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Hadley TA, Palle SK, Venkateswaran S, Abramowsky C, Gillespie S, Hall L, Kolachala VL, Gupta NA. A two decade long study of disease progression of de novo and recurrent autoimmune hepatitis in the pediatric population. Pediatr Transplant 2021; 25:e13978. [PMID: 33522659 DOI: 10.1111/petr.13978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent autoimmune hepatitis (rAIH) occurs in patients who undergo liver transplantation (LT) for AIH and de novo AIH (dAIH) is seen in patients who are transplanted for etiologies other than AIH. Whether these are distinct diseases with a similar phenotype remains understudied. The aim of this study was to identify clinical and immunologic factors affecting outcome in patients with dAIH and rAIH. A retrospective review of 387 LT patients from 1997 to 2014 was carried out, and they were followed until 2018. Patients with rAIH or dAIH were identified based on the pre-transplant diagnosis of AIH (or not) and characteristic histology. Liver biopsies were stained with H&E, B-cell marker CD20, and plasma cell marker CD138. Out of 387 patients, 31 were transplanted for AIH, and 8/31 developed rAIH. Of the remaining 356 patients, eight developed dAIH. Compared to the dAIH group, rAIH occurred in older patients, had an earlier onset in the allograft, and had higher IgG and serum ALT levels. It was most commonly seen in African American (AA) patients (87%). rAIH patients had significantly higher CD20 and CD138 positivity in liver biopsies. In addition, they had increased rejection episodes prior to the onset of recurrence, increased graft loss, and mortality. rAIH is a more aggressive disease, and has a preponderance of B cells and plasma cells in the liver tissue as compared to dAIH. The concurrent association with increased graft loss and patient mortality in rAIH warrants further investigations into B cell-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Hadley
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Transplant Services, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sirish K Palle
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Transplant Services, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Carlos Abramowsky
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Transplant Services, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Scott Gillespie
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lori Hall
- Transplant Services, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Nitika A Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Transplant Services, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), Atlanta, GA, USA
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2
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Stirnimann G, Ebadi M, Czaja AJ, Montano-Loza AJ. Recurrent and De Novo Autoimmune Hepatitis. Liver Transpl 2019; 25:152-166. [PMID: 30375180 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clinical indications for liver transplantation (LT) in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are identical to those of patients with other chronic liver diseases that end in acute or semiacute liver failure, decompensated cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Recurrent disease after LT has been reported in 10%-50% of patients with AIH, and the frequency of detection is influenced in part by the use of protocol or clinically indicated liver biopsy. De novo AIH connotes the development of AIH in patients transplanted for liver diseases other than AIH, and it has been reported in 5%-10% of pediatric and 1%-2% of adult recipients. Recurrent disease can negatively impact on graft and patient survival, and retransplantation has been required in 8%-23%. De novo AIH is within the spectrum of graft dysfunction that includes plasma cell-rich rejection, and it can also progress to cirrhosis and graft failure. Treatment for recurrent or de novo disease is based on the conventional regimens for AIH, and corticosteroid therapy alone or combined with azathioprine is standard. Better control of disease activity prior to LT has been associated with less recurrence, and maintenance corticosteroid treatment after LT can reduce its frequency. In conclusion, recurrent AIH is far more frequent than de novo AIH. Both may have negative impacts on graft and patient survival, and early detection and treatment are key objectives. Future investigations must codify the diagnostic criteria for each graft dysfunction, seek diagnostic biomarkers, and evaluate treatments that improve outcomes without increasing the risk of pre- and post-LT infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Stirnimann
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital Bern, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maryam Ebadi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN
| | - Aldo J Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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3
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Díaz-Ramírez GS, Marín-Zuluaga JI, Donado-Gómez JH, Muñoz-Maya O, Santos-Sánchez Ó, Restrepo-Gutiérrez JC. Characterization of patients with autoimmune hepatitis at an university hospital in Medellín-Colombia: cohort study. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2017; 41:87-96. [PMID: 29126693 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic liver disease that impacts on morbidity and mortality of patients. Few epidemiological data exist of this in Latin America and Colombia. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to describe the demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients; the treatment and the response to it, the evolution and course of the disease, requirement of liver transplantation and mortality. METHODS Historical cohort study that include patients attended at an University Hospital in Medellin, Colombia between January 2010 and December 2016 with ≥16 years age at the time of diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. Data collection was done from the review of medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS The study included 278 patients, 90% of the patients were women, the median age at diagnosis was 50 years. 37.8% were cirrhotic at the time of diagnosis. The biochemical remission was 85%. In patients who developed cirrhosis it was found a higher proportion of men (21.2 vs. 7.8%, p=.027), a greater frequency of overlap autoimmune-primary sclerosant cholangitis (6.0 vs. 0% p=.006) and a greater frequency of non-response to treatment (12.1 vs. 1.6%, p=.004). CONCLUSION Autoimmune hepatitis is not a rare disease in Colombian population; it predominates in women but has a less favourable course in men. An important number of patients are cirrhotic at the time of diagnosis, the response to treatment and complications in our population are similar to those described worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Ignacio Marín-Zuluaga
- Grupo de Gastrohepatología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Unidad de Hepatología y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Octavio Muñoz-Maya
- Grupo de Gastrohepatología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Unidad de Hepatología y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Óscar Santos-Sánchez
- Grupo de Gastrohepatología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Unidad de Hepatología y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Restrepo-Gutiérrez
- Grupo de Gastrohepatología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Unidad de Hepatología y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Medellín, Colombia
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Montano-Loza AJ, Bhanji RA, Wasilenko S, Mason AL. Systematic review: recurrent autoimmune liver diseases after liver transplantation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 45:485-500. [PMID: 27957759 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) constitute the third most common indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. Outcomes post LT are generally good but recurrent disease is frequently observed. AIMS To describe the frequency and risk factors associated with recurrent AILD post-LT and provide recommendations to reduce the incidence of recurrence based on levels of evidence. METHODS A systematic review was performed for full-text papers published in English-language journals, using the keywords 'autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)', 'primary biliary cholangitis and/or cirrhosis (PBC)', 'primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)', 'liver transplantation' and 'recurrent disease'. Management strategies to reduce recurrence after LT were classified according to grade and level of evidence. RESULTS Survival rates post-LT are approximately 90% and 70% at 1 and 5 years and recurrent disease occurs in a range of 10-50% of patients with AILD. Recurrent AIH is associated with elevated liver enzymes and IgG before LT, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in the explants and lack of steroids after LT (Grade B). Tacrolimus use is associated with increased risk; use of ciclosporin and preventive ursodeoxycholic acid with reduced risk of PBC recurrence (all Grade B). Intact colon, active ulcerative colitis and early cholestasis are associated with recurrent PSC (Grade B). CONCLUSIONS Recommendations based on grade A level of evidence are lacking. The need for further study and management includes active immunosuppression before liver transplantation and steroid use after liver transplantation in autoimmune hepatitis; selective immunosuppression with ciclosporin and preventive ursodeoxycholic acid treatment for primary biliary cholangitis; and improved control of inflammatory bowel disease or even colectomy in primary sclerosing cholangitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - R A Bhanji
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - S Wasilenko
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - A L Mason
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Czaja AJ. Diagnosis and Management of Autoimmune Hepatitis: Current Status and Future Directions. Gut Liver 2016; 10:177-203. [PMID: 26934884 PMCID: PMC4780448 DOI: 10.5009/gnl15352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is characterized by autoantibodies, hypergammaglobulinemia, and interface hepatitis on histological examination. The features lack diagnostic specificity, and other diseases that may resemble autoimmune hepatitis must be excluded. The clinical presentation may be acute, acute severe (fulminant), or asymptomatic; conventional autoantibodies may be absent; centrilobular necrosis and bile duct changes may be present; and the disease may occur after liver transplantation or with features that suggest overlapping disorders. The diagnostic criteria have been codified, and diagnostic scoring systems can support clinical judgment. Nonstandard autoantibodies, including antibodies to actin, α-actinin, soluble liver antigen, perinuclear antineutrophil antigen, asialoglycoprotein receptor, and liver cytosol type 1, are tools that can support the diagnosis, especially in patients with atypical features. Prednisone or prednisolone in combination with azathioprine is the preferred treatment, and strategies using these medications in various doses can ameliorate treatment failure, incomplete response, drug intolerance, and relapse after drug withdrawal. Budesonide, mycophenolate mofetil, and calcineurin inhibitors can be considered in selected patients as frontline or salvage therapies. Molecular (recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies), cellular (adoptive transfer and antigenic manipulation), and pharmacological (antioxidants, antifibrotics, and antiapoptotic agents) interventions constitute future directions in management. The evolving knowledge of the pathogenic pathways and the advances in technology promise new management algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J. Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN,
USA
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Tencate V, Komorowski R, Cronin D, Hong J, Gawrieh S. A case study: refractory recurrent autoimmune hepatitis following liver transplantation in two male patients. Transplant Proc 2015; 46:298-300. [PMID: 24507072 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2013.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) recurs after liver transplantation and significantly impacts graft function and patient survival. In this case report, we present 2 cases of male patients with refractory recurrent AIH after liver transplantation. Each patient lost their first graft due to refractory continuous AIH. We have not noticed a similar refractory course for our female patients with AIH post-transplantation at our center. Based on our single-center experience there appears to be a gender disparity in the aggressive nature of AIH recurrence after transplantation. Despite the aggressive nature of recurrent AIH in both patients, graft loss occurred beyond 3 years for both patients and did not influence the 1- and 3-year patient survival. If these findings are validated, they may have significant impact on post-transplantation immunosuppression management in male patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Tencate
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - R Komorowski
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - D Cronin
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - J Hong
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - S Gawrieh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Czaja AJ. Review article: permanent drug withdrawal is desirable and achievable for autoimmune hepatitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2014; 39:1043-58. [PMID: 24628539 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis can be rendered treatment-free, but the difficulty, frequency and risks associated with the pursuit of this outcome are unclear. AIM To describe the frequency that autoimmune hepatitis can be rendered treatment-free, identify the features that characterise these patients, examine the pathogenic pathways that may sustain or terminate the disease and indicate management protocols that can obtain this result. METHODS Studies cited in Pub Med from 1972-2014 for autoimmune hepatitis, treatment, relapse, remission and outcome were selected. RESULTS The frequency of a treatment-free state varies from 19% to 40% in patients observed for ≥3 years after drug withdrawal. Complete laboratory resolution and reversion to normal liver tissue prior to drug withdrawal favours this response. The development of cirrhosis during therapy may increase treatment-dependence. Persistent liver damage and the generation of neo-antigens during the apoptosis of hepatocytes may perpetuate the disease. Genetic and age-related effects on the vigour of the immune response may also contribute. Reversion to normal liver tissue is achieved in only 22% of patients during conventional corticosteroid therapy, and the emerging pharmacological and biological interventions may improve this frequency. A management strategy designed to achieve a treatment-free state accommodates all candidates for this outcome, and it can be modified to a long-term maintenance strategy as warranted by the clinical response. CONCLUSIONS Permanent drug withdrawal is a treatment outcome that is desirable and achievable in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Normalisation of liver tests and liver tissue during treatment enhances this occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
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8
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Dbouk N, Parekh S. Impact of pretransplant antinuclear antibody and antismooth muscle antibody titers on disease recurrence and graft survival following liver transplantation in autoimmune hepatitis patients. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 28:537-42. [PMID: 22432792 PMCID: PMC3388173 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2012.07125.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Disease recurrence following transplantation occurs in 20-45% of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Factors associated with an increased risk of recurrence include human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR3 and HLA DR4 positivity, inadequate immunosuppression, and severity of inflammation in the native liver. Titers of several autoantibodies can be elevated in patients with AIH, including antinuclear antibody (ANA) and antismooth muscle antibody (SMA); however, it is unclear whether or not the degree of elevation influences the risk of disease recurrence following transplantation. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the potential impact of pretransplant titers on post-transplant outcomes for patients with AIH. Sixty-three patients with AIH who underwent 72 liver transplants between 1 January 1989 and 1 January 2009 were included, with a median follow up of 10 months. Patients were divided into group A (ANA or SMA ≥ 1:160) and group B (titers ≤ 1:160). RESULTS There was no significant difference in the recurrence rates or death between patients in groups A and B, respectively. Only race appeared to impact outcomes, with African American patients having a higher incidence of death and recurrent disease post-transplant compared to other ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS Based on our findings, pretransplant ANA and SMA levels do not appear to impact recurrence rates or outcomes following liver transplantation for AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Dbouk
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, Emory Transplant Center
| | - Samir Parekh
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, Emory Transplant Center
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is characterized by a T-cell rich infiltrate associated with lobular and interface hepatitis, hypergammaglobulinemia and production of autoantibodies. Genetic risk is linked to the HLA particularly DRB1*0301 and DRB1*0401 alleles in North American and European Caucasian populations. It has recently been suggested that functional deficiencies in CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(low)FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells contribute to the breakdown of immune tolerance that results in AIH. Most patients respond to immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids and can be maintained in remission by low-dose corticosteroid treatment and/or azathioprine. For those who progress to end-stage disease liver transplantation is an effective treatment although it is associated with recurrence. In the future it is likely that biological therapies will allow more targeted therapy designed to switch the balance to immune regulation and thereby restore immune homeostasis. Although treatment for many cases is relatively straightforward and successful problems are encountered in those who fail to respond to standard treatment, are unable to tolerate it or relapse. In such cases alternative therapies should be considered. In addition treatment is complicated in some patients by comorbidity and special care is required during and after pregnancy. We will discuss the current and future therapeutic options for patients with difficult to treat AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Parker
- Centre for Liver Research & Birmingham NIHR Biomedical Research Liver Centre, School of Infection and Immunity, MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ye Htun Oo
- Centre for Liver Research & Birmingham NIHR Biomedical Research Liver Centre, School of Infection and Immunity, MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - David H. Adams
- Centre for Liver Research & Birmingham NIHR Biomedical Research Liver Centre, School of Infection and Immunity, MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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Czaja AJ. Diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis after liver transplantation. Dig Dis Sci 2012; 57:2248-66. [PMID: 22562533 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2179-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis can recur or appear de novo after liver transplantation, and it can result in hepatic fibrosis, graft loss, and re-transplantation. The goals of this review are to describe the prevalence, manifestations, putative pathogenic mechanisms, outcomes, and management of these occurrences. Autoimmune hepatitis recurs in 8-12 % of transplanted patients at 1 year and 36-68 % at 5 years. Recurrence may be asymptomatic and detected only by surveillance liver test abnormalities or protocol liver tissue examination. Autoantibodies that characterized the original disease, hypergammaglobulinemia, increased serum immunoglobulin G level, and histological findings of interface hepatitis, lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, perivenular hepatocyte necrosis, pseudo-rosetting, and acidophil bodies typify recurrence. Premature corticosteroid withdrawal and pre-transplant severity of the original disease are possible risk factors. De novo autoimmune hepatitis occurs in 1-7 % of patients 0.1-9 years after transplantation, especially in children. The appearance of autoantibodies may herald its emergence, and antibodies to glutathione-S-transferase T1 have been predictive of the disease. Recurrent disease may reflect recruitment of residual memory T lymphocytes and host-specific genetic predispositions, whereas de novo disease may reflect an allo-antigenic immune response and molecular mimicries that override self-tolerance. Treatment should be appropriate for autoimmune hepatitis and not based on anti-rejection drugs. Corticosteroid therapy alone or combined with azathioprine is the essential treatment. The substitution of mycophenolate mofetil for azathioprine and switch of the calcineurin inhibitor or its replacement with rapamycin have also been used for refractory disease. Re-transplantation has been necessary in 8-23 %.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Progression of morphological changes after transplantation of a liver with heterozygous α-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Hum Pathol 2012; 43:753-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2010] [Revised: 06/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) each account for approximately 5% of liver transplants per year performed in the United States and Europe. Even though outcomes are excellent, with reported 5-year patient and graft survival exceeding 90% and 80%, 80% and 75%, 72% and 65% for PBC, PSC, and AIH, respectively, the issue of recurrent autoimmune liver disease after orthotopic liver transplantation is increasingly recognized as a cause of graft dysfunction, death, and need for retransplantation. This article reviews diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes of recurrent PBC, PSC, and AIH after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Mendes
- Division of Hepatology, Miami VA Medical Center, FL 33125, USA
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Czaja AJ. Late relapse of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis after corticosteroid withdrawal. Dig Dis Sci 2010; 55:1761-9. [PMID: 20428945 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-010-1243-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relapse of autoimmune hepatitis after corticosteroid withdrawal is common, but the outer limit for this occurrence and the appropriate post-treatment surveillance strategy are uncertain. AIMS The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and nature of relapses that occur long after drug withdrawal and to propose a long-term surveillance strategy. METHODS The intervals between drug withdrawal and relapse were determined retrospectively in 84 patients with autoimmune hepatitis. RESULTS Relapses occurred in 8 patients (10%) after 49-265 months of observation (mean, 110 +/- 27 months; median, 76 months), and these occurrences were separated from earlier exacerbations by at least 21 months. Treatment continued until normal liver tests and tissue had been accomplished in 14 of the 84 patients (17%), and 13 relapsed within 2-12 months. Only one of the 8 patients with late exacerbations had achieved normal liver tests and tissue immediately prior to drug withdrawal. The patients with late relapses were indistinguishable from patients with early exacerbations, and they all responded to corticosteroid-based therapy during 30 +/- 10 months of observation. CONCLUSIONS Autoimmune hepatitis can relapse as long as 22 years after drug withdrawal, and all late relapses responded to the resumption of corticosteroid therapy. These patients may be outliers of a typical relapse pattern or constitute a bimodal distribution of relapse that reflects different pathogenic mechanisms. The risk of relapse cannot be discounted by treatment to normal liver tests and tissue prior to drug withdrawal or protracted quiescence of the disease after termination of treatment. The unpredictable propensity for relapse warrants regular life-long surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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