The effect of long-term danazol prophylaxis on liver function in hereditary angioedema-a longitudinal study.

Background: Danazol is a drug most widely used for the prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema resulting from the deficiency of the C1-inhibitor. Potential hepatotoxic or liver tumor-inducing side effects of long-term danazol prophylaxis have been investigated during the follow-up of hereditary angioedema patients.

Methods: Characteristic parameters of liver function (including bilirubin, GOT, GPT, gammaGT, total protein, ALP, LDH), as well as findings of viral serology screens and abdominal ultrasonography-determined during years 0 and 5 of follow-up of patient groups taking/not taking danazol-have been reviewed and analyzed comparatively.

Adverse effects of danazol prophylaxis on the lipid profiles of patients with hereditary angioedema.

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare disorder caused by the deficiency of the C1-inhibitor gene (C1INH) . Patients experience recurrent bouts of edema, which can occur in almost any region of the body. As regards the treatment of the disease, danazol (an attenuated androgen) is used, among other agents, for long-term prophylaxis.