α-1 antitrypsin and chronic fatigue syndrome: a case study from pathophysiology to clinical practice

Abstract

SUMMARY Background: Several lines of evidence support the involvement of inflammatory and immunologic abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Since recent studies have shown that α-1 antitrypsin (AAT) possesses anti-inflammatory properties, the potential therapeutic effect of AAT treatment on CFS has been investigated. Case presentation: A 49-year-old woman diagnosed with CFS was treated with intravenous infusions of a human plasma-derived AAT concentrate (60 mg/kg body weight weekly for 8 consecutive weeks). The patient’s monocyte elastase, a regulator of inflammatory processes, was 1170 U/mg. At completion of treatment, improvement in maximal workload was observed (54.0–71.7% of predicted). Additionally, amelioration in working memory (scores: 83–94) and perceptual organization (scores: 75–83) were detected on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III test. Monocyte elastase decreased to a normal range (<150 U/mg). Improvement in functional capacity allowed the patient to work in part-time employment. Conclusion: These findings suggest a possible role for AAT in the treatment of CFS.