Author
Alpha1 Germany e. V.
Children and young people with Alpha-1: Watch the presentation now on YouTube
What does alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency actually mean for children and adolescents? What happens in the body? And what can families do to cope well with the condition? These were precisely the questions addressed at the Alpha1 Information Day 2026 in the seminar „Children and adolescents with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency“ with Dr. Eva-Doreen Pfister and Dr. Marie Korell.
Alpha1 Germany e. V. has long been committed to providing reliable information, guidance, and support to young people affected by the condition and their families. It is particularly important to explain the illness to children and adolescents in an understandable way – without causing fear.
The two speakers Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Eva Doreen Pfister and Dr. med. Marie Korell The team from the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Hannover Medical School achieved precisely that in their presentation: They took the participants of the information day – children and adolescents of different ages as well as their parents and families – on a vivid journey through the body. In a way that was easy for children to understand, they explained the normal function of alpha-1 antitrypsin, what happens when there is a deficiency, and why the disease can primarily affect the liver and later also the lungs.
In addition to the medical fundamentals, the discussion also covered very practical questions: What role does a healthy lifestyle play? Which examinations are important? What treatment options are already available? And what new therapeutic approaches might play a role in the future?
Another important focus was the Alpha-1-KIDS Registry. The aim is to help better understand alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in children and adolescents, gather experience, and further improve long-term care. The speakers emphasized the importance of every registration. Only together, and through real cases, can we gain more knowledge about the disease and thus help other affected families.
Anyone who couldn't attend the information day or would like to watch the presentation again at their leisure can now find the recording on our Alpha1 YouTube channel!
