Alpha 1-antitrypsin screening of 18-year-old men.

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In 11,128 apparently healthy 18 yr old men screened for .alpha.1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), 44 had an .alpha.1-antitrypsin (AAT) level of 50% or less of the transferrin reference. The Pi types included 5 Pi Z, 10 Pi SZ, 3 Pi MZ, 1 presumptive Pi M-, 1 Pi FM and 22 Pi M. Probably all Pi Z and most of the Pi SZ subjects were identified. The transferrin reference is probably less reliable for the study of this age group, and .alpha.1-antichymotrypsin may provide a more valid reference for the AAT screening procedure. In the clinical investigation the additive risk factor of smoking was discovered in 8 of 15 individuals with AATD Pi Z or Pi SZ. Screening for Pi Z and probably also Pi SZ AATD should be done before young people start smoking or train for jobs in polluted environments. [These studies were relevant to the occurrence of chronic obstructive lung disease.].