Background: Hereditary C1-inhibitor (C1-Inh) deficiency is associated with ‘bradykinin-mediated angio-oedema’ (BK-AO) and is believed not to be associated with urticaria. Acquired AO has been related to oestrogen contraceptives. Objective: To demonstrate that AO precipitated by oestrogens and characterized by nonfunctional C1-Inh is mediated by BK and to evaluate the occurrence of urticaria in these patients. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of patients referred for AO related to oestrogen was undertaken. Circulating C1-Inh, high molecular weight kininogen (HK) and enzymes involved in the metabolism of bradykinin were investigated. Results: Fifteen patients were included. HK cleavage concurrent to oestrogen intake was demonstrated in 10 patients with available plasma. Eight patients reported recurrent or chronic urticaria. Discontinuation of the contraceptive resulted in a return to native C1-Inh and HK in all cases studied and to normal kininogenase activity in all but one. The clinical manifestations completely disappeared in 6 patients and improved in 7 after the withdrawal of oestrogen. Conclusion: Patients display extensive cleavage of HK in the plasma, which supports that AO precipitated by oestrogen contraception is BK-mediated. Recurrent urticaria may have been underestimated in this context. The presence of recurrent urticaria should not systematically rule out the diagnosis of BK-AO when the history is suggestive.

Previously, several groups reported an increase in HLA antigen-sharing in couples suffering from unexplained repeated spontaneous abortions. It was felt necessary to find out if HLA sharing could have any effect on children born after a successful pregnancy. The birthweight figures of children of 76 couples with repeated spontaneous abortions were analyzed. The results show a significantly lower birthweight in babies born from those couples, presenting a high incidence of HLA antigen-sharing, particularly concerning class II antigens.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract