C1 Esterase Inhibitor Function Chromogenic
Test Code
INHF
Description
Collect
Serum from a plain red top is the only acceptable sample type.
Gel barrier tubes are not acceptable.
Pediatric Collection
Minimum volume: 250 µL serum, frozen
Unacceptable Conditions
Thawed specimen.
Storage Transport Temp
Send frozen serum Priority Overnight via FedEx and in a well insulated container on dry ice.
Stability
Frozen at -70°C: 1 year
Notes
Suggested additional testing:
If the C1-INH Function is low, a C1-INH level (Test Code: CEIQ) may aid in determining Type I versus Type II HAE.
If AAE is suspected, testing for auto-antibodies to C1-INH should be performed (Test Code: CEIAP).
Methodology
Chromogenic Substrate Cleavage (DiaPharma, Technochrom®)
Turnaround Time
up to 4 weeks
Department
Complement Lab
Synonyms
C1-INH Chromogenic;C1-INH Function, European test;C1-INH Function, DiaPharma;C1-INH Function, technochrom;Complement;C1-esterase inhibitor function;CEICHR
Reference Interval
By Report
Interpretation
The C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) was named for its role in inhibiting the enzymatic activity of C1r and C1s; thereby inhibiting activation of the classical pathway of complement. But C1-INH also has very important abilities to inhibit proteases in the fibrinolytic, clotting and kinin pathways. Specifically C1-INH inhibits the enzymatic activity of kallikrein, factor XIa, and Hageman factor (XIIa) of the coagulation and contact pathways. Failure of C1-INH to regulate these enzymes can result in life-threatening angioedema and a condition defined as Hereditary Angioedema of HAE. HAE Type I results from a missense mutation in the C1-Inhibitor gene that causes a premature stop in protein synthesis, so no secreted protein is produced. HAE Type I accounts for 85% of HAE cases and can be diagnosed by C1-INH levels. The Type II form, is a different missense mutation in the C1-Inhibitor gene, that results in a non-functional protein but normal or above normal levels of C1-INH. A third type has recently been described, HAE Type III. HAE Type III is not linked to mutations in C1-inhibitor. Instead they are finding mutations present in the Hageman factor and other targets of C1-INH. The mechanisms of this newest form of HAE are still under investigation.
Similar symptoms are manifested by Acquired Angioedema (AAE). AAE does not result from a genetic mutation but a depletion of effective C1-INH function through consumption of blocking of activity by an auto-antibody to C1-INH. In AAE-I, the associated disorders (usually lymphoproliferative malignancies) produce complement-activating factors, idiotype/anti-idiotype antibodies, or other immune complexes that destroy C1-INH function. In AAE_II a normal 105-kd C1-INH molecule is synthesized in adequate amounts but, because of an unknown event, a subpopulation of B cells secretes auto-antibodies to the C1-INH molecule.
CPT Code
86161