Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD) can cause liver disease in infants, children, and adults. The liver disease varies in severity – for some people it is just a slight increase in some liver enzyme blood tests that return to normal in a few weeks. However, Alpha-1 liver disease can be more of a problem, and rarely it can lead to liver failure and the need for a liver transplant.
The causes of liver disease in Alpha-1 are less well understood than the causes of lung disease in this condition. Most Alpha-1 liver research suggests that the abnormal alpha-1 antitrypsin protein cannot move from the liver cells (where it is made) out into the bloodstream because the protein does not fold normally.
The build up of abnormal alpha-1 protein inside the liver cells can cause stress and irritation in the liver, which may eventually lead to scarring (or fibrosis) in the liver. Scarring of the liver is a sign of more important liver disease. Severe scarring is called “cirrhosis” and often leads to liver failure. Only very few people with A1AD develop severe liver disease with cirrhosis and liver failure, and scientists believe that this may be because of the presence other genetic and/or environmental factors. Further research is needed to clarify what these genetic and environmental factors are and how they work to change the risk of liver disease.
In its early stages, alpha-1 liver disease will cause no symptoms. Eventually the liver disease may become severe enough to cause some or all of the following symptoms. It is therefore important that your doctor checks the liver blood tests occasionally to check that liver disease is not quietly developing. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should report them to your doctor.
Early, mild liver disease
As liver disease progresses to become more severe
Rarely, severe liver disease and liver failure may cause
As with adults, early mild Alpha-1 liver disease in children will cause no symptoms and the liver therefore needs to be checked by blood tests. A common reason for Alpha-1to be diagnosed in childhood is the presence of prolonged jaundice in a newborn baby. This jaundice will commonly resolve in infants with A1AD who may then continue through childhood with no symptoms and evidence of only mild liver disease on blood tests or ultrasound scans. It is rare for Alpha-1 liver disease in childhood to become more severe and to lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and the need for liver transplantation.
Some or all of the following symptoms may be present. All symptoms should be reported to the child’s doctor.
Rarely, if liver disease progresses to become more severe
Alpha-1 liver disease is usually detected by simple blood tests. If more advanced liver problems appear, your doctor may recommend tests such as an ultrasound, an abdominal CT scan, or a liver biopsy.
A liver biopsy can evaluate the severity of the liver injury and can help evaluate whether other liver conditions are contributing to your liver problems. Liver biopsy carries with it an extremely small but serious risk of side effects such as bleeding and so is reserved for patients with ongoing liver problems. When a liver biopsy from an individual with Alpha-1 is examined under a microscope the liver cells appear filled with granules which are actually abnormal alpha-1 antitrypsin protein that can't be cleared from the liver. These granules are present even in individuals who don't have Alpha-1- related liver disease.
It is not the intention of this website to provide specific medical advice but rather to provide the Canadian Alpha-1 Community with information to better understand their health and their diagnosed disorder.
Specific medical advice will not be provided and Alpha-1 Canada urges you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal questions.
© Alpha-1 Canada
Powered by Wild Apricot - Membership management database, online event registration,integrated website for associations, clubs, charities and other non-profits.
Site optimisé par Wild Apricot - base de données pour la gestion des adhésions, inscription en ligne aux événements,sites Web intégrés pour les associations les clubs, les organismes de bienfaisance et d'autres types d'organismes sans but lucratif.