Rep. Townsend offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 268. 

            A resolution to declare May 16, 2012, as Hereditary Angioedema Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare and potentially life-threatening genetic disease, affecting between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 50,000 people, leading to patients being undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for many years; and

            Whereas, HAE is characterized by symptoms including episodes of edema or swelling in various body parts including the hands, feet, gastrointestinal tract, face, and airway; and

            Whereas, Patients often experience swelling in the intestinal wall, causing bouts of excruciating abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and swelling of the airway, which can lead to death by asphyxiation; and

            Whereas, A defect in the gene that controls the C1-inhibitor blood protein causes production of either inadequate or non-functioning C1-inhibitor protein, leading to an inability to regulate complex biochemical interactions of blood based systems involved in disease fighting, inflammatory response, and coagulation; and

            Whereas, HAE is an autosomal dominant disease, and 50 percent of patients with the disease inherited the defective gene from a parent, while the other 50 percent developed a spontaneous mutation of the C1-inhibitor gene at conception; and

            Whereas, HAE patients often experience their first HAE attack during childhood or adolescence, and continue to suffer from subsequent attacks for the duration of their lives; and

            Whereas, HAE attacks can be triggered by infections, minor injuries or dental procedures, emotional or mental stress, and certain hormonal or blood medications; and

            Whereas, The onset or duration of an HAE attack can negatively affect a person's physical, emotional, economic, educational, and social well-being due to activity limitations; and

            Whereas, The annual cost for treatment per patient can exceed $500,000, causing a substantial economic burden; and

            Whereas, There is a significant need for increased and normalized medical professional education regarding HAE; and

            Whereas, There is also a significant need for further research on HAE to improve diagnosis and treatment options for patients; and

            Whereas, We join with the many individuals who are afflicted by this disorder and support increased awareness of HAE by physicians and the public; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 16, 2012, as Hereditary Angioedema Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.