Family Testing

• Should Your Patient Be Tested
• Your Newly Diagnosed Patient
• Managing Your AAT Deficient Patient

Because AAT deficiency is a hereditary disorder, testing of family members – parents, siblings, children – may be recommended for individuals diagnosed with AAT deficiency. Testing of family members is important to determine if they have AAT deficiency or if they are carriers of the disorder.

Carriers with borderline-low levels of AAT usually have enough AAT to protect their lungs from the destructive effects of neutrophil elastase. Most carriers suffer from no pulmonary symptoms. However, they need to follow a healthy lifestyle and be careful about exposure to lung irritants of all types, especially cigarette smoke.

You may recommend genetic and psychological counseling for your patient and their family members. Genetic counseling is important in understanding the impact of this inherited condition, including the need for evaluation of additional family members. Psychological counseling can provide the knowledge and support needed for families who have been diagnosed with a hereditary condition.

ARALAST [Alpha₁-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human)] is indicated for chronic augmentation therapy in patients having congenital deficiency of A₁-PI with clinically evident emphysema. ARALAST is not indicated as therapy for lung disease patients in whom congenital A₁-PI deficiency has not been established.

Please review the Important Safety Information and the Full Prescribing Information