Alpha-1 Deficiency: Better Detection May Improve Outcomes for COPD Patients

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disorder that results in debilitating illnesses like: emphysema, COPD, liver disease, and panniculitis. AATD is highly under-diagnosed based on epidemiologic and population studies that suggest that fewer than 10% of the 60,000-100,000 individuals in the U.S. suspected to have severely deficient alleles have been identified ( Rahaghi et al., 2012). This study examines strategies aimed at improving detection of AATD. The findings indicate that utilizing flags to alert providers of the need for AATD testing initiated by RTs or automated within EMR systems are effective strategies for increasing testing rates and potentially improving detection of emphysema and COPD secondary to AATD therefore eliminating diagnostic delays and improving prognosis for those affected.https://commons.und.edu/pas-grad-posters/1052/thumbnail.jp