AATD
Medical abbreviation · Respiratory
| Stands for | Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
AATD stands for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a respiratory abbreviation.
Inherited deficiency of a protein that protects the lungs from enzyme damage, causing early-onset emphysema, often in the lower lobes, and liver disease. The most severe form results from two copies of the Z variant of the SERPINA1 gene (PiZZ).
Example: Emphysema at 42 with basal predominance; AAT level 18 mg/dL, PiZZ: AATD, augmentation therapy discussed.
Usage notes
It is among the most common serious genetic disorders in people of European ancestry but is heavily underdiagnosed, so guidelines recommend testing everyone with COPD at least once. Smoking dramatically accelerates lung damage. Weekly intravenous augmentation with purified alpha-1 antitrypsin slows loss of lung density. Liver disease results from misfolded protein trapped in liver cells and can occur in infancy.
Related abbreviations
More respiratory abbreviations
- A-a gradient – Alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient
- ABPA – Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
- AC – Assist-control ventilation
- AECOPD – Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- AERD – Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease
- AHI – Apnea-hypopnea index
- AHRF – Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure
- APAP – Automatic positive airway pressure
- APRV – Airway pressure release ventilation
- ARDS – Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- ARF – Acute respiratory failure
- ATS – American Thoracic Society
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.