Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Treatment Overview

For Patients Treatment & Care Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Infusion For Health

CONDITION AND TREATMENT OVERVIEW Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

When you are living with a rare inherited condition like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, it can feel like the condition defines your whole life. Managing daily symptoms and the constant worry of further lung and liver damage would leave anyone reeling. With infusion therapy you can take back your life. Get relief from symptoms and prevent further damage to your lungs and liver with once-a-week infusion treatments. If your doctor has recommended infusion therapy to treat your alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Infusion for Health can help. Call our offices today to discuss your treatment options!

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

What is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited condition caused by the mutation of the SERPINA1 gene. This gene is responsible for the production alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), a protein that is made in the liver and distributed to the body by the blood stream. The primary function of AAT is to protect the lungs against elastase, an enzyme that breaks down lung tissue. The mutation of the SERPINA1 gene causes the AAT proteins to become misshapen, trapping them in the liver, unable to migrate to the lungs. This leads to accumulation, raising the risk for serious lung and liver disease.

Symptoms of alpha-1 antitrypsin include:

  • Shortness of breath/wheezing
  • Repeated lung infections
  • Fatigue
  • Rapid heartbeat upon standing
  • Vision problems
  • Weight loss

How is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Treated?

There is no cure for AAT deficiency, but you can protect your lungs by raising the amount of AAT protein in your blood. Augmentation therapy, also known as replacement therapy, is the only specific treatment for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Alpha-1 antitrypsin from a healthy donor is administered using infusion therapy, an intravenous delivery of medication. Treatment works by elevating levels of AAT circulating in the bloodstream, distributing the protein throughout the body. Infusion for Health uses Prolastin-C for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Treatments occur once weekly, with durations varying from patient to patient.

Why Infusion for Health is a Leader in Treatment of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

We know that starting regular infusion treatments can be overwhelming. That is why at Infusion for Health our primary focus is always on our patients. Your comfort and the quality of your care is our top priority.

Our knowledgeable, friendly staff will be there for you every step of the way, ensuring you get the best care possible.

On the day of your appointment, we will walk you through what to expect from the treatment process and discuss any potential side effects that may occur. After your visit we will contact your care provider to discuss the progress of your treatment so that your care team stays informed.

For extra privacy and comfort during your stay, Infusion for Health provides each patient with a private suite.

Included in each suite:

  • Comfortable recliner
  • Big screen TV
  • Beverages
  • As many warm blankets as you need

Let Infusion for Health Help You

You have a choice when it comes to your infusion therapy treatments. At Infusion for Health receive your infusion therapy in a caring, comfortable, safe, worry-free environment. Learn more about how you can receive the highest in quality treatment, and care at one of our convenient clinics. It is time to stop letting your alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency define how you live your life. Take back control and give us a call today!

Looking to book an appointment?