A1 Antitrypsin levels

[Leahbean]

A1 Antitrypsin levels:

Is anyone familiar with levels above the normal range. I’ve done research and I can only find A1 levels linked to a deficiency. I had a fibroscan done last year because of history of elevated liver enzymes. They also ran other different panels, one including A1 Antitrypsin. My number was 211. The range was 90-200mg/dL. I was also pregnant when these tests were done. Just curious if anyone has any info on a high result or why my doctor wanted this to be a part of the labs for a fatty liver. Thanks!

[nash2 Partner]

That is a test for auto insurance hepatitis so that was included as a good practice. Discuss it with your doctor but that isn't a scary number for most people

[Leahbean in reply to nash2]

Thank you for your response.

[nash2 Partner in reply to Leahbean]

Damn autocorrect that was auto immune not insurance

[Twinsplus1]

I have it- it’s a genetic mutation you inherited, from either parent or both. You need to find out what markings you have MM,MZ, ZZ.... this will help in determining the severity. This lays dormant for 5 decade of persons life if not detected as infant. So most cases are found in their 50’s... alpha-1 foundation in South Carolina US.... which has a lot of great information.

[Leahbean in reply to Twinsplus1]

Thank you for your response. I emailed my doctor and he said that in my case, elevated numbers are from mild inflammation, in which pregnancy was the cause.

[CherokeeShar1]

A doctor/hepatologist will usually test for some genetically inherited or acquired liver diseases/disorders if there are symptoms or a family history, or if the usual reasons for liver disease are absent (alcohol, metabolic syndrome or obesity for NAFLD, etc). My brother passed away at the age of 48 years old due to cirrhosis of the liver from Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. But he may have had concurrent NASH as he suffered from severe sleep apnea for years. Because he was diagnosed with this rare disorder, I was tested for liver disease and was found to have severe NAFLD (I have sleep apnea, dyslipidemia, and inherited the PNPLA3 gene-all of which cause NAFLD).. Alpha 1 deficiency is a rare disorder usually causing lung disease--primarily idiopathic or very young age emphysema/COPD and sometimes severe asthma (all of which run in my family). But it can also occasionally cause liver disease in newborns and adults, and more rarely panniculitis, Wegner's disease/vasculitis, some blood disorders, and other problems. It is usually found in people with European ancestry. Alpha 1 Antitrypsin is a protein made in and released from the liver which protects our lungs and blood vessels, among other things. People with Alpha 1 Deficiency carry one of the inheritable adverse DNA mutations (there are currently over 100--and increasing) which cause either a dysfunctional form of the Alpha 1 Antitrypsin protein or cause a complete absence of this protein. If the dysfunctional form is produced, it can get caught in the liver and cause scarring which results in fibrosis & cirrhosis. NAFLD can make Alpha 1 Deficiency liver disease much worse and greatly hasten liver damage in a person who has both. I would suggest addressing your doctor as to why he gave you the Alpha 1 serum level test and what the results mean. Usually a doctor will administer BOTH a test for alpha 1 serum levels and a test for genotyping (or phenotyping) to see if a person carries one of the four or five main gene mutations. A serum test alone for alpha 1 levels can be unreliable and falsely elevated (false normal reading) due to pregnancy or other conditions...so the genotype/phenotype test is included as a 'fail safe'. "Alpha1.org" also has some great information and they have a hotline if you wish to talk to someone knowledge on this disease.

[Leahbean in reply to CherokeeShar1]

Thank you for your response. Sorry to hear about your brother. It was nice of you to provide important information. Definitely gained some knowledge on the matter! My doctor said only low levels are clinically significant. Higher levels are caused by inflammation.

[tgk62]

I have Alpha1. I'm IZ. I had elevated liver levels, and my GP sent me to a GE to have some testing. I was dx in 2017, and have not come across a high result, normally deficiencies. As mentioned, Alpha1.org is a good place for info about AATD.

[Leahbean in reply to tgk62]

Thank you for your response! My doctor said higher levels are caused by inflammation. In my case, it was mild and was due to pregnancy. I did however check out the website. Thanks again for pointing that out!