Augmentation therapy for emphysema due to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Abstract

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is one of the most common hereditary disorder of the adult age. It is mainly associated with the early developement of COPD and hepatic injury.

These patients develop emphysema in younger age and have poorer prognosis due to accelerated decline of lung functions. The augmentation therapy with human AAT slows down the rate of lung destruction and improve prognosis of deficient subjects.

Keywords

• COPD
• emphysema
• alpha-1 antitrypsin
• augmentation therapy