Normal1 The http://www.vhebron.net/en/304" Allergology Section of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital has been one of the centres selected to test a new treatment of hereditary angioedema, a genetic disease characterized by episodes of inflammation without hives or itching. The COMPACT study, a phase III clinical trial, sponsored by pharmaceutical company CSL Behring, has had the participation of 115 patients at 38 centres in different countries, 4 of the country, including Vall d'Hebron. The results have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Normal1 The new drug presents as a novelty the route of administration, subcutaneous injection. Current treatments are administered intravenously, forcing patients to go to the hospital. Dr. Mar Guilarte, Deputy of the Allergology Section and researcher at http://en.vhir.org/portal1/grup-equip.asp?s=recerca&contentid=187043 Systemic Diseases Research Group at Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), and reference in the study, said: "This study opens a new perspective for the prophylactic treatment for patients with hereditary angioedema." At the same time, noted that "the fact that patients can self-administer the drug subcutaneously implies a significant improvement in their quality of life." Normal1 The COMPACT study Normal1 Patients who participated in the study were people over 12 years with a diagnosis of hereditary angioedema type I or II. A period of 16 weeks was analyzed, during which they themselves injected the medication or placebo. The published results indicate a reduction in the average number of attacks between 88 and 95% in patients who received the treatment before receiving placebo. 40% did not suffer an attack of angioedema. The side effects were minimal. Normal1 The treatment of hereditary angioedema in Vall d'Hebron Normal1 Patients with this disease who continue treatment at Vall d'Hebron participate in a program of intravenous self-administration. With a specific program they learn guidelines for further treatment. The hospital is a pioneer in Catalonia in this regard. Patients are directed to the Allergology Section, where a nurse, Emilia Cid, teaches them in several sessions administered the treatment themselves. Normal1 The hereditary angioedema Normal1 It is a rare genetic disease that can cause death of patients. It affects approximately one person between 10,000-50,000. It is caused by the lack of C1 esterase inhibitor, which regulates the contact system, blood coagulation and complement system. The lack of the inhibitor involves a self-activation of the contact system, which concludes with a fluid extravasation of plasma and the generation of angioedema in different locations. Should occur on the face or neck, the affected person can choke to death if untreated.