Knowledge of alpha-1 deficiency and primary ciliary dyskinesia by medical students and health professionals

Background: Under-diagnosis and delayed diagnosis are common features in rare diseases, which have negative effects on the patients9 prognosis. A possible explanation could be lack of awareness and education of the health professionals involved in the managements of these patients. Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (DCP) are under-diagnosed rare diseases showing a median diagnosis delay of five to ten years. Methods: A survey was undertaken in paediatricians (general, paediatric pulmonologists and paediatric gastroenterologist) and medical school students to assess their knowledge on AATD and PCD. Results: A total of 624 surveys on AATD and 457 on PCD were…