Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (Serum) During Pregnancy
Laboratory Tests
Obie Editorial Team
What is Alpha-1-Antitrysin?
Alpha-1-AntiTrypsin is an inhibitor that controls proteases and protects body tissues from enzymes excreted during inflammation. Levels of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin can increase if there is severe inflammation of any kind. If Alpha-1-Antitrypsin is not present in adequate amounts, lung function can be compromised. The elastin responsible for lung elasticity is broken down resulting in rigid lungs and difficulty breathing. This occurs in patients with emphysema and COPD.
Alpha-1-AntiTrypsin is an inhibitor that controls proteases and protects body tissues from enzymes excreted during inflammation. Levels of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin can increase if there is severe inflammation of any kind. If Alpha-1-Antitrypsin is not present in adequate amounts, lung function can be compromised. The elastin responsible for lung elasticity is broken down resulting in rigid lungs and difficulty breathing. This occurs in patients with emphysema and COPD.
Normal Value Range
- Negative Pregnancy Adult: 100 to 200 mg/dL or 1 to 2 g/L
- Pregnancy Trimester One: 225 to 323 mg/dL or 2.3 to 3.2 g/L
- Pregnancy Trimester Two: 273 to 391 mg/dL or 2.7 to 3.9 g/L
- Pregnancy Trimester Three: 327 to 487 mg/dL or 3.3 to 4.9 g/L
Patients with lower than normal levels of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (A1AT) can be given supplemental A1AT – Prolastin, Aralast or Zemaira. These supplements are all derived from donated human plasma.
