An overview of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is a common hereditary disorder that results from abnormal Alpha Antitrypsin production. This predisposes patients to early onset emphysema especially when exposed to tobacco smoke. Early recognition is important. Smoking cessation and augmentation therapy are currently the only treatments available to slow the disease process. Surgical intervention may be palliative when medical and rehabilitation efforts have failed. This paper summarizes the current literature and presents an overview of AATD.