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What Is Alpha-1?

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More alpha-1 (A1AD) facts
     Alpha-1 is an inherited genetic disorder
     Alpha-1 can be detected by a simple blood test.
     Alpha-1 can cause progressive liver damage in children and adults.
     Alpha-1 is often misdiagnosed.
There is no cure for Alpha1 but there are steps a person can take to minimize the destructive potential of alpha1.

About the genetics of Alpha1 (A1AD)
       Alpha1 is a genetic disorder. Because half of your genes are inherited from each of your parents, the following illustrates the possible outcomes for children if both parents are carriers of the A1AD gene.

MM or “Normal”
    Does not have the disorder and does not carry the gene.
MZ or “Carrier”
     Does not have the disorder but does carry the gene.
ZZ or “Abnormal”
     Deficient and does have the disorder and also carries the gene.

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Updated May 25, 2005