Complement C1 esterase inhibitor is an endogenous complement blocker that plays a role in regulation of the complement system. It is prepared from human plasma and given as replacement therapy in hereditary angioedema, in which there is a deficiency of natural complement C1-esterase inhibitor. It is given for both short-term prophylaxis and treatment of acute life-threatening attacks by slow intravenous injection or infusion in typical doses of 500 units or, in severe cases, 1000 units. The dose may be repeated if necessary after a few hours. A recombinant human complement C1 esterase inhibitor (rh C1INH) is under investigation. It has also been tried in the management of other conditions including sepsis and capillary leak syndrome.² It is under investigation for the treatment of pancreatitis and for use in allogeneic lung transplantation, thermal injury, and shock.² It is also being studied as a means of limiting reperfusion injury in patients with acute myocardial infarction.³

Arg.: Angioneurina†; Berinert P; Austria: Berinert; Cz.: Berinert; Fr.: Esterasine†; Ger.: Berinert; Hung.: Berinert P; Ital.: C1 Inattivatore Umano†; Neth.: Cetor; Switz.: Berinert.