Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: an under-recognized but important issue for respiratory therapists.

In this issue the Journal is reprinting the Executive Summary of the new evidence-based standards regarding the management of individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency.1,2 Upon reading the summary, respiratory therapists (RTs), like all clinicians, will ask themselves several important questions about AAT deficiency, namely: 1. How well do I understand AAT deficiency? 2. What is the relevance of AAT deficiency to my respiratory care practice now? 3. What implications do the new findings and recommendations regarding AAT deficiency in the standards document have for my future practice?