Zamora MR, Ataya A. Lung and liver transplantation in patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2021;
12_suppl:20406223211002988. [PMID:
34408830 PMCID:
PMC8367211 DOI:
10.1177/20406223211002988]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) augmentation is effective in slowing the progression of
emphysema due to AAT deficiency (AATD) but cannot prevent eventual progression
to end-stage lung disease and complete respiratory failure, which is the leading
cause of death for individuals with severe AATD. When patients develop end-stage
lung disease, lung transplantation is the only treatment option available, and
this can improve lung physiology and patient health status. The available data
suggest that survival rates for lung transplantation are significantly higher
for patients with AATD-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
compared with non-AATD-related COPD, but, conversely, there is a higher risk of
common post-lung transplant complications in patients with AATD
versus non-AATD COPD. Nevertheless, lung transplantation
(single and bilateral) is favorable for patients with AATD. After respiratory
failure, the second leading cause of death in patients with AATD is liver
disease, for example, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, caused by the
accumulation of mutant forms of AAT retained within the liver. As with lung
disease, the only treatment option for end-stage liver disease is liver
transplantation. Survival rates for patients with AATD undergoing liver
transplantation are also favorable, and patients, particularly pediatric
patients, have benefitted from advancements in peri-/post-surgical care. As the
majority of AAT is produced by the liver, the AAT phenotype of the recipient
becomes that of the donor, meaning that AAT serum levels should be normalized
(if the donor is AAT-replete), halting further lung and liver disease
progression. However, post-liver transplant respiratory function may continue to
decline in line with normal age-related lung function decline. In the most
severe cases, where patients have simultaneous end-stage lung and liver disease,
combined lung and liver transplantation is a treatment option with favorable
outcomes. However, there is very little information available on this procedure
in patients with AATD.
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