Hereditary EmphysemaDerails Executive (NAPSA)—Annie Garcia wishes she’d known about hereditary aE emphysema before she changed are encouraged to ask their doctors about an AAT deficiency test. Baxter Healthcare Corporation herlife. In 2002, Annie considered herself to be among thousands of New Yorkers who were suffering breathing problems due to post9/11 poor air quality. She was so certain about the cause of her increasingly labored breathing offers complimentary test kits to physicians to screen their patients for the condition. Baxter spon- sored a nationwide screening and prevalence study to identify peo- ple at risk for AAT deficiency. To that she moved away from New York City, leaving behind a home date, the company has helped test more than 13,000 individuals for AATdeficiency. “Karly diagnosis of Alpha-1 is and corporate lifestyle that she loved. Her symptoms grew worse, and Annie struggled to manage them on her own. As a noted Hispanic executive with an impressive corporate resume, she was used to taking charge, but it took a fullscale medical emergency to per- suade Annie to seek help. In the middle of an important meeting, Annie wasterrified to realize she could not exhale. She was hospitalized and then referred to a pulmonologist, who administered a battery of inconclusive tests. As a last resort, he ordered a simple, inexpensive Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency bloodtest. That is how Annie learned that she is one of the approximately 100,000 people in the United States with AAT deficiency,' a genetically linked disorder also known as hereditary emphysema or Alpha-1. AAT deficiency is a progressive disease caused by a reduction or lack of the blood protein AAT in the lungs. Up to 95 percent of those with AAT deficiency are undiagnosed.’ Annie’s pulmonologist recommended she start weekly infusions of alphal-proteinase in- hibitor, an augmentation therapy that raises concentrations of the AAT protein in the lungs. Annie also wears a cannula (slender tubes inserted in her nostrils to provide oxygen) around the clock and takes medications daily. “According to my doctor,” said Garcia, “I have experienced about a 40 percent improvement in lung disease with unknown cause, or family history of these diseases ; - , uf y Up to 95 percent of those with AATdeficiency are undiagnosed. function since starting therapy. “If properly diagnosed, I probably would have stayed in New York. But I feel fortunate,” Annie said. “Thanks to my diagnosis and follow-up care, I now feel strong, physically and psychologically.” For Annie and many other Alphas, treatment frequently includes bronchodilators to reduce airway constriction, inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and pulmonary rehabilitation to improve cardiovascular function and exercise tolerance, according to her pulmonologist, William R. critical since the condition cannot be reversed once it causes deterioration in the lungs,” said Dr. Kenny. For details about AAT defi- ciency or to order an educational brochure about the condition, call 1-866-272-5278 or visit www.alphalhealth.com. World COPD Day Seeksto Raise Lung Disease Awareness More than 12 million Americans suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and millions more are undiagnosed.’ November 15, 2006, is World COPD Day, an annual event to raise awareness and improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COPD. Hereditary emphysema, also called monary Consultants in Atlanta. Alpha-1 and AAT deficiency, may be one cause of COPD and while the progressive disease cannot be cured, it can be tain good physical condition, eat healthfully and ask their doctors If you experience any of these symptoms, ask your doctor if you should be tested for Alpha-1. More information Kenny, M.D., of Piedmont Pul- “We encourage people with serious breathing difficulties to quit or never start smoking, main- for an accurate diagnosis,” Dr. Kenny said. “With awareness, lifestyle changes and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and related conditions, like AAT deficiency, people can successfully manage their symptoms and lead full, active lives.” People with COPD,early onset emphysema, asthma that doesn’t respond well to medication, liver treated. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better the results of treatment. is available at www.alphathealth.com. e Persistent cough Shortness of breath and wheezing e Liver disease with unknown cause e Family history of emphysema or other COPD " Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Daia Fact Sheet from the National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and BloodInstitute, NIH publication No. 03-5229. @ * American Thoracic Society /European Respiratory Society Statement: Standardsfor the diagnosis and managementof individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Am J Resp Crit Care Med 2003;168:818-900.
