Hereditary Angioedema case study

Case Study: Hereditary Angioedema

All responses must be in your own words. Answers that have been copied and pasted will not receive credit.

1. Translate “angioedema”. [Note: I am not looking for a description of the disorder. Rather, I would like you to translate the medical term itself.]

2. The complement system is described as a ‘cascade system’. How does the system fit into this description of being a cascade? [Suggestion: Google the definition of cascade, then think about the complement system in light of the definition]

3. Is complement involved in the innate, or the adaptive immune system, or both? Please explain you answer.

4. What role does C1INH play in the complement system? Why is it so important?

5. What was the physiologic cause of Richard’s abdominal pain?

6. How can one distinguish the swelling of HAE from the swelling of allergic angioedema?

7. What is bradykinin’s role in HA?

8. Do you think Richard’s infancy colic was related to his HA? No need to research this. Just use your intuition. Explain your thinking.

9. What is typically used to treat attacks of HAE?

10. Swelling in the extremities is not dangerous. What other areas of the body are subject to swelling? What is the most dangerous location for swelling to occur and why is it the most dangerous?

2018