NYMC Faculty Publications

Fresh Frozen Plasma for Progressive and Refractory Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor-Induced Angioedema

Author Type(s)

Faculty

DOI

10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.07.055

Journal Title

The Journal of Emergency Medicine

First Page

764

Last Page

772

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2013

Department

Emergency Medicine

Keywords

Aged, Angioedema, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Blood Transfusion, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Plasma, Treatment Outcome

Disciplines

Emergency Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Angioedema secondary to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) is a commonly encountered problem in the Emergency Department (ED). The treatment of ACEI-induced edema with conventional methods such as epinephrine, steroids, and antihistamines is usually not effective. There is limited experience using bradykinin receptor blockers and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) as a treatment modality for ACEI-induced angioedema.

OBJECTIVE: To emphasize alternative treatment option for ACEI-induced angioedema in the ED.

CASE REPORTS: We report a case series of progressive and refractory presumed ACEI-induced angioedema that all improved in temporal association with administration of FFP, with a brief review of the literature.

CONCLUSION: There was a temporal association between the administration of FFP and improvement in angioedema in seven cases of presumed ACEI-induced angioedema that were refractory to antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine.

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