Respiratory symptoms and lung function in 30-year-old individuals with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency

SummaryIntroductionIndividuals with severe alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency have a well-known risk of developing emphysema but it is not known at which age the first symptoms occur and lung function declines. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of smoking, respiratory symptoms and lung function at the age of 30 in AAT-deficient individuals (PiZ and PiSZ) identified by neonatal screening.Material and methodsOne hundred and seven PiZ, 45 PiSZ and 197 control subjects (PiMM) filled in a questionnaire regarding smoking habits and symptoms. Ninety PiZ, 40 PiSZ and 84 control subjects underwent spirometry including FEV1 and FVC.ResultsTwenty-one percent of PiZ, 23% of PiSZ and 34% of PiMM subjects had smoked at some time (p<0.05). Sixty-five percent of PiZ, 55% of PiSZ and 35% of PiMM ever-smokers reported shortness of breath on exertion (p<0.05 PiZ vs PiMM). The mean FEV1 was 101% predicted (95% CI 98–104) in PiZ, 101% predicted (95% CI 97–106) in PiSZ, and 96% predicted (95% 93–98) in PiMM individuals (p