Protease inhibitor phenotypes and serum alpha‐1‐antitrypsin levels in patients with COPD: A study from Hong Kong

Abstract

The low prevalence of deficiency Pi phenotypes/subtypes suggests a lack of contribution of alpha1-AT deficiency to the pathogenesis of COPD in Chinese patients. The strategy of launching an alpha1-AT deficiency detection program among COPD patients, based on the recommendation of the World Health Organization, may not be readily applicable in our local setting.