Sex-Differences in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Data From the EARCO Registry.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sex and gender influence many aspects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Limited data are available on this topic in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). We therefore aimed to investigate sex issues in the EARCO registry, a prospective, international, observational cohort study. METHODS: Baseline data from PiZZ individuals, enrolled in the registry with complete data on sex and smoking history were analysed by group comparisons and binary logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: 1283 patients with AATD, 49.3% women were analysed. Females reported less tobacco consumption (16.8±12.2 vs. 19.6±14.5 PY, p=0.006), occupational exposures towards gases, dusts or asbestos (p<0.005 each) and consumed less alcohol (5.5±7.6 vs. 8.4±10.3u/week, p<0.001). Females reported COPD (41% vs. 57%, p<0.001) and liver disease (11% vs. 20%, p<0.001) less often. However, they had a higher prevalence of bronchiectasis (24% vs. 13%, p<0.001). Despite better lung function (FEV1%pred. 73.6±29.9 vs. 62.7±29.5, p<0.001) females reported a similar symptom burden (CAT 13.4±9.5 vs. 12.5±8.9, p=ns) and exacerbation frequency (at least one in the previous year 30% vs. 26%, p=ns) compared to males. In multivariate analyses, female sex was an independent risk factor for exacerbations in the previous year OR 1.6 p=0.001 in addition to smoking history, COPD, asthma and bronchiectasis and was also identified as risk factors for symptom burden (CAT≥10) OR 1.4 p=0.014 besides age, BMI, COPD and smoking history. CONCLUSION: Men had higher rates of COPD and liver disease, women were more likely to have bronchiectasis. Women's higher symptom burden and exacerbation frequency suggest they may need tailored treatment approaches.