Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency associated with panniculitis treated with plasma exchange therapy

• Published in: International journal of dermatology Vol. 43; no. 9; pp. 693 - 697
• Main Authors: De Oliveira, Priscila, Paz-Melgar, Libania, Takahashi, Maria Denise F., Nico, Marcello Menta S., Rivitti, Evandro A., Mendrone Jr, Alfredo, Tatsui, Nelson H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01-09-2004; Blackwell Science; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency - blood; alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency - complications; alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency - diagnosis; alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency - therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Buttocks; Dermatology; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Leg; Medical sciences; Panniculitis - complications; Panniculitis - diagnosis; Panniculitis - pathology; Panniculitis - therapy; Plasma Exchange; Skin involvement in other diseases. Miscellaneous. General aspects; Skin Ulcer - complications; Skin Ulcer - diagnosis; Skin Ulcer - pathology; Skin Ulcer - therapy; Plasma exchange; Skin disease; Association; Treatment; Dermatology; Deficiency; Panniculitis; Adipose tissue disorders; α1-Antitrypsin
• ISSN: 0011-9059; 1365-4632
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2004.02054.x

Background  Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin is the principal serum protease inhibitor. In addition to the well‐recognized association with early‐onset emphysema and cirrhosis, alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency may be associated with panniculitis. The treatment of this type of panniculitis presents a significant challenge. Previous attempts using immunosuppressive, anti‐inflammatory, and cytotoxic drugs have shown variable results.
Aim  To report a case of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency‐associated panniculitis treated with plasma exchange therapy.
Methods  A 23‐year‐old patient developed painful red nodules on her thighs and buttocks with spontaneous ulceration and discharge of oily fluid. A skin biopsy specimen showed septal and lobular panniculitis. The serum alpha‐1‐antitrypsin level was 22 mg/dL. She was treated with plasma exchange therapy.
Results  Treatment of this patient with plasma exchange therapy led to the control of the cutaneous lesions.
Conclusions  Plasma exchange therapy represents an alternative treatment which restores serum and tissue alpha‐1‐antitrypsin levels. This method is proposed because of its clinical benefits and greater availability.