Prevalence of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is considered a rare genetic cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and liver disease. Recent data has suggested that AATD is not as rare as originally thought and undetected AATD may account for COPD in some patients. This study was designed to evaluate the frequency of undetected AATD in a population reporting to academic pulmonary function testing facilities who meet criteria for the diagnosis of COPD. All individuals meeting GOLD criteria for COPD will be consented and offered free testing for AATD. The results will help identify the percent of those with COPD who have undetected AATD.