Augmentation Therapy

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) augmentation therapy consists of weekly intarvenous (IV) infusions of AAT derived from human plasma. It is used to increase the concentration of the protein in the blood and lungs. Augmentation therapy has been approved by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA). You should discuss any questions you have about augmentation therapy with your physician.

Read and share the AAA’s Position Paper on augmentation therapy.

Augmentation therapy is usually only prescribed for patients with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) related emphysema and certain other rare manifestations of AATD, eg. panniculitis. Augmentation therapy is not a treatment option for AATD liver disease. Augmentation therapy is not generally recommended for individuals with normal lung function. It’s generally reserved for patients with phenotypes Pi Z, Pi Z/null, Pi null null, and/or patients who have AAT serum levels of less than 0.8 grams per litre (g/L). It is not generally given to people who have mildly deficient phenotypes.

• Augmentation can be administered in a doctor’s office, hospital clinic or in a facility where intravenous infusions are routinely given. Additionally, many companies offer home infusion services. You should check with your individual insurance carrier as criteria for services and benefits vary greatly.
• Patients who are motivated and physically able may be taught to administer augmentation therapy. A willing family member or significant other may also be trained and be involved in the process and care. It is imperative for individuals interested in self infusion discuss their intention with their physician and develop of plan of care. They must identify a nurse willing to work with them on a consistent basis to complete training on all aspects of therapy. Patient safety with home self-infusion is always a primary goal.

Augmentation therapy is prepared from pooled human plasma that has been screened for hepatitis A, B, and C and tested for HIV. Additional antiviral procedures are utilised as a precaution against transmission of infectious agents.

There are relatively few side effects that have been reported: headaches, muscle and joint pain, and lower-back pain are the most frequent complaints. For patients with severe COPD or heart failure, worsening of shortness of breath may occur.

Your doctor will probably test you for IgA deficiency prior to starting augmentation therapy because if you have both AATD and IgA, you could develop a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the AAT augmentation therapy.

• Glassia
  AAT replacement therapy from Kamada
• Prolastin-C 
  AAT replacement therapy from Grifols
• Zemaira
  AAT replacement therapy from CSL Behring