Angio-oedema in Dentistry: Management of Two Cases using CI Esterase Inhibitor

From Volume 32, Issue 6, July 2005 | Pages 350-354

Authors

Michal Socker

BDS, MFDS RCPS

Senior House Officer, Restorative Dentistry, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust

Articles by Michal Socker

Carole Boyle

BDS MMedSci FDSRCSEng FDS RCSEd MSNDRCSEd FDTFEd, BDS, MMedSci, FDS RCS (Ed), FDS RCS (Eng), FDTF (Ed), MSCD RCS (Ed)

Consultant and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Special Care Dentistry; Clinical Lead, Department of Sedation and Special Care Dentistry, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London

Articles by Carole Boyle

Mary Burke

Senior Dental Officer in Sedation and Special Care Dentistry, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust

Articles by Mary Burke

Abstract

Angio-oedema is a rare condition; it may be a hereditary or acquired form. It results from biochemical defects which cause excessive activation of the complement cascade and result in deep swellings in the skin and alimentary tract, called angio-oedema. These swellings are painful rather than itchy and not associated with urticaria, which helps to differentiate angio-oedema from allergic reactions. Even mild trauma can give rise to swelling, which may be life-threatening in the oral region. Management of two cases, one hereditary and the other acquired angio-oedema, are reported to demonstrate the use of CI esterase inhibitor prophylaxis.

Article