The aim of the study was to identify risk factors which lead to an individually different course of lung function in patients with severe A1AT-deficiency (PIZZ genotype).
81 patients with confirmed diagnosis of severe alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency were retrospectively evaluated. In order to achieve a complete database, available files were screened; patients and treating physicians were interviewed.
The loss of FEV1 was significantly higher in active smokers. Smoking was especially associated with the early onset of respiratory symptoms. Heavy smoking (≥ 10 PY) revealed a positive correlation with a higher number of childhood and adult infections and was associated with more courses of oral steroids. A lower FEV1 at the end of the observation period was seen in patients with frequent bronchitic exacerbations.
One third of the patients reported at least one clinically relevant allergy. These patients were more often treated with alpha-1-antitrypsin. However,there is no evidence that the presence of allergies had a significant functional impact on the course of A1AT-deficiency. The most common cause of death was cardiorespiratory failure. The average age of death in this patient cohort was 58 years.
To conclude we summarize, that smoking is already known as one of the most important disease modifying factors in A1AT-deficient humans, which is strongly and in various aspects confirmed by this analysis. Patients with frequent exacerbations of their chronic bronchitis experience a faster progression of the disease. The life expectancy of patients with severe A1AT-deficiency is well below the current average life expectancy in Germany.
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The aim of the study was to identify risk factors which lead to an individually different course of lung function in patients with severe A1AT-deficiency (PIZZ genotype).
81 patients with confirmed diagnosis of severe alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency were retrospectively evaluated. In order to achieve a complete database, available files were screened; patients and treating physicians were interviewed.
The loss of FEV1 was significantly higher in active smokers. Smoking was especially associa...
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