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C1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency

How is it diagnosed?

A diagnosis of C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency is unlikely if urticaria and itching are present. Few people affected by angioedema have C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency. Other causes of angioedema include allergies, medications (particularly ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril, often used for high blood pressure), and idiopathic (that is; no cause is identified). People who have angioedema without urticaria ('nettle rash') will normally have simple blood tests to exclude or confirm C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency (C4 complement and C1 esterase inhibitor level and function). Those who are found to have C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency would normally be referred to a specialist with an interest in this condition.

View Background Background  |  How is it treated? View How is it treated?

Medical text written September 2001 by Dr H Longhurst. Last updated September 2005 by Dr H Longhurst, Consultant Immunologist, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK.

 

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