Dallas
214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-1206
Ste F4500
Plano
469-497-2501
F: 469-497-2507
Ste P1100
Experts at Pediatric Liver (Hepatology) Disease Center at Children's Health℠ provide comprehensive care for pediatric alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AT). Our teams use highly specialized training and experience to help kids protect their lung and liver health. That’s why the U.S. News and World Report ranks our hospital among the best in the nation.
214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-1206
Ste F4500
469-497-2501
F: 469-497-2507
Ste P1100
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AT), also called AATD or Alpha-1, is a rare disorder that can lead to liver and lung disease. It occurs when your child doesn’t have enough of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin in their blood. This protein protects the lungs and the liver from infection.
A child with A1AT deficiency can develop liver damage at any age. They may not develop lung disease until adulthood, and it can be made worse by tobacco smoke.
Only about 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 5,000 people in North America have this condition.
Not all children with A1AT will show symptoms of the condition.
Your child’s doctor may order a blood test to check A1AT levels and genetic phenotype in their blood if they have a family member with the condition.
If your child has low A1AT levels or tests positive with genetic testing, they may need tests including:
These tests determine how well your child’s liver and lungs are working.
A mutation (change) in a gene causes A1AT deficiency. A child must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to get this condition. Parents might not have A1AT deficiency even if their child does.
Your child might never have complications from A1AT deficiency.
To help reduce their risk of complications, they should:
At Children’s Health, our expert pulmonologists and gastroenterologists work together to monitor your child’s health with regular visits.
A treatment plan is personalized for your child and may include:
At Children’s Health, your child can receive care from a team of experts, all working together to manage A1AT deficiency. We offer comprehensive care to protect your child’s lung and liver health.
No. Many children with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency have no symptoms or complications during their lives.
Yes. Only about 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 5,000 people in North America have this condition.