Elevated Alpha-1-antitrypsin

Alpha-1 antitrypsin concentrations above the established reference range (80-220 mg/dL or 20-53 µmol/L), usually reflecting increased hepatic production of this acute-phase protein or, less commonly, altered regulation due to genetic abnormalities.

Causes

• Acute-phase inflammatory response

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

  • Trauma

• Infection

• Tissue injury

  • Myocardial infarction

• Malignancy

  • Solid tumors

  • Lymphoma

  • Multiple myeloma

• Pregnancy

• Medications

  • Oral contraceptives

  • Steroids

• Primary alpha-1 antitrypsin gene abnormalities