Lidis Atripaldi

Dr. Lidis Atripaldi


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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25 September 2025 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AAanna annunziata
anna annunziata
GFGiuseppe Fiorentino
Giuseppe Fiorentino
FSFrancesca Simioli
Francesca Simioli
LALidis Atripaldi
Lidis Atripaldi
MBMarco Balestrino
Marco Balestrino
CCCecilia Calabrese
Cecilia Calabrese
Introduction: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic condition caused by SERPINA1 variants with variable severity. Current international guidelines do not recommend augmentation therapy for intermediate AATD; nevertheless, some patients show clinically severe phenotypes in real-world practice. We aimed to evaluate, in an exploratory manner, the potential effects of augmentation therapy on exacerbations, quality of life, and lung function in this subgroup. Methods: In this multicenter retrospective study, we included 27 heterozygous patients with intermediate AATD (serum AAT 50–110 mg/dL), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and/or emphysema. Clinical phenotypes included emphysema-predominant disease, COPD with frequent exacerbations, and overlap with bronchiectasis/asthma; HRCT patterns were recorded. We assessed the annual number of exacerbations (moderate: steroids/antibiotics; severe: hospitalization/including pneumothorax), St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and lung function before and after 12 months of therapy. Results: Augmentation therapy was associated with a reduction in annual exacerbations from a median (IQR) of 2 (1.5–3) to 1 (0–1) (p < 0.0001) and an improvement in SGRQ total score (58.89 ± 16.83 to 48.34 ± 21.20; p = 0.0039). The mean SGRQ change exceeded the 4-point MCID for COPD. No significant changes were observed in spirometry or Diffusing Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO). Conclusions: These exploratory findings suggest that augmentation therapy may reduce exacerbations and improve quality of life in selected patients with intermediate AATD and COPD/emphysema. Given the retrospective design, small sample, and lack of a control group, the results should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating and warrant confirmation in prospective studies.