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C1 Esterase Inhibitor
Genetic
Report in 96Hrs
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No Fasting Required
Details
Measures levels of C1 esterase inhibitor.
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C1 Esterase Inhibitor Test Guide
- Why is it done?
- Measures the level and function of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), a protein that regulates inflammatory and coagulation cascades in the blood
- Diagnose Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) - a genetic disorder causing recurrent episodes of severe swelling in various body tissues
- Evaluate unexplained recurrent angioedema, particularly in the face, throat, hands, feet, or gastrointestinal tract
- Assess acquired C1-INH deficiency in patients with autoimmune or lymphoproliferative disorders
- Screen family members of patients diagnosed with hereditary angioedema
- Monitor treatment effectiveness in patients undergoing C1-INH replacement therapy
- Typically performed when patients present with recurrent angioedema episodes without clear allergic triggers, or when family history suggests hereditary angioedema
- Normal Range
- C1-INH Antigen (Protein Level): 21-39 mg/dL (210-390 mg/L)
- C1-INH Functional Activity: 70-130% of normal (or >50% of normal reference value)
- C4 Complement Level: 15-45 mg/dL (150-450 mg/L)
- Normal results indicate adequate C1-INH protein levels and normal inhibitory function, typically ruling out hereditary angioedema types 1 and 2, and acquired C1-INH deficiency
- Note: Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories; results should be interpreted using the specific laboratory's reference values
- Interpretation
- Low C1-INH Antigen AND Low Functional Activity (<50%): Consistent with Hereditary Angioedema Type 1 (85% of HAE cases); autosomal dominant inheritance; both protein quantity and function are deficient
- Normal or Elevated C1-INH Antigen BUT Low Functional Activity: Indicates Hereditary Angioedema Type 2 (15% of HAE cases); protein is present in adequate quantity but is dysfunctional or abnormal
- Low C1-INH Antigen with Low C4 Levels: Suggests Acquired C1-INH Deficiency; may be associated with lymphoproliferative disorders, autoimmune diseases, or paraproteinemia; typically presents later in life
- Normal C1-INH with Low C4: May indicate Hereditary Angioedema with Normal C1-INH (HAE-nC1INH or HAE Type 3); genetic mutations in factor XII, plasminogen, or angiopoietin-1; diagnosis requires genetic testing
- Factors Affecting Results: Acute inflammation or infection may temporarily alter results; stress and hormonal changes can affect C1-INH levels; estrogen-containing medications may lower levels; results should be interpreted with clinical context and may require repeat testing
- Clinical Significance: Abnormal results strongly suggest hereditary or acquired angioedema; early diagnosis is critical for proper management and prevention of life-threatening airway swelling; normal results in patients with clinical symptoms may warrant genetic testing or evaluation for other causes of angioedema
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems Involved: Immune system (complements and inflammatory mediators), blood vessels and endothelial cells, integumentary system (skin), respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system
- Medical Conditions Associated with Abnormal Results: Hereditary Angioedema (Types 1, 2, and 3), Acquired Angioedema (AAE), Lymphoproliferative disorders (lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia), Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and other autoimmune conditions
- Diseases Diagnosed or Monitored: Primary diagnosis of hereditary angioedema; differentiation of HAE subtypes; diagnosis of acquired C1-INH deficiency; monitoring of underlying autoimmune or lymphoproliferative conditions
- Potential Complications from Abnormal Results: Life-threatening airway obstruction and laryngeal edema; severe abdominal pain from intestinal wall edema; deep tissue swelling (hands, feet, face); subcutaneous tissue involvement; recurrent episodes can affect quality of life; complications from diagnostic procedures if unrecognized HAE exists
- Clinical Management Implications: Abnormal results necessitate specialist referral (immunology, allergy, hematology); patients require prophylactic treatment planning; avoidance of ACE inhibitors and estrogen-containing medications; emergency preparedness for acute attacks; genetic counseling for family members
- Follow-up Tests
- Confirmatory Testing: Repeat C1-INH testing to confirm abnormal results; C1q levels (low in acquired deficiency); additional complement studies (C3, total complement, CH50); genetic testing for HAE-nC1INH if clinical suspicion remains high with normal C1-INH levels
- Further Investigations for Acquired Deficiency: Complete blood count and differential; bone marrow biopsy if indicated; lymph node imaging; immunoelectrophoresis; flow cytometry; cancer screening appropriate to age and risk
- Complementary Diagnostic Tests: Tryptase levels (to rule out mast cell activation); specific IgE testing and allergy skin testing (to exclude allergic angioedema); factor XII, plasminogen, and angiopoietin-1 gene sequencing (for HAE Type 3 diagnosis)
- Monitoring During Treatment: Repeat C1-INH levels and function tests 1-2 weeks after starting C1-INH replacement therapy to confirm adequate replacement; periodic monitoring (every 3-6 months) in patients on long-term prophylaxis; C4 levels during maintenance therapy; assessment of attack frequency and severity
- Family Screening: Testing of first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) with same C1-INH assays; genetic counseling for confirmed cases; consideration of prophylaxis in asymptomatic relatives with abnormal lab results
- Related Tests Providing Complementary Information: Coagulation studies (PT/INR, aPTT); fibrinogen levels; D-dimer (assess thrombotic risk); tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) levels; immunoglobulin studies; autoimmune markers (ANA, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP)
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: No - Fasting is NOT required for C1 Esterase Inhibitor testing
- Patient Preparation: Patients may eat and drink normally before the test; blood draw can be performed at any time of day; no special timing requirements; standard venipuncture precautions apply
- Medications to Avoid: No specific medications need to be held before testing; however, inform the physician if patient is taking: ACE inhibitors, estrogen-containing oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, systemic corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive agents - these may affect C1-INH levels
- Additional Preparation Instructions: Avoid strenuous exercise or stress for 24 hours before testing if possible; if patient is in acute angioedema attack, testing may be deferred until attack resolves or appropriate specimen collection method is used; wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to facilitate arm access; inform laboratory staff of any history of easy bruising or bleeding disorders
- Specimen Collection Details: Blood sample collected by venipuncture into specific citrate tube (typically 3.2% sodium citrate); exactly 2.7 mL or 4.5 mL depending on laboratory protocol; proper tube fill is critical for accurate results; label with patient identification, date, and time; deliver to laboratory promptly; specimen stability typically 24 hours at room temperature or 48 hours refrigerated
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