Replacement therapy for hereditary alpha₁-antitrypsin deficiency: A program for long-term administration

This retrospective chart review describes the efficacy and safety of long- term administration of intravenous alpha₁-antitrypsin (AAT) in 14 patients with hereditary AAT deficiency and COPD. During the 12- to 48-month observation period, 12 of 14 patients had stabilization of functional status; 4 patients had reductions in hospitalizations. Thirteen of 14 patients had no decline in pulmonary function. Three patients had self-limited adverse reactions to the AAT with one patient requiring a brief hospitalization.