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Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)


Other names people use for this condition
  • AAT deficiency
  • A1AT deficiency
  • AATD
  • Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency
Home > Rare Diseases and Related Terms > Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency



Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency
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Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder that can cause lung disease in adults and liver disease in adults and children.[1] Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein that protects the lungs. The liver usually makes the protein, and releases it into the bloodstream.[2] Because of a mutation in the SERPINA1 gene, some people have little or no AAT.[1][2] Not having enough AAT may lead to emphysema or liver problems. Smoking increases the risk. A deficiency of AAT can be treated but not cured. One treatment involves adding to or replacing the missing protein. More severe cases may require a lung transplant.[2] This condition is caused by mutations in the SERPINA1 gene and inherited in an autosomal co-dominant fashion.[1]


References
  1. Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. Genetics Home Reference (GHR). August 2009 Available at: http://www.ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency. Accessed July 26, 2011.
  2. Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency. MedlinePlus. January 2011 Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alpha1antitrypsindeficiency.html. Accessed July 26, 2011.
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Questions & Answers (Found 3 Questions)
A list of questions from the public on rare and/or genetic diseases that have been answered by the Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center. Click on each question to find the answer.
For more information about Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency click on the boxes below:
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 General | Management Guidelines
More Detailed Information (Found 11 resources)
Links where you can find more general information, comprehensive resources, selected full text journal articles, and news updates. Disclaimer

  • General

    • Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. Click on the link to go to GHR and review the information.
    • MedlinePlus, a Web site designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, provides more information about this topic. Click on the link to view this information.
    • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
    • The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) was established in 1988 as a national resource for molecular biology information.  Click on the link to view information on this topic.
    • The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides leadership for a national program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood; blood resources; and sleep disorders. Since October 1997, the NHLBI has also had administrative responsibility for the NIH Woman's Health Initiative. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
    • The National Human Genome Research Institute's (NHGRI) mission encompasses a broad range of studies aimed at understanding the structure and function of the human genome and its role in health and disease. Click on the link to view the information page on this topic.
    • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a federation of more than 130 nonprofit voluntary health organizations serving people with rare disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
    • The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database contains genetics resources that discuss Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. Click on the link to go to OMIM and review these resources.
    • Orphanet is a database dedicated to information on rare diseases and orphan drugs.  Access to this database is free of charge.  Click on the link to read information on this topic.
    • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
  • Management Guidelines

    • GeneReviews provides current, expert-authored, peer-reviewed, full-text articles describing the application of genetic testing to the diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling of patients with specific inherited conditions. Click on the link to view the article on this topic.
 Organizations Providing General Support | Social Networking Websites
Organizations (Found 10 resources)
Groups providing a wide range of services, supportive resources, and information. Disclaimer



  • Organizations Providing General Support

  • Social Networking Websites

    • DNAandU.org is a Web site and blog that collects firsthand stories from people facing issues, making tough decisions, and using genomic (DNA) information in their own healthcare.  Click on the link to learn from their experiences and/or submit your own story.

    • Madisons Foundation
      P.O. Box 241956
      Los Angeles, CA 90024
      Telephone: 310-264-0826
      Fax: 310-264-4766
      E-mail: getinfo@madisonsfoundation.org  
      Web site: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org/  
    • RareShare is an online social hub dedicated to patients, families and healthcare professionals affected by rare medical disorders.
 
Medical Products (Found 1 resource)
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 Ask-an-Expert | Testing | Genetic Services | Parent Resources
Services (Found 5 resources)
Links to Web sites that offer services, such as tools to locate specialists, specialty clinics, genetic services, and genetic testing laboratories. Disclaimer

    • Many individuals want to know about healthcare professionals or researchers who have knowledge of their conditions. When a condition is rare, it can be difficult to find someone who has seen many cases. Although there is no list of experts in rare diseases, GARD's How to Find an Expert fact sheet provides several ways to identify healthcare professionals who have experience with a particular condition. Click on the link to access this resource and learn more.

  • Ask-an-Expert

    • Alpha 1 Association Genetic Counseling Center. The Call Center offers information and resources to individuals, family members and medical professionals on the genetics of Alpha-1 and provides information on testing options. Contact 800-785-3177 to ask a genetic counselor questions about alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency.
  • Testing

    • GeneTests lists laboratories offering clinical genetic testing for this condition. Clinical genetic tests are ordered to help diagnose a person or family and to aid in decisions regarding medical care or reproductive issues. Talk to your health care provider or a genetic professional to learn more about your testing options.
  • Genetic Services

    • You may wish to discuss your concerns with a genetics professional. The following online resources can help you find a genetics professional in your community:  

  • Parent Resources

    • The Parent Technical Assistance Center Network provides a list of the Parent Training and Information Centers in each state. These centers are funded by the United States Department of Education to provide early intervention and special education information and training to parents of children with disabilities from birth to age 26. Click on the link to find the Parent Center in your state.
 
Scientific Conferences (Found 3 resources)
Resources where you can find information on completed and upcoming scientific conferences and programs. Disclaimer

  • Past Conferences

    • RDCRN 3rd Conference on Clinical Research for Rare Diseases, October 2, 2012
      Location: Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, Rockville, MD
      Description: Clinical research in rare diseases presents a number of challenges and unique issues that are not usually considered in the training of clinical investigators through existing training programs. Goals of the conference include: direct instruction of trainees and new investigators in rare disease research methodology; development of a reusable curriculum/syllabus on rare disease research methodology; and stimulation of ideas regarding the unique issues facing investigators engaged in the study of rare diseases.
    • Gene Transfer and Rare Diseases Workshop, September 13, 2012
      Location: Rockville Hilton, Rockville, Maryland
      Description: The NIH Office of Biotechnology Activities and Office of Rare Disease Research, NCATS, are co-sponsoring a workshop to discuss the advances in and challenges of gene transfer for rare diseases. There have been recent promising clinical successes in gene transfer protocols for rare diseases, such as retinal degeneration, hemophilia, and immune disorders. Investigators will discuss their results to date and opportunities and challenges for extending these successes to other similar rare diseases. The panel discussions will focus on strategies for maximizing opportunities for data sharing or platform development.
    • VI International Conference on Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs (ICORD 2010): Global Approach to Accessibility in Rare Diseases, Orphan Drugs and Neglected Diseases , March 18, 2010 - March 20, 2010
      Location: Palais Rouge Convention Center, Palermo, Buenos Aires
      Description: For the first time, the VI International Conference on Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs (ICORD 2010) was convened in the southern hemisphere in agreement with its aim of globalization of rare diseases research and orphan products development activities.
 
Clinical Trials & Research (Found 5 resources)
Resources where you may find research studies and clinical trials. Disclaimer

    • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are studying or have studied Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    • The Childhood Liver Disease Research and Education Network (ChiLDREN) is a team of doctors, nurses, research coordinators, and research labs throughout the U.S., working together to improve the lives of people with rare liver diseases through research. Current studies are enrolling people with Alagille syndrome, alpha one-antitrypsin deficiency, bile acid synthesis defects, biliary atresia, cystic fibrosis liver disease, idiopathic neonatal hepatitis, mitochondrial hepatopathies, and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis. Click on the link above to learn more.

      Visit the following link to find the participating research center nearest you.
      http://childrennetwork.org/centers.html

    • GeneTests lists laboratories offering research genetic testing for this condition. Research genetic tests may be used to find disease-causing genes, learn how genes work, or aid in the understanding of a genetic disorder. In many cases test results are not shared with the patient or physician. Talk to your health care provider or a genetic professional to learn more about research testing for this condition.
    • NIH Clinical Trials and You is a website developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help people learn more about clinical trials, why they matter, and how to participate.
  • Patient Registry

    • ResearchMatch is a free national research registry designed to bring together patients, healthy volunteers and researchers. Anyone from the United States can register with ResearchMatch, and a parent, legal guardian, or caretaker may register on behalf of a volunteer. Researchers from participating institutions use the ResearchMatch database to search for patients or healthy volunteers who meet the study criteria. Many studies are looking for healthy people of all ages, while some are looking for people with specific illnesses. ResearchMatch was developed by major academic institutions across the country and is funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

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