Patients learn how to administer this infusion at home or go to infusion centers. Standard treatment requires weekly infusions of medications that replace the missing Alpha-1 protein. UChicago Medicine offers both standard and leading-edge investigational drug therapies. We actively work with your local doctor to help with your condition via direct communication between Dr. We also provide subsequent consultations on an ongoing basis as your needs change or new questions arise about your health. This helps you understand your diagnosis, ask questions and address concerns. Hogarth has focused expertise in Alpha-1 disease and schedules new consultations for one hour appointments to meet and talk with patients and family members. Kyle Hogarth, MD, our expert physician who is board certified in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Supplementing the missing protein through medications helps to prevent damage to the lungs.Īt UChicago Medicine, treatment begins with an extended consultation with D. People with two flawed genes cannot produce enough Alpha-1 protein and are at risk for more severe illness.Īlpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can cause:Īlpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with medicine. If both parents are carriers of the deficiency, it’s possible to inherit two flawed genes. Carriers who smoke are at a 10 times higher risk for lung disease than the average person. With one healthy gene, you may produce a lower level of the Alpha-1 protein than normal, but for most people this doesn’t lead to any issues of health. Some people inherit one normal gene and one flawed gene. Ideally, people inherit two normal genes (one from each parent) responsible for producing Alpha-1 antitrypsin protein. The deficiency can also cause complications to your liver and skin. Without enough Alpha-1 antitrypsin, the damaging enzyme isn’t regulated and is able to cause excess damage to your lung tissue. This protein is produced in the liver and plays an important role in keeping your lungs healthy by protecting them from a specific enzyme called neutrophil elastase. Our Alpha-1 program draws patients from throughout the Midwest, giving patients access to leading-edge interventions available at only select medical centers nationwide.Īlpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (sometimes shortened to Alpha-1) is an inherited condition where your body cannot produce enough of the Alpha-1 antitrypsin protein. This distinction recognizes our comprehensive approach, our experience in treating advanced liver and lung damage and our focused expertise addressing the many dimensions of this rare genetic disease. The Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency program at the University of Chicago Medicine was the first program in Illinois certified by the Alpha-1 Foundation.
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