Successful Alpha-1 patient day in Stuttgart under Corona conditions

For the organizing team, Dr. Alexander Rupp, Stuttgart

Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Alpha-1 Patient Day in Stuttgart was successfully held on October 9, 2021, in compliance with a comprehensive hygiene protocol. More than 80 patients participated in person. The previous evening, twelve physicians had attended a continuing medical education session on Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

History of the Alpha-1 Patient Day in Stuttgart

The Alpha-1 Patient Day in Stuttgart has been held annually since 2015 and has since grown into the second largest Alpha-1 patient event in Germany. Initially, the event, organized by the Pneumology Practice in the city center (Stuttgart), was conceived simply as an opportunity for Alpha-1 patients in the greater Stuttgart area to receive a FibroScan examination from the Alpha-1 Liver Center at RWTH Aachen University without having to travel the long distance to Aachen. Due to the high demand and the limited space available at the practice, a two-day event was necessary as early as 2016. From 2017 onwards, the event, which included a supporting program (lectures, industry exhibition, networking event), was held at the Steigenberger Hotel directly at Stuttgart's main train station. From 2018, in addition to the Alpha-1 Center Stuttgart and the liver team at RWTH Aachen University, the Alpha-1 Centers in Gerlingen and Sinsheim also participated as co-organizers of the event. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 event unfortunately had to be shortened to a purely online lecture event at very short notice. It was all the more gratifying, therefore, that this year the event could once again take place in person, adhering to a comprehensive hygiene protocol, and for the first time in the premises of the Sparkassenakademie near the main train station. While some patients had undoubtedly consciously decided against attending due to the pandemic, more than 80 patients were nevertheless able to be welcomed on site.

Contents of the Alpha-1 Patient Day in Stuttgart

In addition to liver examinations performed by the Alpha-1 Liver Team at RWTH Aachen University, including FibroScan, laboratory tests, and now also lung function and NO measurement, many patients find the lectures on various topics related to Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency to be a central focus of the event. The topics of Alpha-1 and the lungs, and Alpha-1 and the liver, are integral parts of the lecture curriculum. Other topics vary annually, such as the work of support groups, respiratory therapy, exercise and (pulmonary) sports, vaccinations for lung diseases, nutrition, oxygen therapy and NIV, home administration, and social welfare aspects. The personal interaction and exchange among patients during the event are also particularly valuable.

Industrial exhibition

In addition to the two well-known Alpha-1 companies (Grifols and CSL Behring), the event is supported by numerous other industry partners, particularly from the respiratory sector, but also by suppliers of oxygen and respiratory therapy equipment (specifically, in 2021, Chiesi, GSK, Novartis, Orion, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Aerovita Medizintechnik). At the industry exhibition, patients have the opportunity to learn directly about established products as well as new developments. We extend our sincere thanks to our industry partners, whose support makes this event possible. We certainly hope to have even more industry partners for the next event.