Alpha

Alpha 1 – Antitrypsin deficiency or just Alpha-1, can be defined as an autosomal codominant genetic disorder owing to defective growth of alpha 1 – antitrypsin (A1AT) that leads to reduced A1AT activity in the blood and lungs and built up of abnormal A1AT protein in liver cells. Adults may catch COPD or panacinar emphysema in case of severe A1AT deficiency, while children may experience liver diseases. The symptoms of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are wheezing, shortness of breath, rales and rhonchi, apart from recurrent respiratory infections, not responsive to treatment provided. Alpha-1 is the major cause of liver transplantation among newly born babies.