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World Health Organization (WHO) Recommendations
In 1996, the World Health Organization addressed the issue of alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, and their recommendations included the following:1
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Quantitative AAT screening for all patients with COPD and adults and adolescents with asthma. If AAT results are abnormal, Pi typing should be carried out |
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Standards of care for AAT deficiency should be developed |
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All identified AAT-deficient patients should receive anti-smoking counseling, immunization against influenza and pneumococcal infections, occupational counseling to minimize exposure to polluted air, appropriate treatment of respiratory infections and atopic disease, and genetic counseling |
Therapeutic interventions proposed included AAT augmentation therapy, and volume-reduction surgery or lung transplantation in severe cases of AAT deficiency-associated emphysema.
See the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society recommendations for testing.
Reference:
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World Heath Organization, Human Genetics Programme, Division of Noncommunicable Diseases. Alpha1-antritypsin deficiency. Report of a WHO meeting, Geneva, 18-20 March 1996. |
Important Safety Information
Prolastin®, Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human) is indicated for chronic replacement therapy of individuals having congenital deficiency of alpha-1 PI (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency) with clinically demonstrable panacinar emphysema. Weekly Prolastin® therapy has demonstrated a low occurrence of side effects. In clinical studies with Prolastin®, reactions were observed in 1.16% of infusions, the most common events being fever (0.77%), light-headedness (0.19%), and dizziness (0.19%). As with all plasma-derived therapeutics, the potential to transmit infectious agents cannot be totally eliminated. Individuals with selective IgA deficiencies who have known antibody against IgA (anti-IgA antibody) should not receive Prolastin®, since these patients may experience severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, to IgA which may be present.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs
to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please click here for Prolastin® full Prescribing Information.
Remember, your doctor or healthcare provider is the single best source of information regarding you and your health. Please consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about your health or any of your medications.
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