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Family testing for Alphas

As a genetic condition, Alpha-1 can be passed from generation to generation. A family with one member diagnosed with Alpha-1 could have other members with Alpha-1 or other members who are carriers for Alpha-1.

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) recommend testing siblings of Alphas and to discuss testing for other relatives.1 See full testing recommendations.

Healthcare providers and patients should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of testing before making a final decision.

Why test family members for Alpha-1?

For patients diagnosed with Alpha-1, it’s important to know about treatment options, lifestyle changes they can make, and the increased risk for lung disease they face. The lifestyle changes they make can have an impact on their families. If your patient needs to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke, for example, members of the immediate family may need to quit or smoke elsewhere to accommodate the patient’s needs.

If a family member is diagnosed as a carrier of Alpha-1, it’s an important factor in planning a family. Perhaps more vital is the increased risk of lung disease that carriers face, which varies by the phenotype of the carrier.2,3

Beyond knowing about the increased risk of lung disease, there is also the help that genetic and psychological counseling can bring.

Testing for Alpha-1 is easy

Getting tested for Alpha-1 is easy. It is diagnosed with a simple blood test.

Find out about a free Grifols AlphaKit to test for Alpha-1.

next: Treatment & Management of Carriers >

Important Safety Information

PROLASTIN-C, Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human) is indicated for chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in adults with emphysema due to deficiency of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency). The effect of augmentation 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 is not indicated as therapy for lung disease in patients in whom severe Alpha1-PI deficiency has not been established.

PROLASTIN-C may contain trace amounts of IgA. Patients with known antibodies to IgA, which can be present in patients with selective or severe IgA deficiency, have a greater risk of developing potentially severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions. PROLASTIN-C is contraindicated in patients with antibodies against IgA.

The most common drug related adverse reactions during clinical trials in ≥ 1% of subjects were chills, malaise, headache, rash, hot flush, and pruritus.

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. 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.
  2. University of Florida College of Medicine AAT Deficiency Detection Laboratory.
  3. Wise RA. α1-Antitrypsin deficiency. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec05/ch049/ch049b.html#CIHFAGBJ. Accessed July 6, 2008.