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Alpha 1 MZ Pregnancy  

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In this section we provide more information about the effect of an Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Genotype MZ on Pregnancy.


Biliary Tract.
 

Note: When you did not read about the implications of Alpha1 MZ on the biliary tract, go here.

First off all, cholestasis (slowing or stalling of bile flow through your biliary system) during pregnancy is common, and patients with cholestasis can experience complications, such as obstructive jaundice (narrowed or blocked bile tract, preventing the normal drainage of bile from the bloodstream into the intestines), cholangitis (inflammation of the bile duct system), and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
 

In a paper about this specific subject, we found a higher probability for Alpha 1 Heterogenous during pregnancy to get Biliary Tract issues like cholestasis, which comes down to approx. 1 in 15.
 

The conclusion of the paper is: "The Z carrier frequency was calculated to be 6.8%, which is much higher compared to the general population 2.3%"

The paper also states that the group size for their study is small ~100 persons, however, when we look at statistical data out of the UK Biobank, we see that biliary tract issues in Alpha1 MZ individuals are considerable higher compared to general population. 

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Because we know that Biliary Tract issues have a high prevalence in Alpha1 MZ individuals, (also when you are not pregnant), we recommend to take good care of your liver, before and during your pregnancy.

We recommend to discuss this with your physician, and try to offload your liver as much as possible to keep it in good health. Remember the regeneration of the liver is about a year, so start as early as possible to get your liver in excellent condition before your pregnancy!

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You can find the paper here

Other Alpha1 Pregnancy issues

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According to a study in Denmark among a population of  ~2M persons (559 cases) there is a higher prevalence of pregnancy issues under persons with an Alpha deficiency  (No details on Genotype are given, however when we do a rough calculation we see  a prevalence of ~5%, which fits the prevalence of MZ's)

What they found is the following;

  • Preeclampsia;   Risk Ratio  = 2.64

  • AATD was related to term low birth weight <2500g;    Risk Ratio = 2.04,

  • Lowest quartile of abdominal circumference at birth in children;    Risk Ratio = 1.55

  • Delivery via Cesarean-section;    Risk Ratio = 1.59

  • Preterm birth;    Risk Ratio = 1.54

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You can find this paper here

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