Safety and efficacy of pasteurized C1 inhibitor concentrate (Berinert P) in hereditary angioedema: a review. jean.de.serres@aventis.com.
BACKGROUND
Hereditary angioedema caused by C1 inhibitor deficiency can be life threatening. Acute exacerbations are treated with intravenous purified, pasteurized C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate at doses of 500-1000 IU.


METHODS
We reviewed the literature about safety and efficacy of the C1 inhibitor concentrate used in Canada (Berinert P) or relevant to it.


RESULTS
Post-marketing experience since 1985 is reassuring. There were few adverse events and no transmission of infection with the pasteurized product. A number of case reports, retrospective studies and few randomized or non-randomized prospective studies have shown good efficacy measured as clinical resolution of symptoms or in time to resolution, time to relief or time to improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
There are numerous observational studies showing good efficacy and safety and a long post-marketing experience although few randomized placebo-controlled trials.
De Serres
Jean
J
Aventis Behring Canada, 55-1200 Metcalfe St., Suite 1200, Ottawa, ON K1P-6L5, Canada. jean.de.serres@aventis.com
Gröner
Albrecht
A
Lindner
Jürgen
J
D000799:Angioedema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002170:Canada; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003174:Complement C1 Inactivator Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D010949:Plasma
D003174:Complement C1 Inactivator Proteins