LUNG-FUNCTION STUDIES IN ASYMPTOMATIC INDIVIDUALS WITH MODERATELY (PI SZ) AND SEVERELY (PI Z) REDUCED LEVELS OF ALPHA1-ANTITRYPSIN

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 57  (6) , 267-280
Abstract
Extensive physiological evaluations of lung function were conducted in 2 groups of asymptomatic individuals with deficiencies of .alpha.1-antitrypsin: 7 subjects with phenotype Pi SZ and 6 subjects with phenotype Pi Z. Four sympatomatic individuals of Pi Z type were also investigated. The asymptomatic individuals of both SZ and Z phenotypes revealed reduction of elastic recoil, hypoventilation and hypoperfusion of the lung bases with increased closing and N wash-out volumes. No signs of bronchial obstruction were observed. Asymptomatic Pi SZ subjects revealed as many signs of subclinical disease as did asymptomatic Pi Z subjects. Pi SZ subjects may have an increased risk of emphysema similar to Pi Z subjects.