treatment of hereditary angio-oedema by low dose attenuated androgens: disassociation of clinical response from levels of C1 esterase inhibitor and C4.

Nine patients with hereditary angio-oedema (H.A.E.) with a deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1 INH), have been treated with low dose attenuated androgenic drugs, with complete control of their disease. The C1 esterase inhibitor and C4 levels became normal in only one patient. It is concluded that H.A.E. can be controlled in the absence of correction of the reduced levels of C1 INH and C4. The mode of action of these drugs appears to be more complex than is generally realized.