Photo Credit: SaevichMikalai

The following is a summary of “Comorbidities in Canadian patients with hereditary angioedema: a quantitative survey study,” published in the March 2025 issue of Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology by Keith et al. 

Limited evidence exists on the link between hereditary angioedema (HAE), comorbidities, and treatment impact.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to identify comorbidities in patients with HAE and compare their prevalence to the general population using Canadian data. 

They conducted a quantitative survey using a self-administered anonymous online questionnaire from October 13, 2022, to January 11, 2023, with respondents enrolled in the CSL Behring patient support program (CSL Behring PLUS+; PSP). 

The results showed that 123 patients (81% female) participated, with 60% having HAE-1/HAE-2, 24% HAE nC1-INH, and 16% unsure of type. Among them, 85% were on long-term prophylaxis plus on-demand treatment. Patients used C1-esterase inhibitor (subcutaneous or intravenous), lanadelumab, icatibant, danazol, and tranexamic acid. Autoimmune conditions, asthma, or allergies were reported by 69%. Autoimmune conditions (31%) were higher than in the general population (5–8%). Allergies were twice as prevalent (54% vs. 27%), and asthma rates were nearly double (17% vs. 8–11%). 

Investigators reported a higher prevalence of certain comorbidities compared to the general Canadian population. Healthcare professionals were advised to consider the increased risk of autoimmune conditions, allergies, and asthma in patients with HAE. 

Source: aacijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13223-025-00953-8