[ALPHA-1-ANTITRYPSIN ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED FOR CELLULITIS]

Deficiency or impaired activity of alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), which neutralizes multiple proteolytic enzymes, such as collagenases and elastases may result in significant tissue autodigestion. Hence, AAT may have a role in the healing process in chronic and acute inflammation including skin infection, such as cellulitis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of AAT activity and inflammatory markers in patients with cellulitis.

The study included eleven consecutive patients (6 males and 5 females, mean age 68.5 ± 4.5 years) who were hospitalized for cellulitis between 09/2009-02/2010. We analyzed tests results for C reactive protein (CRP), AAT level and activity that were obtained on admission (T1), 2 days after admission (T2) and 2 weeks after admission (T3).

AAT levels were found to be within the normal range. AAT activity values were found to be within or above the normal range. The highest activity values were measured after 2 days of treatment and the lowest values were measured after 2 weeks of treatment. CRP values were highest on admission and lowest, as expected, after the end of treatment 2 weeks later. AAT activity values were significantly lower statistically in patients with unresolved cellulitis 2 weeks after treatment began.

AAT activity was significantly lower statistically in patients who suffered from slow resolving cellulitis 14 days after hospitalization. This possibly suggests a role AAT activity may have in the inflammation cascade in patients with cellulitis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of AAT activity in the inflammatory process.