Abstract
Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, potentially life-threatening disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of localised oedema caused by bradykinin overproduction. Accurate epidemiological data are essential for optimising diagnosis and treatment, particularly in underrepresented regions such as the Baltic states. This study aimed to examine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, genetic variants, and treatment accessibility for patients with HAE in the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Methods: This retrospective study included HAE patients diagnosed according to the WAO/EAACI 2021 criteria between 2004 and 2024. Demographic, clinical, and genetic data were collected and evaluated. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi (version 2.3). Results: A total of 73 patients were identified in Latvia (n=12), Lithuania (n=31), and Estonia (n=30). Estonia exhibited the highest point prevalence (1.89 per 100,000), while Latvia had the lowest (0.64). The median diagnostic delay was greatest in Latvia (24 years) and shortest in Estonia (9.5 years). SERPING1 mutations predominated. Estonia had the broadest availability of treatments, whereas Latvia had restricted access to modern therapies. Conclusion: Considerable variation exists in HAE prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment across the Baltic states. Estonia exemplifies best practices, while Latvia remains underserved. Regional collaboration and standardised care protocols are urgently needed.
Supplementary Material
File (hae_baltic_kurjane.docx)
- Download
- 186.64 KB
Information & Authors
Information
Version history
Peer review timeline
Published
Frontiers in Immunology
Version of Record25 Feb 2026Published
Copyright
This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License.
Keywords
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Article Usage
208views
115downloads
Citations
Download citation
Natalja Kurjāne, Adine Kanepa, Signe Purina, et al.
Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Hereditary Angioedema in the Baltic States. Authorea. 04 August 2025.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175431675.54639227/v1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175431675.54639227/v1
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.
For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu.