing. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (SPSS Inc., IBM SPSS Statistica) version 20.0 RESULTS: Based on our results, AE affects more frequently patients over 50 years of age, regardless of their sex. Urban residents prevail, among them - more commonly working women. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormones and antibiotics were among the most common triggers – in 8%, 4.5% and 11.4% of the cases respectively. In 9.09% of the patients, food-induced AE was seen, the most common foods reported, were – nuts, eggs and egg products. The common sites of involvement were periorbital area and lips. In only 9.1% of the patients, oedema progressed to spread to the upper respiratory tract. Cardiac conditions were the most frequent underlying disorders – 33%, of the patients, auto-immune thyroiditis was the second most common-14.8%, followed by musculo- skeletal disorders (10.2%) and diabetes (4.5%) Family history of allergy was seen in 8.4% of the patients, the most frequent allergic disorder, reported, was asthma. In patients with HAE, family history was present in 2.9% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: All patients received therapy with steroids and antihistamines, resulting in resolution of symptoms and no invasive procedures were necessary. Based on our results, the diagnosis of AE is often difficult and delayed and requires specialist evaluation. If recognised on time and adequately treated, the outcomes are favourable.