An estimated 80,000-100,000 Americans have AAT deficiency which accounts for about 2-3 % of emphysema cases in the US. The most common symptom in patients with AAT deficiency is dyspnea. Two distinctive features of emphysema associated with severe AAT deficiency are an onset before the age of 50 and hyperinflation on a chest radiograph, with bullae in the lung bases rather than the apices.

Proteinase inhibitor (Prolastin) can be given as augmentation or replacement therapy, yet this is costly. It is usually given on a weekly basis for life.

COPD poses significant challenges for your physician, beginning with the identification of patients who may be at risk. What are the patient’s risk factors?