Indications to Screen a Patient for Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency

 

Findings in family history:

(1) family history of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency

(2) family history of COPD with onset before 50 years of age

 

Findings in the liver:

(1) cirrhosis with no apparent risk factors

 

Findings in the lung:

(1) chronic bronchitis with airflow obstruction in someone who has never smoked

(2) bronchiectasis in someone without an apparent risk factor

(3) premature onset of COPD before the age of 50, with moderate to severe impairment

(4) emphysema with a predominantly basilar pattern

(5) presence of unremitting asthma