A 32-year-old woman from Bristol has reported that a drugs trial has been “life-changing” for her. Chloe Davies has a rare genetic disease called hereditary angioedema (HAE), which causes sudden and spontaneous swelling attacks. While this disease is not curable, treatment can be provided to help manage the condition. One hospital in Bristol has provided a trial for a new medication, which involves injecting a drug into the subcutaneous fat under the skin, which then lowers the protein production that is responsible for swelling.
Ms Davies has been part of the trial for 18 months with the North Bristol NHS Trust, and her condition has significantly improved. HAE can be life-threatening if swelling happens in the throat. The condition affects around one in 50,000 people. Ms Davies was first diagnosed with HAE when she was 15 after initially thinking it was an allergic reaction. She has been experiencing swelling attacks from childhood.
Ms Davies’ consultant decided to trial the new medication at Southmead Hospital because her HAE symptoms became much worse after giving birth to her daughter nine years ago. Her monthly flare-ups began occurring every four days. Every attack required treatment via an intravenous injection. However, since starting the medication trial, Ms Davies has only had one flare-up, and it has been life-changing for her.
Ms Davies said the medication has been a huge help and has given her the freedom to do what she wants without worrying. The research team at North Bristol NHS Trust has been really supportive, and the medication has given her a renewed sense of validation. Nonetheless, there are different types of angioedema, and they vary in severity. HAE is a rare form of angioedema
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