Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is one of the most prevalent genetic diseases. It is an uncommonly diagnosed, potentially life-threatening genetic disorder that predisposes individuals to lung and/or liver disease. In this case-based activity, Dr. Charlie Strange, Professor of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina and Dr. Virginia Clark, Clinical Professor of Medicine from the University of Florida discuss what every clinican needs to know about this often-overlooked condition, AATD is characterized by markedly decreased plasma levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), a circulating serine protease inhibitor produced primarily in the liver and secreted into circulation to protect tissues from proteolytic damage. AATD is a widely underdiagnosed condition, with many individuals experiencing delays of 5 to 8 years between first symptoms and AATD diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis of AATD is associated with worse clinical and functional status and negative psychosocial consequences. Testing is the only way to determine who has AATD. Initial testing of AAT level can be accomplished with an inexpensive blood test, followed by genotype testing. All individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), early-onset pulmonary emphysema, or unexplained liver disease should be tested for AATD. Intravenous augmentation therapy, indicated in adults with clinically evident emphysema due to AATD, is effective at all levels of FEV1 impairment and beneficial at early- and late-stage disease. Although augmentation therapy is not indicated for AATD liver disease, a number of promising new therapies are on the horizon.
- Provider:Partners for Advancing Clinical Education (PACE)
- Activity Link: https://freecme.com
- Start Date: 2024-11-21 06:00:00
- End Date: 2024-11-21 06:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - Commercial Support: Source: Takeda Pharmaceuticals (Any division) - Amount: 129834.0 - Is Kind Support: False
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: No, it's free
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Jointly Provided
- Registration: Open to all