Angioedema involves a nonpitting edema that in severe cases can result in airway obstruction. The airway risk can be predicted based on the anatomic site of presentation. The authors are from Boston University School of Medicine.
Site(s) Involved
Stage
facial rash and/or edema, lip edema
I
edema of soft palate
II
edema of tongue
III
laryngeal edema
IV
where:
• Edema of the tongue that is diffuse and which obscures the soft palate is more serious than that which is localized. I wonder if you could separate these into stage 3A and 3B.
• If more than one site is involved, the maximal stage is assigned.
Stage
Need for Airway Intervention
I
0%
II
0%
III
7%
IV
24%
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