Alpha1-antitrypsin replacement therapy controls fibromyalgia symptoms in 2 patients with PI ZZ alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency

Two Spanish sisters with alpha(1)-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency and fibromyalgia (FM) started AAT replacement therapy with commercial alpha(1)-antitrypsin infusions in 1992. They both experienced a rapid, progressive, and constant control of their FM symptoms during the next 6 years (1992-98). However, in 1998, treatment of both patients was affected by the worldwide commercial shortage of AAT replacement therapy; replacement therapy infusions were halted for about 4-6 consecutive months every year for 5 years. As a result, we observed a striking recurrence of FM symptoms. Equally striking was the total disappearance of these symptoms when AAT replacement therapy infusions were resumed.