Serum alpha 1-antitrypsin level in patients with atrophic rhinitis

ABSTRACT

Serum alpha 1 antitrypsin [AIAT] level was determined in twenty four patients with primary atrophic rhinitis. It was found that serum alpha 1- antitrypsin levels were significantly lower in patients with primary atrophic rhinitis, while there was no change in patients with secondary atrophic rhinitis. We may conclude that AIAT deficiency is an aetiological factor of the primary atrophic rhinitis, and its determination may help to understand its pathogenesis and to differentiate it from secondary types