Updates in Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Pharmacotherapy: The Present State of Care (ACPE)

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, debilitating, and potentially life-threatening disease due to C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency with an estimated frequency of 1 in 50,000 people. HAE is characterized by recurrent edema attacks and the cutaneous attacks can be disabling, with the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and upper airways are most commonly affected and with a persistent risk to the patient of acute events of laryngeal swelling that may prove fatal if not treated in a timely manner. Angioedema in general can be confused with cellulitis, Graves disease, blepharochalasis, eosinophilic fasciitis, or amyloidosis which can lead to delays in diagnosis, and inappropriate treatment poses the risk of adverse events, unnecessary surgical interventions, a higher burden of misery, and a potentially higher rate of morbidity and mortality.

Program Objectives:

1. Describe the clinical presentation of HAE, its differential diagnosis, and how it is determined to be different from other forms of angioedema
2. Explain the importance of early diagnosis of HAE and screening in patients who are at high risk
3. Evaluate a treatment plan for a patient with HAE designed to optimize safety and efficacy, suggesting modifications for improvement
4. Identify challenges and barriers to optimal care in HAE

Credit Designation:

ScientiaCME is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmaceutical education. This program is approved for 1.25 hours of continuing education. Proof of participation will be posted to your NABP CPE profile within 4 to 6 weeks to participants who have successfully completed the post-test. Participants must participate in the entire presentation and complete the course evaluation to receive continuing pharmacy education credit.