Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: An underrecognized, treatable cause of COPD

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is common but underrecognized. Because delayed diagnosis is thought to be associated with adverse outcomes, clinicians are encouraged to follow available guidelines and test for the disease in all symptomatic adults with fixed airflow obstruction. The weight of available evidence supports the biochemical and clinical efficacy of intravenous augmentation therapy. Promising new therapies are being investigated.