C1 esterase inhibitor

What is C1 Esterase Inhibitor?

C1 Esterase Inhibitor (C1-INH) is an important protein in the body that helps control and regulate inflammation. C1-INH is found in large quantities in the blood, and binds to C1, which is an enzyme involved in the inflammatory response. This helps control inflammation in the body, which is an important defense mechanism against disease.

Preparation

C1-INH is not naturally made by the body and therefore must be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or intravenously. C1-INH is usually obtained from human or bovine sources, although recombinant C1-INH has recently been developed.

Procedure

C1-INH is injected under the skin or intravenously on a regular basis, depending on the patient's individual needs. It is typically administered every 2 to 3 days, although this can vary based on the individual situation. The dosage is also determined by the individual's needs, and can range from 10 to 40 mL per injection, depending on the severity of the condition.

Types

There are two main types of C1-INH: human-origin and recombinant (genetically engineered). Human-origin C1-INH is derived from donated human plasma, while recombinant C1-INH is produced through genetic engineering. Human-origin C1-INH carries a risk of potential bloodborne infections, such as HIV and hepatitis, while recombinant C1-INH does not.

Risks

C1-INH is generally considered safe, although there are risks associated with its administration. These include the risk of allergic reactions, headache, rash, and nausea. In some cases, C1-INH can cause anaphylaxis. There may also be an increased risk of infection due to the use of human-origin C1-INH.

Why Use C1 Esterase Inhibitor?

C1-INH is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including hereditary angioedema (HAE), acquired angioedema (AAE), and autoimmune diseases. HAE is a rare genetic disorder that causes sudden and recurrent episodes of severe swelling, while AAE is a condition that causes similar episodes and can occur in people without HAE. Autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may also benefit from the use of C1-INH.

When to Use C1 Esterase Inhibitor?

C1-INH is typically used for the treatment of acute and recurrent episodes of HAE and AAE. It can also be used to prevent or reduce the frequency of attacks, and can help decrease inflammation in autoimmune conditions such as SLE and RA.