Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Program Make an Appointment Refer a Patient Ask a Question Make an Appointment Refer a Patient Ask a Question Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (sometimes shortened to Alpha-1) is a hereditary condition that can cause liver disease in infants, children, and adults and can also lead to lung disease in adults. National Jewish Health is one of the best places in the world to be treated for the adult lung and liver disease caused by Alpha-1. Our doctors have every necessary tool at their fingertips to diagnose and treat this condition. While we do not treat infants or children with Alpha-1 liver disease, we have a close working relationship with The Children's Hospital in Denver and will make a referral to the appropriate pediatric liver specialist. Alpha-1 is one of the most common inherited disorders and accounts for about 1 percent of all COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease) in the United States. Research is constantly being done to develop new therapies. Doctors at National Jewish Health have been involved in virtually every new drug evaluated for Alpha-1. Currently trials are underway or planned to evaluate inhaled therapies and gene therapy for the condition. Our doctors and researchers are always looking for new ways to manage and treat Alpha-1 and other chronic lung diseases. Doctors at National Jewish Health follow one of the largest groups of Alpha-1 patients in the world. The program here has been devoted to the care of families with Alpha-1 since 1981. Since Alpha-1 is a genetic condition, we invite all immediate family members to participate in the initial visit, if possible. Associated Conditions Pulmonary Vasculitis Necrotising Panniculitis Related Programs COPD Program Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Infectious Diseases Inpatient and Extended Outpatient Program Doctors Karina A. Serban, MD + × Karina A. Serban, MD Karina A. Serban, MD, is a pulmonologist at National Jewish Health. Dr. Serban is in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine. Assistant Professor Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine View Full Profile Make an Appointment Robert A. Sandhaus, MD, PhD, FCCP + × Robert A. Sandhaus, MD, PhD, FCCP Robert A. Sandhaus, MD, is a pulmonologist at National Jewish Health. Dr. Sandhaus is in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine. Professor Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine View Full Profile Make an Appointment Steven E. Lommatzsch, MD + × Steven E. Lommatzsch, MD Steven E. Lommatzsch, MD, is a pulmonologist at National Jewish Health. Dr. Lommatzsch is in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine. Associate Professor of Medicine Adult Site Co-Director, PCD Foundation Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine Department of Medicine View Full Profile Make an Appointment Find a Doctor Clinical Trials Potential New Treatment for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Reasons to Choose National Jewish Health The leading respiratory hospital in the nation and the only one devoted fully to the treatment of respiratory and related illnesses Ranked #1 or #2 in Pulmonology by U.S. News & World Report for 25 consecutive years Ranked in the top 5% of hospitals in the nation by HCAHPS Physicians consistently recognized among the best in the nation by multiple services, including Best Doctors in America and Castle Connolly Among the top 6% of organizations funded for research by the NIH, providing patients access to hundreds of active clinical trials 123-year history of focus on care, research and education serving patients from around the world with lung, heart, immune and related disorders Make an Appointment Living the Sweet Life with Alpha-1 Judy got the test for Alpha-1, and it came back positive. She began weekly augmentation therapy at National Jewish Health and has felt a great relief of her symptoms. Read More View All Patient Stories
Reasons to Choose National Jewish Health The leading respiratory hospital in the nation and the only one devoted fully to the treatment of respiratory and related illnesses Ranked #1 or #2 in Pulmonology by U.S. News & World Report for 25 consecutive years Ranked in the top 5% of hospitals in the nation by HCAHPS Physicians consistently recognized among the best in the nation by multiple services, including Best Doctors in America and Castle Connolly Among the top 6% of organizations funded for research by the NIH, providing patients access to hundreds of active clinical trials 123-year history of focus on care, research and education serving patients from around the world with lung, heart, immune and related disorders Make an Appointment
Living the Sweet Life with Alpha-1 Judy got the test for Alpha-1, and it came back positive. She began weekly augmentation therapy at National Jewish Health and has felt a great relief of her symptoms. Read More View All Patient Stories