Economic costs associated with acute attacks and long-term management of hereditary angioedema.

Background Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by recurrent acute attacks of swelling of the larynx, abdomen, and periphery. Objective To assess the economic burden associated with acute attacks and long-term management of HAE. Methods Burden was assessed via a Web-based survey of HAE patients (≥18 years old) that solicited information on attack characterization, short-term treatment, long-term disease management, impact on work, and patient costs. A standardized instrument, the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, was included to assess impact on work productivity. Standard medical costs and US average wage costs were assigned…