Hixson, Roxana

Abstract Rationale Reliable data about the natural history of lung function decline in alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT)-deficient Pi*MZ heterozygotes is largely missing. Objectives We hypothesized that, in adults with a tobacco smoking history, lung function deteriorates faster in Pi*MZ compared with the Pi*MM genotype. Methods We identified 1,856 Pi*MM and 79 Pi*MZ participants with ⩾20 pack-years tobacco smoking history from the SPIROMICS (Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcomes Measures in COPD Study) cohort by DNA sequencing and followed them over a median of 4.8 years, comparing radiographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups over time using regression models. Results Adjusted for age, sex, race, smoking pack-year history, and smoking status, Pi*MZ participants had a lower baseline percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (65.4% vs. 75.1%; difference 95% confidence interval [CI], −15.4% to −3.9%), more radiographic emphysema (<−950 Hounsfield units%, 12.9% vs. 7.8%; difference 95% CI, 2.8% to 7.5%), and nonsignificantly lower lung density. In the longitudinal analysis, the FEV1 annual rate of decline was similar in both groups over the course of the study (−34.5 ml/yr vs. −34.6 ml/yr for Pi*MZ and Pi*MM; difference 95% CI, −16.9 to 17.1 ml/yr). There were no significant differences between Pi*MZ and Pi*MM individuals in the annualized change in lung density, emphysema, patient-reported outcomes, exacerbations, or survival. The proportion with faster FEV1 decline (annual loss ⩾40 ml) was similar in Pi*MZ and Pi*MM groups. In both groups, faster FEV1 decline was associated with more air trapping and small airway disease at baseline. In Pi*MZ only, faster decline was associated with higher blood eosinophil counts (310 vs. 220 cells/μl; difference 95% CI, 30 to 140 cells/μl). In the subgroup analysis limited to a small number of currently smoking participants, no significant differences in longitudinal outcomes were found. Conclusions Despite a lower FEV1 and more emphysema at enrollment, the longitudinal analysis did not demonstrate significantly greater lung function decline or lung density loss in Pi*MZ compared with Pi*MM participants with tobacco smoking history. Limited sample size and duration of longitudinal follow-up constrain generalizability of our findings, thus prohibiting the conclusion that longitudinal trajectories did not differ between these groups. However, our results may suggest that earlier life events could be responsible for more extensive lung disease at enrollment in Pi*MZ compared with Pi*MM tobacco-exposed individuals.