Natural history of alpha-1-protease inhibitor deficiency.

Alpha-1-protease inhibitor (A1PI) exists in over 30 biochemical variants (the Pi system), inherited as autosomal codominant alleles. Homozygotes of Pi type Z have only 10 to 20 percent of the normal serum A1PI concentration and have a high risk of developing pulmonary emphysema. A1PI is an inactivator of polymorph lysosomal elastase, the unopposed action of which may damage the lung. Cigarette smoking is an important additional risk factor. Neonatal hepatitis occurs in 10 to 20 percent of Pi type Z persons, and cirrhosis develops in a number of them in later childhood or in adult life. In heterozygotes of Pi type MZ, pulmonary or hepatic disease may also develop, though they are at lesser risk than type Z homozygotes. Specific A1PI replacement therapy derived from human plasma is now available and has been administered to Pi type Z patients by weekly intravenous infusion without adverse effects. A controlled clinical trial would be desirable, though this would be attended by organizational and economic problems.