Preoperative prophylaxis for C1 esterase-inhibitor deficiency in patients undergoing oral surgery: a report of three cases.

C1-inhibitor deficiency, or hereditary angioedema, is a genetic disorder characterized by recurrent circumscribed, nonpruritic, nonpitting subepithelial edema. Minor trauma to the tissue, such as tooth extraction, can trigger life-threatening laryngeal edema. The use of fresh frozen plasma and/or danazol before treatment prevents angioedema attacks. A critical review of the treatment regimen and prophylaxis for C1-inhibitor deficiency is presented, and three new cases are described.