Alpha 1-antitrypsin Disease, Treatment and Role for Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Chronic obstructive pulmonary usually is subcategorized into 2 groups: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The main cause of chronic bronchitis and emphysema is smoking; however, alpha1-antitrypsin also has been seen to cause emphysema in patients who are deficient. As symptoms and lung function decline, treatment modalities, such as lung volume reduction surgery, have been used in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and upper lobe predominant emphysema. This article analyzes multiple published series where lung volume reduction surgery has been used in individuals with alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency and their overall outcomes.