COPD vs GENETIC COPD due to alpha-1

COPD and genetic COPD due to alpha-1 share many of the same symptoms…

COPD describes multiple lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Alpha-1 is often not diagnosed since its symptoms are similar to COPD and asthma.1,2

These include1,3,4:

  • Dyspnea
  • Decreased exercise tolerance
  • Wheezing
  • Persistent cough
  • Excess sputum production
  • Frequent lower respiratory tract infections
  • History of suspected asthma

…and use the same diagnostic tools to identify them5


An alpha-1 test is the ONLY diagnostic tool that can differentiate between COPD and COPD due to alpha-15


Next: Genotype Testing >


IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

PROLASTIN®-C LIQUID is an alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (human) (alpha1-PI) indicated for chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in adults with clinical evidence of emphysema due to severe hereditary deficiency of alpha1-PI (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency).

Limitations of Use


  • The effect of augmentation therapy with any alpha1-PI, including PROLASTIN-C LIQUID, on pulmonary exacerbations and on the progression of emphysema in alpha1-PI deficiency has not been conclusively demonstrated in randomized, controlled clinical trial
  • Clinical data demonstrating the long-term effects of chronic augmentation or maintenance therapy with PROLASTIN-C LIQUID are not available
  • PROLASTIN-C LIQUID is not indicated as therapy for lung disease in patients in whom severe alpha1-PI deficiency has not been established

PROLASTIN-C LIQUID is contraindicated in immunoglobulin A (IgA)-deficient patients with antibodies against IgA or patients with a history of anaphylaxis or other severe systemic reaction to alpha1-PI products.

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur. Monitor vital signs and observe the patient carefully throughout the infusion. If hypersensitivity symptoms occur, promptly stop PROLASTIN-C LIQUID infusion and begin appropriate therapy.

Because PROLASTIN-C LIQUID is made from human plasma, it may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, eg, viruses, the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) agent, and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent. This also applies to unknown or emerging viruses and other pathogens.

The most common adverse reactions during PROLASTIN-C LIQUID clinical trials in >5% of subjects were diarrhea and fatigue, each of which occurred in 2 subjects (6%).

Please see full Prescribing Information for PROLASTIN-C LIQUID.


References

  1. Learning about alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). National Human Genome Research Institute. http://www.genome.gov/19518992. Accessed August 15, 2014.
  2. World Health Organization. α1-antitrypsin deficiency: memorandum from a WHO meeting. Bull World Health Organ. 1997;75(5):397-415.
  3. American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society. American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement: standards for the diagnosis and management of individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003;168(7):818-900.
  4. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Pocket Guide to COPD Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention. 2015:1-28.
  5. Data on file, Alpha-1 Genetics Laboratory.