A rare genetic disorder in which a person is missing the enzyme alpha-antitrypsin, which protects the body from damage by other enzymes. The disease mainly affects tissues in the lungs, resulting in emphysema, and the liver, causing cirrhosis. The effects of alpha-antitrypsin deficiency may not become apparent until after the age of 30. There is no cure, but symptoms can be relieved by drug treatment. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be a possibility.
Alpha-antitrypsin deficiency |
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