Frequency and recognition of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-associated angioneurotic edema.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the frequency of association of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy with angioneurotic edema and the frequency of correct diagnosis by treating physicians.


METHODS
Retrospective population-based chart review.


METHODS
Medicare patients identified with 1991 and 1992 MEDPRO data set.


RESULTS
51 patients were identified from the MEDPRO data sets. Twenty-four patients (47%) had ACE inhibitor-associated angioneurotic edema of whom 17 (71% of the subgroup) had the medication stopped. Twenty-nine percent of the affected patients were discharged still taking an ACE inhibitor. Twenty-six patients (51% of the total population) had non-ACE inhibitor-associated angioneurotic edema and one patient had an uncertain history.


CONCLUSIONS
ACE inhibitor therapy is the number one cause of angioneurotic edema in our hospitalized patient population. Recognition of the association of this drug with the condition was not recognized in 29% of cases and the offending agent was continued upon discharge from the hospital.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205.
W E
WE
Golden
M A
MA
Cleves
J K
JK
Heard
R
R
Brasher
P
P
McKinney
J C
JC
Johnston
D000368:Aged; D000799:Angioedema / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001131:Arkansas; D002908:Chronic Disease; D000075202:Contraindications; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006278:Medicare; D011366:Professional Review Organizations; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D014481:United States