Potential Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor-Induced Angioedema.

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced angioedema (ACEi-AE) is the most frequent drug-induced angioedema. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential biomarkers for the detection of the risk to develop an ACEi-AE.

METHODS

Adult patients who started antihypertensive treatment with ramipril were included and followed up for 4-6 weeks. At baseline, 3 days, and 4-6 weeks after onset of therapy, blood samples were obtained.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients could be enrolled. The thromboxane values were very heterogeneous, and none of the group differences observed was statistically significant. The values obtained for 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α) showed a statistically significant increase with 10 mg/day doses under ramipril therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

In this small patient population, it could be shown that determination of 6-keto-PGF1α is feasible. It may prove to be a valuable blood marker for assessing the risk of developing ACEi-AE.