TürkiyeDiagnosis and screening
Fingertip blood test in 563 patients with bronchiectasis in Samsun: alpha-1 deficiency found in 16 people
A study published in a journal and reviewed by independent scientists. Even so, a single study is not conclusive; it needs to be replicated.
In Samsun, 563 patients with bronchiectasis but without emphysema were screened. Screening was done with a dried blood sample taken from a fingertip. Alpha-1 antitrypsin gene changes were found in 16 patients (2.8%). Two patients had new, previously unknown changes. The authors recommend considering alpha-1 testing in these patients as well.
What does it mean for patients and families?
Alpha-1 deficiency should be considered not only in COPD but also in bronchiectasis. The test can be done with a simple fingertip blood sample. This is a single-center study.
Source
Scientific paper: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in bronchiectasis: Evidence for an overlooked entity beyond COPD: A retrospective observational study. Medicine, 2026. DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000047298 · PubMed 41578478
The source page was opened and read on October 7, 2026. Summary prepared by the Doktorclub editorial team and translated from Turkish; it has not yet been reviewed by a physician (a scientific board is being set up).
This page is translated from the Turkish original.
Related disease: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD)
This page reports a development; it is not a treatment recommendation. Your doctor decides whether a treatment is right for you.