Author
Marion Wilkens, Alpha1 Germany eV, as published in Alpha1 Journal 1/2022.
After a long drive, I arrived just in time for the wine tasting (a selection of fine wines for the next few days). It started off relaxed, and it was as if the pandemic had never happened. On Friday, we met early for the tasting, and only then did we receive our wristbands and name badges; everything was well organized.
The board team led by Ella Geiblinger was unanimously re-elected at the AGM, and we extend our warmest congratulations on behalf of Alpha1 Germany. We were given the opportunity to briefly present our organization and our work during the pandemic. Our collaboration with Alpha1 Austria has been close and very friendly for many years.
The event was very well moderated by Thomas J. Nagy; he created smooth transitions between the topics through short stories and involved us where appropriate.
The information day lived up to its name, as it offered a wealth of interesting information. It was beneficial to see the topic of advance healthcare directives from a medical perspective and the topic of long-term care benefits from the perspective of a lawyer (rather than a caseworker). This allowed the Austrians to be given many helpful tips.
Dr. Reiger presented her rehabilitation clinic; she proactively approached the Alphas in Austria, specialized in our condition, and strives to achieve the best possible outcome for us Alphas. Her vision:
„"Rehabilitation of body and mind"“
„"Quality of life as a goal"“
Imitators wanted for Germany!
Nutrition (presented by Klaudia Walder-Eder) is always a tricky subject on a weekend filled with roast pork, Kaiserschmarrn, and plenty of wine, but a few tips did stick (for me, it was once again the glass of warm water in the morning) and the reminder to significantly increase the amount of vegetables in my daily diet. The liver regenerates best when lying down, which is certainly good news. However, I won't be following the advice to stop eating after 7 p.m., even though I can imagine it would do me good. Dr. Kaufmann took us back through the pandemic. We hung on his every word as he described the situation in the intensive care unit, and I must say, it was sometimes quite unsettling.
But everyone felt awe at what doctors, nurses, and caregivers had to accomplish during this incredibly challenging time. It was clear that the Alpha-1 patients were especially close to his heart – a huge thank you to him on behalf of so many who cared for, and continue to care for, infected people.
The radiologist, Dr. Lutfi, gave us a very entertaining explanation of the difference between X-rays and CT scans and showed us which images should raise suspicion of Alpha-1 deficiency.
And then the day ended with much hope: hope that Alpha-1 might indeed be helpful in treating a Covid-19 infection. Professor Münch reported on his research; more precisely, he presented what had been published previously on March 19, 2021:
„"Body's own protein weakens coronavirus"“
„"Alpha-1 antitrypsin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 by switching off the virus helper enzyme"“
We reported on this in newsletter 3/2021. However, what we found even more interesting in his presentation than the potential application in the case of a Covid-19 infection was the attempt to obtain alpha-1 antitrypsin without using human plasma.
We'll keep you updated!
Alpha1 Austria Information Day: Program
- Advance Healthcare Directive/Power of Attorney | Dr. Herbert Bachler, General Practitioner, Innsbruck
- „"Live passionately with integrative nutrition" | Ms. Klaudia Walder-Eder, TCM nutrition expert, Hallein
- Medical Management of AATM Patients in the Covid-19 Pandemic | Dr. Norbert Kaufmann, Senior Physician, Internist, Graz South-East Hospital
- Care allowance | Dr. Martin Greifeneder, Labor and Social Court Judge, Wels
- Introduction to the Rehabilitation Center | Dr. Gabriele Reiger, Medical Director of the Weyer Rehabilitation Center
- Radiological diagnostics in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency | Dr. Andre Lutfi, radiologist, Medical University of Graz
- Alpha-1 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 | Prof. Dr. Jan Münch, Virologist, University Hospital Ulm
