Non-histaminic angioedema management: diagnostic and therapeutic interest of tranexamic acid

Introduction. - The diagnosis of chronic angioedema (localised and reversible oedema) is sometimes very difficult when there is no efficiency of anti-histaminics and corticosteroids. In these cases, bradykinin angioedema must be mentioned. Tranexamic acid is efficient and must be proposed. Study. - We reported seven patients who have a non-histaminergic angioedema since an average of 8 years. Corticosteroids and histamine-1 blockers were not efficient. Daily tranexamic acid treatment (1 g x 3 per day) controlled the disease. Three patients had no more attack. The C1 Inh antigen and function levels were normal. No secondary effect was described and all patients are still being treated (average of 20 months). Conclusion. - When a non-histaminergic angioedema is suspected, tranexamic acid must be proposed as attack's treatment and as prophylactic treatment. (C) 2004 Elsevier SAS. Tons droits reserves.