Andrea Lobo,  —

Andrea Lobo is a Science writer at BioNews. She holds a Biology degree and a PhD in Cell Biology/Neurosciences from the University of Coimbra-Portugal, where she studied stroke biology. She was a postdoctoral and senior researcher at the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health in Porto, in drug addiction, studying neuronal plasticity induced by amphetamines. As a research scientist for 19 years, Andrea participated in academic projects in multiple research fields, from stroke, gene regulation, cancer, and rare diseases. She authored multiple research papers in peer-reviewed journals. She shifted towards a career in science writing and communication in 2022.

Articles by Andrea Lobo

Man develops angioedema after taking losartan for hypertension

A 48-year-old man developed angioedema after taking losartan, a medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure, a U.S. case study reported. Losartan, sold under the brand name Cozaar, is used to manage cardiovascular conditions, including lowering the risk of stroke with heart disease. To date, 20 reports have…

Poorly controlled HAE carries heavy burden, affecting life quality

A substantial proportion of adults with hereditary angioedema (HAE) in the Netherlands have poorly controlled disease, significantly affecting their quality of life, a survey study reported. Findings also linked well-controlled HAE to lower medical costs and greater productivity, relative to patients without adequate disease control. “Additional [preventive treatment] strategies…

Diagnosing and treating HAE most challenging across rural US

Diagnosing and treating hereditary angioedema (HAE) can be challenging, but it is particularly difficult when patients live in rural areas of the U.S., a study based on a survey of allergy and immunology specialists reported. “Misdiagnosis of symptoms, access to a specialist, and affording medications remain…

Canadian agency recommends cost of Orladeyo be covered

The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) has recommended Orladeyo (berotralstat) be reimbursed by public drug plans when used for the routine prevention of hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in patients 12 years and older. “We are still in need of additional options to help people…

Elder woman found to have acquired angiodema after tongue swelling

A 61-year-old woman in the U.S. was diagnosed with acquired angioedema and an underlying lymphoproliferative disorder after she sought treatment in an emergency department for sudden tongue swelling and difficulties in talking and swallowing, according to a case study. Lymphoproliferative disorders are characterized by the uncontrolled production of lymphocytes,…

Survey of US doctors estimates prevalence of HAE-nl-C1INH

The number of cases of hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (HAE-nl-C1INH) within the U.S. was estimated to be between 1,230 and 1,331 from May 2019 and April 2020, according to a survey conducted among U.S. physicians. Patients waited a mean of six years to receive a diagnosis, which…

Woman with HAE, normal C1-INH has attacks despite preventive care

Despite long-term preventive treatment, a 38-year-old woman with hereditary angioedema (HAE) with normal C1-inhibitor levels had severe episodes of disease worsening, as described in a recent case report. The life-threatening sequelae and decreased quality of life illustrate the need for more research with this rare form of HAE, according…