Ibero-Latin American Forum COPD and AATD
On December 15, 2021, was held the II Virtual Ibero-Latin American Forum on COPD and AATD in Covid Times
The II Ibero-Latin American Virtual Forum (IBLA) on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) has been held, in which experts of recognized national and international prestige have participated.
AATD, spread the knowledge
The IBLA-DAAT Forum was born in July 2018 with the fundamental objective of disseminating knowledge of DAAT to reduce its underdiagnosis.
It is led by the Spanish Network for Research in DAAT (REDAAT), and endorsed by the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR), together with the Latin American Thorax Association (ALAT).
Virtual meetings for professionals of medicine
II Forum COPD and AATD
At the I Forum (Madrid 09/29/2019) the “Situation of the AATD in Spain and Latin America” was addressed.
The meeting has been developed in 3 blocks:
- New evidence in AAT and COVID-19.
- Experience in Spain, Portugal, the United States, Argentina and Brazil with COVID-19 in patients with AATD.
- Alfacare program and the administration of AAT at home.
Conclusions
In this II virtual FORUM on COPD and AATD in times of COVID-19 ”, the experts have concluded that AAT is a very important protein to protect the lung from infection by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Not only for its anti-elastase effect but also for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
AAT modulates actions that inhibit IL-6, which is strongly implicated in the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2.
Thus, it is possible that a protease-antiprotease imbalance may play a central role in the pathogenicity and virulence of SARS-CoV-2.
Consequently, individuals with AATD and COPD constitute a group at special risk, having a worse prognosis and higher mortality.
This possible association between AAT and COVID-19 deserves to be explored.
Since COVID-19 patients could benefit from intravenous AAT treatment.
Patients with AATD and COPD are a risk group for COVID-19.
Therefore, they constitute a group for priority vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.
The Associations of patients with AATD are fundamental to defend the interests of the people affected by the AATD and their families and caregivers.
ALFACARE is a comprehensive patient support program promoted by Grifols and developed with the collaboration of the Spanish Alpha-1 Association, which offers training, emotional support and support to patients with AATD. Until now, treatment with intravenous AAT it has been carried out in day hospitals of health centers. The COVID-19 pandemic is facilitating changes that favor professional-assisted home treatment.
Source: Virtual event summary December 2021. II Ibero-American Forum on DAAT and EPOC.
