Prophylactic treatment of hereditary angioneurotic edema with anabolic steroids.

Hereditary angioneurotic edema (HANE) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder which was recognized a century ago (5). A defect of the inhibitor of the activated first component (CIINH) is believed to be the cause (2), Affected persons show recurring episodes of localized edema in the face, larynx and extremities, as well as abdominal discemfort. When the upper respiratory tract is involved, the patient may die of asphyxiation as a result of laryngeal edema. Therefore, prophylaxis of the edematous attacks is important for the management of patients with HANE.