01 Oct
The C1 esterase inhibitor protein is a normal constituent of serum which functions as a serine proteinase inhibitor of the serpin family. The C1 esterase inhibitor inhibits the complement proteases C1r and C1s, as well as the proteases kallikrein, factor XIa, XIIa and plasmin of the blood clotting system. The concentration of C1 esterase inhibitor protein is reduced to 10-30% of normal in patients with angioedema secondary to C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency (85% of patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE); in 15% of patients with HAE, the concentrations of the inhibitor protein is normal but function is markedly reduced.