COPD and Alpha-1

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella name for a handful of lung diseases, including bronchitis and emphysema.1 COPD is a leading cause of illness and death worldwide.2 In the United States, COPD is the 4th leading cause of death.3 Approximately 24 million adults in the United States have airway obstruction or COPD.4

Alpha-1 is the most common genetic risk factor for COPD. Approximately 1 to 3% of all people diagnosed with COPD could have undiagnosed Alpha-1. Because of this fact, the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Thoracic Society (ATS), and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) recommend that patients with COPD that isn’t controlled with one of the usual treatments be tested for Alpha-1.6,7

Is it COPD due to Alpha-1?

COPD is the most prevalent clinical disorder associated with Alpha-1.8

Alpha-1 is often misdiagnosed as simple COPD because the symptoms are similar:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Chronic cough
  • Recurring chest colds

Testing for Alpha-1

The average Alpha patient experiences symptoms for more than 8 years and sees 3 doctors before being correctly diagnosed with Alpha-1.7 This delay is too long, especially considering the destruction of lung tissue prior to diagnosis. Alpha-1 is easily diagnosed with simple blood tests.

Ask your doctor about a free Talecris AlphaKit that can tell if you have Alpha-1.

next: Bronchitis and Alpha-1 >

Important Safety Information
Prolastin-C, Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human) is for adults who have emphysema caused by inherited alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. The effect of therapy with any alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-PI) on pulmonary exacerbations and on the progression of emphysema in alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency has not been demonstrated in randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Prolastin-C may contain trace amounts of IgA. IgA deficient patients with antibodies against IgA should not receive Prolastin-C due to the risk of hypersensitivity.

The most common side effects during clinical trials with Prolastin-C were chills, a general feeling of being unwell, headache, rash, hot flush, and itching.

Prolastin-C is made from human plasma. Products made from human plasma may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, e.g., viruses, and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent.

Please see accompanying Prolastin-C Full Prescribing Information for complete prescribing details.

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.

References
  1. American Thoracic Society, European Respiratory Society. Standards for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With COPD. 2004. http://www.thoracic.org/sections/copd/resources/copddoc.pdf. Accessed June 18, 2008.
  2. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Updated 2007. Available at: www.goldcopd.org. Accessed February 18, 2008.
  3. Anthonisen N. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd edition. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier. 2008:619-626.
  4. Mannino DM. COPD: epidemiology, prevalence, morbidity and mortality, and disease heterogeneity. Chest. 2002;121(5 suppl):121S-126S.
  5. Ranes J, Stoller JK. A review of alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2005;26(2):154-166.
  6. Alphas, Friends, and Family: Alpha-1 Lung Disease. http://www.alphaone.org/alphas/?c=03-Alpha-1-Lung-Disease. Accessed September 29, 2009.
  7. Campos MA, Wanner A, Zhang G, Sandhaus RA. Trends in the diagnosis of symptomatic patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency between 1968 and 2003. Chest. 2005;128(3):1179-1186.
  8. World Health Organization. Bulletin: Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency: memorandum from a WHO meeting. 1997;75(5):397-415.