Alpha-1
is a genetic disease of the liver and lungs. It results from a lack
of the alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) protein in a person’s blood,
which protects the lungs from germs, dust, air pollution, cigarette
smoke and other inhaled irritants. Without an adequate supply of
AAT, substances in the white blood cells can damage the tissues
of the
body.
In
adults, Alpha-1 often leads to early-onset emphysema that affects
the lower lobes of the lung; it can also cause liver disease. In
infants, the disease causes neonatal cirrhosis that is often fatal.
Alpha-1
was identified in 1963 by a doctor in Sweden and is one of the most
common fatal genetic diseases among people of European descent.
It is believed that the incidence is 1:2500, and that 80,000 to
100,000 persons in the United States are estimated to be affected
by the disease. To date, approximately 5,000 have been identified.
Where
are the Alphas? Go
to: http://alpha2alpha.org/alphasnearyou.htm
Alphas
(Lung/Liver/Caregivers) who are subscribed to the Alpha Mailing
List or Alpha Liver List have volunteered to post their names and
information to help with inquiries about Alpha-1 within their state.
If you would like to add your name to this listing, please send
your info to: aatbill@cox.net.
