Expert Perspectives on the Management of Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited autosomal codominant disorder, which predisposes patients to lung and/or liver disease. Even though it is considered rare, it is one of the most frequent genetic disorders worldwide, albeit remaining underdiagnosed. Several organizations and societies,...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bebiana Conde, Filipa Costa, Joana Gomes, António Paulo Lopes, Maria Alexandra Mineiro, Orlando Rodrigues, Cristina Santos, Luísa Semedo, Maria Sucena, Catarina Guimarães
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ordem dos Médicos 2022-07-01
Series:Acta Médica Portuguesa
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/18497
Description
Summary:Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited autosomal codominant disorder, which predisposes patients to lung and/or liver disease. Even though it is considered rare, it is one of the most frequent genetic disorders worldwide, albeit remaining underdiagnosed. Several organizations and societies, including the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology have been elaborating guidelines and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. Nevertheless, some important matters are yet to be included in those, mainly due to lack of robust scientific evidence, and continue to represent a point of discussion. This article reviews some important scientific publications and expresses the perspectives of a group of Portuguese experts regarding the management of alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, namely in terms of the pre and neonatal diagnosis, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the validity of replacement therapy in lung transplant-receiving, and finally, alternative strategies of alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency treatment to improve the patients’ quality of life.
ISSN:0870-399X
1646-0758