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Giannakopoulos G, Verbaan H, Friis-Liby IL, Sangfelt P, Nyhlin N, Almer S. Mycophenolate mofetil treatment in patients with autoimmune hepatitis failing standard therapy with prednisolone and azathioprine. Dig Liver Dis 2019; 51:253-257. [PMID: 30389427 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on rescue treatment of autoimmune hepatitis in patients that fail standard treatment are sparse. AIMS To report our long-term experience with mycophenolate mofetil. METHODS Retrospective study in 22 patients with autoimmune hepatitis who failed azathioprine and prednisolone due to adverse events (n = 14, 64%), lack of remission (n = 5, 23%) or a combination (n = 3, 13%). RESULTS Mycophenolate mofetil was started at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day and increased to a maximum of 3 g/day. Follow-up was 0-6 months in 7 patients; more than 12 months in 15 (68%) and more than 24 months in 10. Normal aminotransferase levels were obtained (n = 3) or maintained (n = 7) in 10 patients (45%) after three to 30 weeks. 12 patients (55%) were withdrawn during the first 6 months, due to adverse events. Three patients were switched to cyclosporine and one underwent liver transplantation. Successful treatment with mycophenolate mofetil continued in 10 patients (45%) for a median of 71 months (range 20-124). Of these, one stopped prednisolone, five have a prednisolone dose <5 mg daily and four patients 5-10 mg. CONCLUSION Approximately one of two patients with autoimmune hepatitis that fail standard treatment benefit from long-term maintenance with mycophenolate mofetil, especially those with previous intolerance to thiopurines, where mycophenolate mofetil is effective in two thirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Giannakopoulos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans Verbaan
- Department of Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Per Sangfelt
- Department of Medicine, Akademiska Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nils Nyhlin
- Department of Medicine, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Sven Almer
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Dalekos GN, Koskinas J, Papatheodoridis GV. Hellenic Association for the Study of the Liver Clinical Practice Guidelines: Autoimmune hepatitis. Ann Gastroenterol 2019; 32:1-23. [PMID: 30598587 PMCID: PMC6302199 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2018.0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare acute or chronic liver disease of unknown etiology characterized by large heterogeneity. Its distribution is global, covering all ages, both sexes and all ethnic groups. The aim of the present Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) of the Hellenic Association for the Study of the Liver was to provide updated guidance and help to gastroenterologists, hepatologists, internists and general practitioners for AIH diagnosis and management. AIH diagnosis is based on clinicopathological characteristics: namely, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, particularly of immunoglobulin G (IgG), circulating autoantibodies, interface hepatitis on liver histology, absence of viral hepatitis, and a favorable response to immunosuppression. Clinical manifestations at disease onset are variable, ranging from asymptomatic to the acute/severe form. Aminotransferase and bilirubin levels vary, while the presence of hepatitis at the histological level is a prerequisite for diagnosis. Autoantibodies are the hallmark for AIH diagnosis; therefore, the CPG describe the appropriate serological algorithm for their detection. AIH therapy should aim to achieve complete biochemical (normalization of IgG and aminotransferases) and histological remission. All patients who have active disease, even those with cirrhosis, should be treated with individualized and response-guided induction therapy using prednisolone in combination with azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil as first-line therapy. Immunosuppression should be given for at least 3 years and for at least 2 years after the achievement of complete biochemical response, while a liver biopsy should be recommended before treatment discontinuation. Current CPG are also provided for several specific conditions and difficult-to-treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N. Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa (George N. Dalekos)
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa (George N. Dalekos)
| | - John Koskinas
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Hippokratio” General Hospital of Athens, Athens (John Koskinas)
| | - George V. Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Laiko” General Hospital of Athens, Athens (George V. Papatheodoridis), Greece
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Janmohamed A, Hirschfield GM. Autoimmune hepatitis and complexities in management. Frontline Gastroenterol 2019; 10:77-87. [PMID: 30651962 PMCID: PMC6319158 DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2018-101015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare heterogenous immune-mediated liver disease that for the majority has effective therapy, usually resulting in excellent prognosis. Treatment is based on immunosuppression using standard therapy with corticosteroids and azathioprine. Second-line therapeutic options exist for those who are non-responders ('difficult to treat AIH') or intolerant to standard therapy; however, their use is not standardised, and in addition, there is vast variation in practice and efficacy. Given the rarity of AIH, expertise in its management can be limited to large referral programmes. In this case-based review, we aim to discuss common clinical dilemmas encountered by clinicians managing adult patients with AIH and address the related competencies in the 2010 Gastroenterology curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashnila Janmohamed
- Centre for Liver Research, NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK,University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Birmingham UK, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Centre for Liver Research, NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK,University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Birmingham UK, Birmingham, UK,Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK,Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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54
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Zachou K, Arvaniti P, Azariadis K, Lygoura V, Gatselis NK, Lyberopoulou A, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. Prompt initiation of high-dose i.v. corticosteroids seems to prevent progression to liver failure in patients with original acute severe autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatol Res 2019; 49:96-104. [PMID: 30248210 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Zachou
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece.,Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Arvaniti
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Azariadis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Lygoura
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece.,Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Lyberopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - George K Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - George N Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece.,Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
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Aljumah AA, Al Jarallah B, Albenmousa A, Al Khathlan A, Al Zanbagi A, Al Quaiz M, Al-Judaibi B, Nabrawi K, Al Hamoudi W, Alghamdi M, Fallatah H. The Saudi association for the study of liver diseases and transplantation clinical practice guidelines for management of autoimmune hepatitis. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:S1-S20. [PMID: 30264737 PMCID: PMC6305081 DOI: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_159_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman A. Aljumah
- Division of Hepatology, Hepatobiliary Sciences and Organ Transplant Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City and King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Badr Al Jarallah
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Al Qassim University, Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Albenmousa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Al Khathlan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adnan Al Zanbagi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Al Quaiz
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bandar Al-Judaibi
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester City, New York State, USA
| | - Khalid Nabrawi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al Hamoudi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alghamdi
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad Military Medical City, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hind Fallatah
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Lu FB, Hu ED, Xu LM, Hu YB, Chen L, Wu JL, Li H, Chen DZ, Chen YP. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of treatments for adult autoimmune hepatitis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:4838-4850. [PMID: 29904396 PMCID: PMC5996682 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The most suitable treatment regimen for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in adults remains unknown and requires further investigation. The current study therefore aimed to integrate evidence to provide hierarchies of the comparative efficacies of treatments measured by clinical and biochemical remission. A Bayesian-framework network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was preformed to compare eight treatments for AIH. Eligible RCTs were identified by searching Embase, Pubmed and the Cochrane Library for publications between 1966 and April 2017. All outcomes were independently extracted from the included studies by two authors. A total of six RCTs were subsequently included in the current study. The network of comparisons on remission indicated that patients treated with prednisone (pred) experienced significantly increased rates of remission compared with those treated with azathioprine [AZA; odds ratio (OR), 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.06-0.71] and budesonide (bude) + AZA significantly increased remission compared with placebo treatment (OR, 36.66; 95% CI, 1.40-962.49) or AZA (OR, 10.30; 95% CI, 1.50-70.70). Based on the cumulative ranking probabilities, bude + AZA (89.4) was ranked first, pred (69.1) was ranked second, pred + AZA (63.2) was ranked third and placebo (7.8) treatment was ranked last. Bude + AZA may be the most appropriate candidate for the treatment of non-cirrhotic patients. However, bude + AZA as frontline therapy for AIH requires more large-scale studies with a longer duration of follow-up histology and a focus on dose-response. Additionally, development of other prospective treatments, which may be used as alternative therapy or first line therapy, and their subsequent evaluation in clinical RCTs is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Bin Lu
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - En-De Hu
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Lan-Man Xu
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Bing Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000, P.R. China
| | - Lu Chen
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Lu Wu
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Da-Zhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Medicine School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Ping Chen
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
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Muñoz-Martínez SG, Díaz-Hernández HA, Suárez-Flores D, Sánchez-Ávila JF, Gamboa-Domínguez A, García-Juárez I, Torre A. Atypical manifestations of hepatitis A virus infection. REVISTA DE GASTROENTEROLOGÍA DE MÉXICO 2018; 83:134-143. [PMID: 29685743 DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmx.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute hepatitis due to the hepatitis A virus usually has a short, benign and self-limited course, without causing chronic hepatitis. However, some cases have an atypical presentation, such as relapsing hepatitis, prolonged or persistent cholestasis, fulminant hepatic failure, or liver failure associated with autoimmune hepatitis. The typical clinical course of acute hepatitis A virus infection is spontaneous remission in 90% of the cases, but atypical cases have a prevalence that varies from less than 1 to 20%, depending on the manifestation (overall prevalence ∼7%). There is little information on the atypical clinical courses of hepatitis A virus infection and the lack of recognizing those presentations in clinical practice often results in carrying out numerous studies and treatments that not only are unnecessary, but can also be harmful. The aim of the present article was to describe 3 clinical cases of atypical hepatitis A infection and provide a literature review of such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Muñoz-Martínez
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - H A Díaz-Hernández
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - D Suárez-Flores
- Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J F Sánchez-Ávila
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México; Unidad de Hepatología y Trasplante hepático, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - A Gamboa-Domínguez
- Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - I García-Juárez
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México; Unidad de Hepatología y Trasplante hepático, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - A Torre
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México; Unidad de Hepatología y Trasplante hepático, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México.
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60
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Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Invernizzi P, Gershwin ME, Mainetti C. Skin Manifestations Associated with Autoimmune Liver Diseases: a Systematic Review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2017; 53:394-412. [DOI: 10.1007/s12016-017-8649-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. Autoimmune hepatitis: Standard treatment and systematic review of alternative treatments. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:6030-6048. [PMID: 28970719 PMCID: PMC5597495 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i33.6030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare chronic inflammatory liver disease, affecting all ages, characterised by elevated transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels, positive autoantibodies, interface hepatitis at liver histology and good response to immunosuppressive treatment. If untreated, it has a poor prognosis. The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence for standard treatment and to provide a systematic review on alternative treatments for adults and children. Standard treatment is based on steroids and azathioprine, and leads to disease remission in 80%-90% of patients. Alternative first line treatment has been attempted with budesonide or cyclosporine, but their superiority compared to standard treatment remains to be demonstrated. Second-line treatments are needed for patients not responding or intolerant to standard treatment. No randomized controlled trials have been performed for second-line options. Mycophenolate mofetil is the most widely used second-line drug, and has good efficacy particularly for patients intolerant to azathioprine, but has the major disadvantage of being teratogenic. Only few and heterogeneous data on cyclosporine, tacrolimus, everolimus and sirolimus are available. More recently, experience with the anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha infliximab and the anti-CD20 rituximab has been published, with ambivalent results; these agents may have severe side-effects and their use should be restricted to specialized centres. Clinical trials with new therapeutic options are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, MowatLabs, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Diego Vergani
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
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Czaja AJ, Carpenter HA. Autoimmune Hepatitis Overlap Syndromes and Liver Pathology. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2017; 46:345-364. [PMID: 28506369 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) may have an atypical serum alkaline phosphatase elevation, antimitochondrial antibodies, histologic features of bile duct injury/loss, or cholangiographic findings of focal biliary strictures and dilations. These manifestations characterize the overlap syndromes. Patients can be classified as having AIH with features of primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, or a cholestatic syndrome. The gold standard of diagnosis is clinical judgment. Histologic evaluation is a major diagnostic component. Treatment is based on algorithms; outcomes vary depending on the predominant disease component. Combination therapy has been the principal recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Herschel A Carpenter
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J. Czaja
- Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
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Cropley A, Weltman M. The use of immunosuppression in autoimmune hepatitis: A current literature review. Clin Mol Hepatol 2017; 23:22-26. [PMID: 28288505 PMCID: PMC5381833 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2016.0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an organ specific autoimmune condition which can manifest at any age of life. The heterogeneous nature of this condition means that great variation can be seen in severity, progression of disease and response to treatment within this patient group. Since the 1980s prednisolone and azathioprine have been used for induction and remission of the disease and remain the mainstay of treatment. Other immunosuppressive agents have been employed in difficult to treat cases. While there is less published data regarding these agents compared with the conventional treatments of steroid and azathioprine, there is mounting evidence to support the use of mycophenolate mofetil as a second-line agent. The calcineurin inhibitors, though less studied, additionally show promise. More data is needed on the use of biological agents in refractory disease. This review focuses on our centre’s approach to treatment of AIH in the context of a contemporary review of the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cropley
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nepean Hospital, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Martin Weltman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nepean Hospital, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Liberal R, de Boer YS, Andrade RJ, Bouma G, Dalekos GN, Floreani A, Gleeson D, Hirschfield GM, Invernizzi P, Lenzi M, Lohse AW, Macedo G, Milkiewicz P, Terziroli B, van Hoek B, Vierling JM, Heneghan MA. Expert clinical management of autoimmune hepatitis in the real world. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 45:723-732. [PMID: 28004405 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-quality data on the management of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are scarce. Despite published guidelines, management of AIH is still expert based rather than evidence based. AIM To survey expert hepatologists, asking each to describe their practices in the management of patients with AIH. METHODS A survey questionnaire was distributed to members of the International AIH Group. The questionnaire consisted of four clinical scenarios on different presentations of AIH. RESULTS Sixty surveys were sent, out of which 37 were returned. None reported budesonide as a first line induction agent for the acute presentation of AIH. Five (14%) participants reported using thiopurine S-methyltransferase measurements before commencement of thiopurine maintenance therapy. Thirteen (35%) routinely perform liver biopsy at 2 years of biochemical remission. If histological inflammatory activity is absent, four (11%) participants reduced azathioprine, whereas 10 (27%) attempted withdrawal altogether. Regarding the management of difficult-to-treat patients, mycophenolate mofetil is the most widely used second-line agent (n = ~450 in 28 centres), whereas tacrolimus (n = ~115 in 21 centres) and ciclosporin (n = ~112 in 18 centres) are less often reported. One centre reported considerable experience with infliximab, while rescue therapy with rituximab has been tried in seven centres. CONCLUSIONS There is a wide variation in the management of patients with autoimmune hepatitis even among the most expert in the field. Although good quality evidence is lacking, there is considerable experience with second-line therapies. Future prospective studies should address these issues, so that we move from an expert- to an evidence- and personalised-based care in autoimmune hepatitis.
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic progressive liver disease characterized by high levels of aminotransferases and autoantibodies, hypergammaglobulinemia, and interface hepatitis. AIH affects all races and all ages worldwide, regardless of sex, although a preponderance of females is a constant finding. The etiology of AIH has not been completely elucidated, but immunogenetic background and environmental parameters may contribute to its development. The most important genetic factor is human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), especially HLA-DR, whereas the role of environmental factors is not completely understood. Immunologically, disruption of the immune tolerance to autologous liver antigens may be a trigger of AIH. The diagnosis of classical AIH is fairly easy, though not without pitfalls. In contrast, the diagnosis of atypical AIH poses great challenges. There is confusion as to the definition of the disease entity and its boundaries in the diagnosis of overlap syndrome, drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis, and AIH with concomitant nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or chronic hepatitis C. Centrilobular zonal necrosis is now included in the histological spectrum of AIH. However, the definition and the significance of AIH presenting with centrilobular zonal necrosis have not been examined extensively. In ~20% of AIH patients who are treated for the first time with standard therapy, remission is not achieved. The development of more effective and better tolerated novel therapies is an urgent need. In this review, we discuss the current challenges and the future prospects in relation to the diagnosis and treatment of AIH, which have been attracting considerable recent attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshio Aizawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hokari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Dalekos GN, Zachou K. Editorial: autoimmune hepatitis - identifying options for treatment. Authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 43:1237-8. [PMID: 27137726 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
| | - K Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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Janmohamed A, Hirschfield GM. Editorial: autoimmune hepatitis - identifying options for treatment. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 43:1236-7. [PMID: 27137725 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Janmohamed
- Centre for Liver Research, NIHR Liver Biomedical Research Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - G M Hirschfield
- Centre for Liver Research, NIHR Liver Biomedical Research Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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