| Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency is underdiagnosed condition in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Serum alpha-1 antitrypsin concentration from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, defined according to the GOLD criteria, were analysed by nephelometry, alpha-1 antitrypsin genotype was determined by means of isoelectric-focusing. Calculated sensitivity of quantitative alpha-1 antitrypsin measurement by nephelometry for heterozygous PI*Z allele is 45% and for homozygous ZZ genotype 88%. Specificity of quantitative alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency determining analysis is 99%.A case detection programme of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using quantitative methods is specific, but due to limited sensitivity should be used only in screening programs.ddd |
