[alpha 1-antitrypsin determination in children with obstructive lung disease (author's transl)].

In 184 children and juvenile with type I respiratory allergies the AAT-content in serum was measured by the rocket technique. The results do show neither disease--nor agedependant changes. The mean of the total was 283 mg%. This value does agree very well with the normal values reported in literature. In 5 patients however (2,71%) of the total collective an intermediary AAT-deficiency was found. This frequency though lies within the percentage of occurrence in non-selected patients. The individual analysis of these cases did not give any valid connection to history, age, lung function, immunoglobulins and course of disease. On the basis of the demonstrated results it can be said, that the determination of AAT in serum patients with type-I-allergy is of no practical diagnostic value.