Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD or Alpha-1) is a genetic disorder caused by defective production of alpha 1-antitrypsin, deficient activity in the blood and lungs, and deposition of excessive amounts of abnormal A1AT protein in liver cells There are several forms and degrees of deficiency. Severe A1A deficiency causes emphysema in adult life in nearly all people with the condition, various liver diseases in a minority of children and adults, and occasionally more unusual problems.