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Diagnosing Alpha1 takes a simple test

Early detection can make a difference. Find out about the free Grifols AlphaKit you can order.

Emphysema and Alpha-1

  • Alpha-1-related emphysema is sometimes called "genetic" or "inherited" emphysema
  • Different than "acquired" emphysema caused by smoking
  • Acquired emphysema typically effects upper lungs
  • Alpha-1 typically affects lower lungs at first
  • Genetic emphysema results from unmitigated proteases attacking the lung
  • Alveoli get destroyed by proteases which are not deactivated since AAT levels are low
  • Aveoli lose elasticity and air becomes trapped
  • Lungs hyperinflate due to air trapping caused by destruction of lung tissue
  • Diaphragm flattened due to lung hyperinflation

Side by Side comparison

Electron micrographs of normal lung and severe emphysematous lung parenchyma.
Reprinted from Snell GI. Airway bypass stenting for severe emphysema. CTSNet. April 16, 2006.1

  • Caused by destruction of alveoli, which lose elasticity
  • Larger, inefficient sacs that cannot properly exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide
  • Breathing becomes harder; each breath inflates lungs, but lungs do not return to normal with exhaled breath
  • Air becomes trapped, alveoli overinflate
  • Alpha-1 emphysema begins as early as the 30s and 40s and is a progressive disease. Symptoms may not appear until later ages.

Is it emphysema due to Alpha-1?

Emphysema is more likely caused by Alpha-1 if there is:

  • Early‐onset emphysema
  • Emphysema without a known risk factor
  • A decline in lung function greater than a patient’s smoking history would predict
  • Involvement of the lower lobes

Testing early is important and easy

  • The average Alpha patient experiences symptoms for more than 8 years and sees 3 doctors before being correctly diagnosed with Alpha-1.
  • This delay is too long, especially considering the destruction of lung tissue prior to diagnosis.
  • Diagnosis is easy with simple blood tests.

Alpha-1 cannot be diagnosed clinically, but is easy to diagnose with the free Grifols AlphaKit

next: COPD and Alpha-1 >

Important Safety Information

PROLASTIN-C, Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human) is indicated for chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in adults with emphysema due to deficiency of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency). The effect of augmentation therapy with any alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-PI) on pulmonary exacerbations and on the progression of emphysema in alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency has not been demonstrated in randomized, controlled clinical trials. PROLASTIN-C is not indicated as therapy for lung disease in patients in whom severe Alpha1-PI deficiency has not been established.

PROLASTIN-C may contain trace amounts of IgA. Patients with known antibodies to IgA, which can be present in patients with selective or severe IgA deficiency, have a greater risk of developing potentially severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions. PROLASTIN-C is contraindicated in patients with antibodies against IgA.

The most common drug related adverse reactions during clinical trials in ≥ 1% of subjects were chills, malaise, headache, rash, hot flush, and pruritus.

PROLASTIN-C is made from human plasma. Products made from human plasma may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, e.g., viruses, and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent.

Please see accompanying PROLASTIN-C Full Prescribing Information for complete prescribing details.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References
  1. http://www.ctsnet.org/portals/thoracic/newtechnology/article-4.html. Accessed April 23, 2008.
  2. Campos MA, Wanner A, Zhang G, Sandhaus RA. Trends in the diagnosis of symptomatic patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency between 1968 and 2003. Chest. 2005;128(3):1179-1186.