Quality of Life and Socioeconomic Situation of Patients with Hereditary Angioedema in Slovakia

Background and Objectives: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) represents a specific form of life-threatening inborn errors of immunity. Current guidelines recommend regular assessment of the disease burden, disease control and quality of life. This study describes the profile of HAE patients in Slovakia, disease control, quality of life, states of anxiety and depression, and socioeconomic situation. Materials and Methods: We used a set of standardized questionnaires—AE-QoL, AECT, HADS and Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire, and a non-standardized questionnaire—to describe the characteristics of the population. Results: We collected data on 56.44% (57 out of 101) of HAE adult patients registered in Slovakia. Moderate to severe HAE was present in 61.40% of patients; 73.68% were on long-term prophylactic treatment; and 19.30% received rescue treatment due to an acute HAE attack during the last 4 weeks. Most patients achieved lower AE-QoL scores, indicating a good quality of life. The AECT score indicated well-controlled disease in 91.23% of patients. Anxiety and/or depression scores were higher than normal in 17.54% of patients. Patients with HAE earned less than the average population, but most of them were economically active with relatively low rates of presenteeism and absenteeism. Only a minority of patients used social system benefits. Patients were exclusively cared for by relatives. Conclusions: The QoL scores achieved in all three standardized questionnaires indicate a good quality of life of HAE patients in Slovakia, which is associated with a high and specialized standard of care. Anxiety and/or depression were present in 17.54% of patients. Direct patients costs and social care costs are low, but there is an indirect socioeconomic burden on patients and their families.