alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency in Israeli children: a five-year survey.

In order to elucidate the importance of alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency as a cause of liver disease in children in Israel, we conducted a retrospective 5-yr study. The screening of 51 liver biopsies for the presence of AAT inclusion bodies was performed using the immunoperoxidase technique. Serum AAT concentrations of 300 pediatric patients determined during the same period were reviewed. No case of AAT deficiency was detected. We conclude that AAT deficiency is rare in Israel.