Abstract
To define a possible role of alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency in bronchial asthma, 181 children were studied. Alpha1-antitrypsin typing and serum levels were performed in all and pulmonary function testing in 120 of them. Static and dynamic lung volumes and blood gases were measured. No increased incidence of either homozygous or heterozygous deficient types was found. The range of alpha1 -antitrypsin levels (242-688, Mean 372± 59) did not differ significantly from those in a healthy non-asthmatic population. No correlation was found between serum levels of alpha1-antitrypsin and pulmonary function tests. This evidence indicates that alpha1-antitrypsin plays neither a quantitative nor a qualitive role in the aetiology of childhood asthma.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cooper, D., Cox, D. & Levison, H. ALPHA1-ANTITRYPSIN SERUM LEVELS AND PULMONARY FUNCTION IN ASTHMATIC CHILDREN. Pediatr Res 8, 466 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00754
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00754
