Allergy, Asthma, Respiratory Care Medical Center

AARCMC is pleased to offer a screening test for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. This is an under recognized disorder that can involve the lungs, liver and less commonly skin. Deficiency of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin predisposes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema.

Patients should be considered for screening if they have any of the following:

Early onset pulmonary emphysema (age 45 years or less)
Emphysema prominent in the lower lobes
Emphysema in the absence of recognized risk factors such as smoking or occupational dust exposure.
Family history of AAT deficiency, emphysema, bronchiectasis, liver disease or panniculitis
Shortness of breath or cough in multiple family members
Liver disease of unknown cause
Adults with bronchiectasis without evident etiology
Patients with asthma whose spirometry fails to return to normal with therapy
Unexplained panniculitis(skin disorder) and anti-proteinase 3 vasculitis(Wegener’s granulomatosis)

If you are interested or need further information, please contact one of the health care providers at AARCMC. The screening test portion of the visit will be complimentary.