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Pedersen MR, Mayo MJ. Advances in the evaluation and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2024; 40:126-133. [PMID: 38363233 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000001014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The primary therapy of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been established for over three decades. This review focuses on updates in the evaluation and management of patients with AIH. RECENT FINDINGS The evaluation of patients has recently been updated to include more definitive screening for other autoimmune diseases, including thyroid disease and celiac disease. Antibody detection by ELISA, an easier and more commonly available method, has been incorporated into the latest iteration of the AIH scoring system. Corticosteroids and AZA remain the backbone of AIH treatment, but there is growing evidence for mycophenolate mofetil as both first-line and second-line therapy, and growing inquiry into calcineurin inhibitors. Noninvasive markers of liver disease have now been validated in AIH, with the strongest evidence for VCTE in patients with minimal hepatic inflammation. SUMMARY Recent research of alternative immunosuppressant therapies, noninvasive markers of fibrosis, and updated society guidelines, have improved our ability to evaluate, treat, and follow patients with AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Pedersen
- Division of Digestive and Liver Disease, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas, USA
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2
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Konkwo C, Chowdhury S, Vilarinho S. Genetics of liver disease in adults. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0408. [PMID: 38551385 PMCID: PMC10984672 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease stands as a significant global health problem with an estimated 2 million annual deaths across the globe. Combining the use of next-generation sequencing technologies with evolving knowledge in the interpretation of genetic variation across the human genome is propelling our understanding, diagnosis, and management of both rare and common liver diseases. Here, we review the contribution of risk and protective alleles to common forms of liver disease, the rising number of monogenic diseases affecting the liver, and the role of somatic genetic variants in the onset and progression of oncological and non-oncological liver diseases. The incorporation of genomic information in the diagnosis and management of patients with liver disease is driving the beginning of a new era of genomics-informed clinical hepatology practice, facilitating personalized medicine, and improving patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chigoziri Konkwo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shanin Chowdhury
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Silvia Vilarinho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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3
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Prevalence of celiac disease in patients with liver diseases: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Am J Gastroenterol 2022; 118:820-832. [PMID: 36599134 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A subset of patients with celiac disease (CeD) have liver involvement in the form of hypertransaminasemia, liver cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analyses to determine pooled prevalence of CeD in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis, all-cause cirrhosis, cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia, and all-cause hypertransaminasemia. METHODS We searched PubMed and EMBASE up to January 2022. Cross-sectional, case-control and prospective cohort studies performing serological tests and/or intestinal biopsy for CeD on patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis, all-cause cirrhosis, cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia and all-cause hypertransaminasemia were included, to calculate pooled estimates of seroprevalence and prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CeD in these four groups. RESULTS Of 6,871 articles screened, 20 articles were included finally in three meta-analyses for cryptogenic cirrhosis, all-cause cirrhosis and cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia. For the all-cause hypertransaminasemia group, a qualitative review of four studies was done instead of a meta-analysis, due to significant differences in studies. The pooled prevalence (95%CI) of biopsy-confirmed CeD, in cryptogenic cirrhosis was 4.6%(2.2-7.5%) while pooled prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CeD in all-cause cirrhosis was 0.8%(0-3.4%). Pooled prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CeD in cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia was 5.7%(3.2-8.8%). CONCLUSIONS Nearly one in 20 patients each with cryptogenic cirrhosis and cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia have CeD, hence they should both be considered high-risk groups for CeD. While prevalence of CeD in all-cause cirrhosis is similar to that in general population, it may be worth screening them for CeD as liver pathology has potential for reversal in them.
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4
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Drummond MR, dos Santos LS, Fávaro RS, Stucchi RSB, Boin IDFSF, Velho PENF. Cryptogenic hepatitis patients have a higher Bartonella sp.-DNA detection in blood and skin samples than patients with non-viral hepatitis of known cause. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010603. [PMID: 35849566 PMCID: PMC9292087 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Bartonella sp.-DNA detection in blood and skin samples from patients with non-viral end-stage liver disease awaiting liver transplantation. Methodology/Principal findings Blood samples and healthy skin fragments from 50 patients were tested using microbiological and molecular methods. Fifteen patients had cryptogenic hepatitis (CH) and 35 had alcoholic, drug-induced or autoimmune liver disease. DNA was extracted from whole blood and liquid culture samples, isolates, and skin fragments. Thirteen of the 50 patients (26%) had Bartonella henselae DNA detection in their blood (9/50) and/or skin (5/50) samples. Colonies were isolated in 3/50 (6%) and infection was detected in 7/50 (14%) of the 50 patients. B. henselae-DNA detection was more prevalent in patients with CH than in other patients (p = 0.040). Of 39 patients followed-up for at least two years, a higher mortality rate was observed among patients with CH infected with B. henselae (p = 0.039). Conclusions/Significance Further studies assessing the role of B. henselae infection in the pathogenesis of hepatitis patients must be urgently conducted. One in four patients with end-stage liver disease awaiting liver transplantation for hepatitis of non-viral origin had documented B. henselae-DNA detection and cryptogenic hepatitis patients have a higher bacterium molecular detection than patients with non-viral hepatitis of known cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Rovani Drummond
- Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciene Silva dos Santos
- Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Paulo Eduardo Neves Ferreira Velho
- Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Gao E, Hercun J, Heller T, Vilarinho S. Undiagnosed liver diseases. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 6:28. [PMID: 33824932 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2020.04.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The landscape of chronic liver disease has drastically changed over the past 20 years, largely due to advances in antiviral therapy and the rise of metabolic syndrome and associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of liver diseases, the burden of chronic liver disease is increasing worldwide. The first step to addressing any disease is accurate diagnosis. Here, we discuss liver diseases that remain undiagnosed, either because they are difficult to diagnose or due to hepatic manifestations of an unrecognized systemic disease. Additionally, their underlying etiology may remain unknown or they represent previously uncharacterized and therefore novel liver diseases. Our goal is to provide a framework for approaching undiagnosed liver diseases which elude standard hepatic diagnostic work-up and whose patterns of disease are often overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Gao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Julian Hercun
- Translational Hepatology Section, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Theo Heller
- Translational Hepatology Section, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sílvia Vilarinho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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6
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Mack CL, Adams D, Assis DN, Kerkar N, Manns MP, Mayo MJ, Vierling JM, Alsawas M, Murad MH, Czaja AJ. Diagnosis and Management of Autoimmune Hepatitis in Adults and Children: 2019 Practice Guidance and Guidelines From the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2020; 72:671-722. [PMID: 31863477 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 441] [Impact Index Per Article: 110.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cara L Mack
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - David Adams
- Centre for Liver Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - David N Assis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Nanda Kerkar
- Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marlyn J Mayo
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas SW Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - John M Vierling
- Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Mohammad H Murad
- Mayo Knowledge and Encounter Research Unit, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
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7
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Olave MC, Gurung A, Mistry PK, Kakar S, Yeh M, Xu M, Wu TT, Torbenson M, Jain D. Etiology of cirrhosis in the young. Hum Pathol 2019; 96:96-103. [PMID: 31698008 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2019.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The etiology and incidence of cirrhosis in adults has been well studied, however there is scant data in younger patients. The aim of this study was to determine causes of cirrhosis in patients ≤40 years old. In this multi-institutional retrospective study, pathology databases were searched for patients ≤40-year-old with a diagnosis of cirrhosis from 1995 to 2018. Clinical charts and pathology reports were reviewed to identify etiologies of cirrhosis in each case. The patients were divided into 4 age groups (<1, 1- < 5, 5- < 18, and 18-40 years old) for further analysis. We identified 594 patients (264 female, 330 male). Among <18-year-old patients, congenital cholestatic diseases and developmental disorders were the most common causes of cirrhosis (50.2%, 172/342). Metabolic and genetic diseases were also seen more commonly in this age group (16.6%, 57/342). In contrast, viral hepatitides were the most common cause of cirrhosis in 18-40-year-old patients (39.6%, 100/252) followed by autoimmune and fatty liver disease (22.2%, 56/252 and 15.07%, 38/252, respectively). Cryptogenic cirrhosis (overall 7.2%, 42/594) was seen in 3% (4/133), 1.4% (1/69), 10.7% (15/140) and 8.7% (22/252) of patients aged <1, 1- < 5, 5- < 18, and 18-40 years, respectively. Developmental and metabolic disorders are the most common causes of cirrhosis in children (<18), while viral hepatitides are leading causes in adolescents and young adults (18-40) similar to adults. The incidence of cryptogenic cirrhosis also varies depending on the age, being lowest in 1- < 5 year and highest in 5- < 18 year age group children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Olave
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, New Haven, CT 06511, United States.
| | - Ananta Gurung
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, New Haven, CT 06511, United States; Department of Pathology, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, BC 3W7, Canada.
| | - Pramod K Mistry
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, New Haven, CT 3W7, United States.
| | - Sanjay Kakar
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Pathology, San Francisco, CA 3W7, United States.
| | - Matthew Yeh
- University of Washington, Department of Pathology, Seattle, WA 3W7, United States.
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Pathology, Seattle Children's Hospital, and Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 3W7.
| | - Tsung-Teh Wu
- Mayo Clinic, Division of Pathology, Rochester, MN 3W7, United States.
| | - Michael Torbenson
- Mayo Clinic, Division of Pathology, Rochester, MN 3W7, United States.
| | - Dhanpat Jain
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, New Haven, CT 06511, United States.
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Nalbantoglu I, Jain D. Cryptogenic cirrhosis: Old and new perspectives in the era of molecular and genomic medicine. Semin Diagn Pathol 2019; 36:389-394. [PMID: 31395291 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2019.07.003] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cryptogenic cirrhosis (CC) is defined as cirrhosis of unknown etiology despite extensive clinical, laboratory and pathologic work-up, and constitutes approximately 5-10% of all cirrhosis cases. Histologic examination can provide important clues and help identify the potential etiology of CC. Most CC cases can still be classified into four histologic patterns: hepatitic, steatotic, biliary, and patternless (bland). The use of genetic testing has significantly improved diagnostic ability and treatment, especially in pediatric patients with acute and chronic liver diseases. More recently, whole exome sequencing has been used for identifying genetic alterations that lead to a diagnosis in adults with liver disease of unknown etiology. Recent advances in genomic analysis has allowed the unraveling of the underlying etiology in a subset of CC cases, and also helped identify new disorders. Providing a diagnosis for these patients has several important implications for treatment, possible genetic counseling, and transplant eligibility. However, detailed clinical and histologic characterization of the patients still remains an important part of the CC work-up, since clinicopathologic and genomic correlation is crucial in making a diagnosis, or in some cases, discovery of a new entity. This article summarizes the main histologic findings that can be observed in CC cases, potential causes of CC, and recent advances in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilke Nalbantoglu
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Anatomic Pathology, 20 York Street EP2-608B, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Dhanpat Jain
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Anatomic Pathology, 20 York Street EP2-608B, New Haven, CT, USA
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Hakim A, Zhang X, DeLisle A, Oral EA, Dykas D, Drzewiecki K, Assis DN, Silveira M, Batisti J, Jain D, Bale A, Mistry PK, Vilarinho S. Clinical utility of genomic analysis in adults with idiopathic liver disease. J Hepatol 2019; 70:1214-1221. [PMID: 31000363 PMCID: PMC6526061 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Adult patients suffering from liver disease of unknown cause represent an understudied and underserved population. The use of whole-exome sequencing (WES) for the assessment of a broader spectrum of non-oncological diseases, among adults, remains poorly studied. We assessed the utility of WES in the diagnosis and management of adults with unexplained liver disease despite comprehensive evaluation by a hepatologist and with no history of alcohol overuse. METHODS We performed WES and deep phenotyping of 19 unrelated adult patients with idiopathic liver disease recruited at a tertiary academic health care center in the US. RESULTS Analysis of the exome in 19 cases identified 4 monogenic disorders in 5 unrelated adults. Patient 1 suffered for 18 years from devastating complications of undiagnosed type 3 familial partial lipodystrophy due to a deleterious heterozygous variant in PPARG. Molecular diagnosis enabled initiation of leptin replacement therapy with subsequent normalization of liver aminotransferases, amelioration of dyslipidemia, and decreases in daily insulin requirements. Patients 2 and 3 were diagnosed with MDR3 deficiency due to recessive mutations in ABCB4. Patient 4 with a prior diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis was found to harbor a mitochondrial disorder due to a homozygous pathogenic variant in NDUFB3; this finding enabled initiation of disease preventive measures including supplementation with antioxidants. Patient 5 is a lean patient with hepatic steatosis of unknown etiology who was found to have a damaging heterozygous variant in APOB. CONCLUSIONS Genomic analysis yielded an actionable diagnosis in a substantial number (∼25%) of selected adult patients with chronic liver disease of unknown etiology. This study supports the use of WES in the evaluation and management of adults with idiopathic liver disease in clinical practice. LAY SUMMARY We performed whole-exome sequencing in 19 adult patients with unexplained liver disease after an unrevealing conventional work-up performed by a hepatologist. In 5 cases, genomic analysis led to a diagnosis and informed treatment and management of the disease. Therefore, we suggest using whole-exome sequencing in the evaluation and management of adults with unexplained liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Hakim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xuchen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Angela DeLisle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elif A Oral
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, MI, USA
| | - Daniel Dykas
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kaela Drzewiecki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David N Assis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marina Silveira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jennifer Batisti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dhanpat Jain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Allen Bale
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Pramod K Mistry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Pediatrics and of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Silvia Vilarinho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Jain M, Venkataraman J, Varghese J, Vij M, Reddy MS, Rela M. Explant liver evaluation decodes the mystery of cryptogenic cirrhosis! JGH OPEN 2019; 4:39-43. [PMID: 32055695 PMCID: PMC7008160 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Aim To determine the concordance of liver explants with the pretransplant diagnosis. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of 251 liver explants. Patient information included demography, comorbidity, and etiological diagnosis. Final diagnosis was based on morphological and histological findings. For non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cryptogenic cirrhosis, we investigated comorbid states such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Chi square test and Cohen's Kappa value were used. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 192 patients (76.5%) were males. A significant concordance of explant diagnosis with pretransplant diagnosis was present in 225 (89.6%) patients. It was 100% for alcohol‐related disease, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, autoimmune (AI) liver disease, biliary cirrhosis, and Budd–Chiari syndrome. Of 37 patients with a pretransplant diagnosis of cryptogenic cirrhosis, major discordance was observed in 23 (62.1%). On explant, seven patients each had hemochromatosis 5 (13.5%), AI hepatitis, and NASH (18.9%); two had noncirrhotic fibrosis (5.4%); and one each had Wilson's disease and congenital hepatic fibrosis (2.7%). Of the 20 explants, 3 with pretransplant diagnosis of NASH had a diagnosis of cryptogenic cirrhosis on explant specimens. Cohen's Kappa for the concordance of pretransplant diagnosis and explant diagnosis in NASH and cryptogenic cirrhosis patients was 0.75 and 0.47, respectively. An incidental hepatocellular carcinoma was picked up in 16 explants, and 18 had granulomas. Conclusion Concordance between pretransplant and explant diagnosis is lower for NASH and cryptogenic cirrhosis. The true prevalence of cryptogenic cirrhosis in our study was 5.6%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayank Jain
- Institute of GI Sciences and Liver Transplantation Gleneagles Global Health City Chennai India
| | - Jayanthi Venkataraman
- Institute of GI Sciences and Liver Transplantation Gleneagles Global Health City Chennai India
| | - Joy Varghese
- Institute of GI Sciences and Liver Transplantation Gleneagles Global Health City Chennai India
| | - Mukul Vij
- Institute of GI Sciences and Liver Transplantation Gleneagles Global Health City Chennai India
| | - Mettu S Reddy
- Institute of GI Sciences and Liver Transplantation Gleneagles Global Health City Chennai India
| | - Mohamed Rela
- Institute of GI Sciences and Liver Transplantation Gleneagles Global Health City Chennai India
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Choudhury N, Quraishi SB, Atiqullah A, Khan MSI, Al Mahtab M, Akbar SM. High Prevalence of Wilson's Diseases with Low Prevalence of Kayser-Fleischer Rings among Patients with Cryptogenic Chronic Liver Diseases in Bangladesh. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2019; 9:67-70. [PMID: 32117693 PMCID: PMC7047311 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic liver disease (CLD) is common in Bangladesh; however, a major bulk remains as cryptogenic CLD as they remain devoid of known pathological agents leading to have a check of Kayser-Fleischer (K-F) rings for possible Wilson's disease (WD) and many of these patients develop complications such as cirrhosis of liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, there remains considerable proportions of CLD patients with undefined etiology (cryptogenic CLD) and these patients cannot be provided effective therapy based on etiological factors. Here, the proportion of WD among cryptogenic CLD patients in Bangladesh has been evaluated to improve the management of CLD and reduce complications. Materials and methods A total of 941 patients with cryptogenic CLD [negative for hepatitis viruses, alcohol, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), drug, and autoimmunity] were enrolled in the study. To assess if they have been suffering from WD, the levels of copper in 24-hour urine were evaluated. Definitive WD was diagnosed when 24-hour urinary copper output was >100 μg and strongly indicative WD patients excreted >40 μg of copper in 24 hours. Results Out of 941 patients with cryptogenic CLD, 212 patients were diagnosed as definitive WD and 239 patients as strongly indicative WD on the basis of 24-hours copper excretion. The age distribution ranging of the patients varied from 1 year to 90 years. There was a male predominance. Considerable numbers of WD patients had previous history of jaundice. Kayser-Fleischer rings were mostly uncommon and detected in five patients with WD only. Discussion Wilson's disease is not a rare entity in Bangladesh; rather, it seems to be fairly common among CLD patients. A country-wide epidemiological survey should be conducted for diagnosis of WD in Bangladesh to provide a proper management strategy for these huge numbers of WD patients. In fact, most of the WD patients are unaware of their diagnosis and the general physicians are equally unaware of diagnosis and management of WD. How to cite this article Choudhury N, Quraishi SB, Atiqullah AKM, et al. High Prevalence of Wilson's Diseases with Low Prevalence of Kayser-Fleischer Rings among Patients with Cryptogenic Chronic Liver Diseases in Bangladesh. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2019;9(2):67-70.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuzhat Choudhury
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shamshad B Quraishi
- Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Akm Atiqullah
- Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sakirul Islam Khan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Mamun Al Mahtab
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sheikh Mf Akbar
- Department of Pathology, Ehime University Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
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12
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Edgren G, Hjalgrim H, Rostgaard K, Dahl V, Titlestad K, Erikstrup C, Wikman A, Norda R, Majeed A. Searching for unknown transfusion-transmitted hepatitis viruses: a binational cohort study of 1.5 million transfused patients. J Intern Med 2018; 284:92-103. [PMID: 29624755 PMCID: PMC6013371 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both hepatitis B and C viruses were transmitted through blood transfusion before implementation of donor screening. The existence of additional, yet unknown transfusion transmittable agents causing liver disease could have important public health implications. METHODS Analyses were based on the Scandinavian Donations and Transfusions (SCANDAT2) database. Cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of developing chronic liver disease in recipients of blood from donors who later developed any chronic liver disease compared to recipients who received blood transfusion from healthy donors. We also studied whether the risk of liver disease was increased in patients who received units from 'high-risk' donors, defined as donors who had a higher than expected occurrence of liver disease amongst their previous recipients. All analyses were stratified before and after 1992 to account for the effect of screening for hepatitis C virus. RESULTS A total of 1 482 922 transfused patients were included in the analyses. Analyses showed evidence of transfusion transmission of liver diseases before, but not after the implementation of hepatitis C virus screening in 1992, with HRs for any liver disease of 1.38 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.30-1.46] and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.91-1.07), before and after 1992, respectively. Similarly, blood components from 'high-risk' donors conferred increased risks before, but not after 1992. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide no evidence for transfusion transmission of agents causing liver disease after the implementation of screening for hepatitis B and C, and suggest that if such transmission does occur, it is rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustaf Edgren
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Hematology Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Hjalgrim
- Department of Epidemiology Research Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klaus Rostgaard
- Department of Epidemiology Research Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Viktor Dahl
- Department of monitoring and evaluation, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kjell Titlestad
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christian Erikstrup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Agneta Wikman
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rut Norda
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ammar Majeed
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Hematology Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
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13
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Orlien SMS, Ismael NY, Ahmed TA, Berhe N, Lauritzen T, Roald B, Goldin RD, Stene-Johansen K, Dyrhol-Riise AM, Gundersen SG, Morgan MY, Johannessen A. Unexplained chronic liver disease in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Gastroenterol 2018; 18:27. [PMID: 29439653 PMCID: PMC5812015 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-018-0755-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is assumed to be the major cause of chronic liver disease (CLD) in sub-Saharan Africa. The contribution of other aetiological causes of CLD is less well documented and hence opportunities to modulate other potential risk factors are being lost. The aims of this study were to explore the aetiological spectrum of CLD in eastern Ethiopia and to identify plausible underlying risk factors for its development. METHODS A cross-sectional study was undertaken between April 2015 and April 2016 in two public hospitals in Harar, eastern Ethiopia. The study population comprised of consenting adults with clinical and radiological evidence of chronic liver disease. The baseline evaluation included: (i) a semi-structured interview designed to obtain information about the ingestion of alcohol, herbal medicines and local recreational drugs such as khat (Catha edulis); (ii) clinical examination; (iii) extensive laboratory testing; and, (iv) abdominal ultrasonography. RESULTS One-hundred-and-fifty patients with CLD (men 72.0%; median age 30 [interquartile range 25-40] years) were included. CLD was attributed to chronic HBV infection in 55 (36.7%) individuals; other aetiological agents were identified in a further 12 (8.0%). No aetiological factors were identified in the remaining 83 (55.3%) patients. The overall prevalence of daily khat use was 78.0%, while alcohol abuse, defined as > 20 g/day in women and > 30 g/day in men, was rare (2.0%). Histological features of toxic liver injury were observed in a subset of patients with unexplained liver injury who underwent liver biopsy. CONCLUSION The aetiology of CLD in eastern Ethiopia is largely unexplained. The widespread use of khat in the region, together with histopathological findings indicating toxic liver injury, suggests an association which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nejib Yusuf Ismael
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia.,Haramaya University College of Health and Medical Sciences, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tekabe Abdosh Ahmed
- Haramaya University College of Health and Medical Sciences, Harar, Ethiopia.,Department of Internal Medicine, Jugal Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Nega Berhe
- Regional Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway.,Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Trine Lauritzen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - Borghild Roald
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Oslo University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Anne Margarita Dyrhol-Riise
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Oslo University, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Svein Gunnar Gundersen
- Research Unit, Sørlandet Hospital HF, Kristiansand, Norway.,Department of Global Development and Planning, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Marsha Yvonne Morgan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Asgeir Johannessen
- Regional Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Infectious Diseases, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
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14
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Global Disparities and Their Implications in the Occurrence and Outcome of Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2017; 62:2277-2292. [PMID: 28710658 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-017-4675-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis has a variable occurrence, clinical phenotype, and outcome, and the factors contributing to this variability are uncertain. The goals of this review are to examine the global disparities in the occurrence and outcome of autoimmune hepatitis, suggest bases for these disparities, and encourage investigations that extend beyond single-center experiences. Disparities in the incidence and prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis in different age groups, genders, ethnicities, and geographical regions suggest that factors other than genetic predisposition are involved. Age- and gender-related antigen exposures from the external (infections, toxins, and medications) and internal (intestinal microbiome) environment may affect the incidence of the disease, and the timeliness and nature of treatment may influence its prevalence. The increasing incidence of autoimmune hepatitis in Spain, Denmark, and the Netherlands suggests that a new etiological trigger has been introduced or that the susceptible population has changed. Variations in mortality between Western and Asian-Pacific countries may result from differences in disease detection or management, and variations in gender predilection, peak age of onset, frequency of concurrent immune diseases, and serological profile may reflect gender-biased and age-related antigen exposures and genetic predispositions. Global collaborations, population-based epidemiological studies that identify case clustering, and controlled interview-based surveys are mechanisms by which to understand these disparities and improve management. In conclusion, autoimmune hepatitis has a rising incidence in some countries and variable occurrence, phenotype, and outcome between countries and subgroups within countries. These disparities suggest that unrecognized population-based environmental, infectious, or socioeconomic factors are affecting its character.
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15
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Abstract
GOALS The aim of this study was to analyze the natural history and treatment outcomes of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) variants presenting with severe-AIH. BACKGROUND Severe acute presentation is an uncommon manifestation of AIH, and it remains poorly characterized. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included 101 patients with AIH from January 2011 to December 2015. Patients were classified as seropositive-AIH and seronegative-AIH. Patients with acute liver failure, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and severe acute hepatitis were defined as severe-AIH patients. Patient characteristics and treatment outcomes with follow-up until 12 months were analyzed between the different groups. RESULTS Out of 101 cases, 24 (23.76%) had severe AIH. Of them 9 (37.5%) had severe acute hepatitis, 3 (12.5%) had acute liver failure, and 12 (50%) had acute-on-chronic liver failure. Seronegative-AIH patients presented with severe-AIH significantly more frequently compared with seropositive-AIH patients (50% vs. 20.27%, P=0.022). Severe-AIH had 50% complete responders, 25% partial responders, and 25% treatment failures. Jaundice (88.88% vs. 68.7%, P=0.048), encephalopathy (55.55% vs. 6.66%, P=0.014), and higher international normalized ratio values (2.17±0.60 vs. 1.82±0.14, P=0.038) were factors associated with nonresponse rather than the presence or absence of autoantibodies in severe-AIH. The hazard ratio for predicting remission in the non-severe AIH group as compared with the severe-AIH group was 1.502, which was statistically not significant (95% CI, 0.799-2.827; P=0.205). CONCLUSION Approximately 24% of patients with AIH have severe-AIH. Conventional autoantibodies are often absent in severe-AIH; however, it does not alter the outcome. Immunosuppressants should be given expediently in patients with severe-AIH.
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16
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Ali MHH, Messiha BAS, Abdel-Latif HAT. Protective effect of ursodeoxycholic acid, resveratrol, and N-acetylcysteine on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2016; 54:1198-1208. [PMID: 26134756 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2015.1060247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease. Resveratrol (RSV) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) are safe representatives of natural and synthetic antioxidants, respectively. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate protective effects of RSV and NAC, compared with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), on experimental NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS NAFLD was induced by feeding rats a methionine choline-deficient diet (MCDD) for four cycles, each of 4 d of MCDD feeding and 3 d of fasting. Animals were divided into normal control, steatosis control, and five treatment groups, receiving UDCA (25 mg/kg/d), RSV (10 mg/kg/d), NAC (20 mg/kg/d), UDCA + RSV, and UDCA + NAC orally for 28 d. Liver integrity markers (liver index and serum transaminases), serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), glucose, albumin, renal functions (urea, creatinine), lipid profile (total cholesterol; TC, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins, low density lipoproteins; LDL-C, very low density lipoproteins, leptin), and oxidative stress markers (hepatic malondialdehyde; MDA, glutathione; GSH, glutathione-S-transferase; GST) were measured using automatic analyzer, colorimetric kits, and ELISA kits, supported by a liver histopathological study. RESULTS RSV and NAC administration significantly improved liver index (RSV only), alanine transaminase (52, 52%), TNF-α (70, 70%), glucose (69, 80%), albumin (122, 114%), MDA (55, 63%), GSH (160, 152%), GST (84, 84%), TC (86, 86%), LDL-C (83, 81%), and leptin (59, 70%) levels compared with steatosis control values. A combination of RSV or NAC with UDCA seems to ameliorate their effects. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION RSV and NAC are effective on NAFLD through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering potentials, where as RSV seems better than UDCA or NAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Hussein Hassan Ali
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Sueif University , Beni-Sueif , Egypt and
| | - Basim Anwar Shehata Messiha
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Sueif University , Beni-Sueif , Egypt and
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17
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Adaptive immunity in the liver. Cell Mol Immunol 2016; 13:354-68. [PMID: 26996069 PMCID: PMC4856810 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2016.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The anatomical architecture of the human liver and the diversity of its immune components endow the liver with its physiological function of immune competence. Adaptive immunity is a major arm of the immune system that is organized in a highly specialized and systematic manner, thus providing long-lasting protection with immunological memory. Adaptive immunity consists of humoral immunity and cellular immunity. Cellular immunity is known to have a crucial role in controlling infection, cancer and autoimmune disorders in the liver. In this article, we will focus on hepatic virus infections, hepatocellular carcinoma and autoimmune disorders as examples to illustrate the current understanding of the contribution of T cells to cellular immunity in these maladies. Cellular immune suppression is primarily responsible for chronic viral infections and cancer. However, an uncontrolled auto-reactive immune response accounts for autoimmunity. Consequently, these immune abnormalities are ascribed to the quantitative and functional changes in adaptive immune cells and their subsets, innate immunocytes, chemokines, cytokines and various surface receptors on immune cells. A greater understanding of the complex orchestration of the hepatic adaptive immune regulators during homeostasis and immune competence are much needed to identify relevant targets for clinical intervention to treat immunological disorders in the liver.
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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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19
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Wang Q, Yang F, Miao Q, Krawitt EL, Gershwin ME, Ma X. The clinical phenotypes of autoimmune hepatitis: A comprehensive review. J Autoimmun 2015; 66:98-107. [PMID: 26614611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) fulfills the generally accepted contemporary criteria of an autoimmune liver disease: the presence of autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells, a female gender bias, association with other autoimmune diseases, response to immunosuppressive therapy and strong associations with the major histocompatibility complex HLA loci. It occurs worldwide in both children and adults and is marked by both etiopathogenic and clinical heterogeneity, differing from the other putative autoimmune liver diseases, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), albeit occasionally presenting with overlapping features of PBC or PSC. Although diagnostic criteria have been established and validated, there are still major issues to be clarified due to its variability, such as autoantibody-negative AIH, drug-induced AIH, AIH sharing features with PBC or PSC, and post-transplant de novo AIH. In view of the diverse presentations and courses, including classical chronic onset, acute and acute severe onset, cirrhosis and decompensated cirrhosis, individualized management of patients is indicated. Each patient should receive a personalized analysis of the benefits and side effect risks of drugs. Herein we describe a comprehensive review of the clinical phenotypes of AIH underscoring its clinical heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Shandong Road, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Shandong Road, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Qi Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Shandong Road, Shanghai 200001, China
| | | | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Xiong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Shandong Road, Shanghai 200001, China.
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20
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Czaja AJ. Transitioning from Idiopathic to Explainable Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2015; 60:2881-900. [PMID: 25999246 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-015-3708-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis lacks an identifiable cause, and its diagnosis requires the exclusion of etiologically defined diseases that resemble it. Insights into its pathogenesis are moving autoimmune hepatitis from an idiopathic to explainable disease, and the goal of this review is to describe the insights that are hastening this transition. Two types of autoimmune hepatitis are justified by serological markers, but they also have distinctive genetic associations (DRB1 and DQB1 genes) and autoantigens. DRB1 alleles are the principal susceptibility factors in white adults, and a six amino acid sequence encoded in the antigen-binding groove of class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex can influence the selection of autoantigens. Polymorphisms, including variants of SH2B3 and CARD10 genes, may affect immune reactivity and disease severity. The cytochrome mono-oxygenase, CYP2D6, is the autoantigen associated with type 2 autoimmune hepatitis, and it shares homologies with multiple viruses that might promote self-intolerance by molecular mimicry. Chemokines, especially CXCL9 and CXCL10, orchestrate the migration of effector cells to sites of injury and are associated with disease severity. Cells of the innate and adaptive immune responses promote tissue damage, and possible deficiencies in the number and function of regulatory T cells may facilitate the injurious process. Receptor-mediated apoptosis is the principal mechanism of hepatocyte loss, and cell-mediated and antibody-dependent mechanisms of cytotoxicity also contribute. Insights that explain autoimmune hepatitis will allow triggering exogenous antigens to be characterized, risk management to be improved, prognostic indices to be refined, and site-specific therapeutic interventions to emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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21
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Kazemi MJ, Yaghobi R, Iravani Saadi M, Geramizadeh B, Moayedi J. Association Between TT Virus Infection and Cirrhosis in Liver Transplant Patients. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2015; 15:e28370. [PMID: 26504468 PMCID: PMC4612723 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.28370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cirrhosis is one of the most severe liver complications, with multiple etiologies. The torque teno virus (TTV), also known as transfusion transmitted virus, which has a high incidence in the world population, is one of the possible increasing risk factors in patients with idiopathic fulminant hepatitis and cryptogenic cirrhosis. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate solitary and co-infection with TTV, in patients with cryptogenic and determined cause of cirrhosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 200 liver transplant patients were consecutively recruited between years 2007 and 2011. Patients were classified, based on recognition of the etiology of cirrhosis to determined (n = 81) and cryptogenic (n = 119) patient groups. The existence of TTV infection was analyzed, using a semi-nested polymerase chain reaction method. The presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infective markers, including HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), and hepatitis B e antibody (HBeAb), was evaluated using qualitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay protocols, respectively. RESULTS The TTV infection was found in 37 of 200 (18.5%) and 53 of 200 (26.5%) plasma and tissue samples of studied liver transplanted patients, respectively. The TTV genomic DNA was found in 32 (26.9%) and 28 (23.5%) of 119 liver tissue and plasma samples of transplanted patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis, respectively. The genomic DNA of TTV was also diagnosed in 21 (25.9%) and nine (11.1%) of the 81 liver tissue and plasma samples of patients with determined cirrhosis, respectively. Significant associations were found between TTV infection with HBV molecular and immunologic infective markers, in liver transplanted patients, with determined and cryptogenic cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of the high frequency of solitary TTV and co-infection with HBV, in both liver transplanted patients with cryptogenic and determined cirrhosis, emphasized on the importance of TTV infection in the development of cirrhosis, especially in the cases of cryptogenic ones, prompting for further studies the confirm this agent in the etiology of determined cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Javad Kazemi
- Department of Biology, Ashkezar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ashkezar, Yazd, IR Iran
| | - Ramin Yaghobi
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Ramin Yaghobi, Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran. Tel: +98-7116474331, E-mail:
| | - Mahdiyar Iravani Saadi
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
| | - Bita Geramizadeh
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
| | - Javad Moayedi
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
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Mohammed OK, Mahadeva S. Clinical outcomes of cryptogenic compared with non-cryptogenic cirrhosis: A retrospective cohort study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 30:1423-8. [PMID: 25867030 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The consequences of the association between the metabolic syndrome and cryptogenic cirrhosis are uncertain. We aimed to compare the differences in clinical outcomes between cryptogenic and non-cryptogenic cirrhosis. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a large, single academic center, over a 5-year duration. RESULTS Complete data were available in 301 patients with cirrhosis (cryptogenic n = 94, non-cryptogenic n = 207). Compared with non-cryptogenic cirrhosis, patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis were older (mean age 66.4 ± 12.5 vs 60.7 ± 11.3 years, P < 0.0001), had more females (43.6% vs 26.6%, P = 0.003), had less disease severity (Child-Pugh C 8.5% vs 15.9%, P = 0.042), and had a higher prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (83% vs 51.2%, P < 0.0001). During the 5-year period, adults with cryptogenic Child-Pugh A cirrhosis had a longer total hospital admission duration compared with non-cryptogenic cirrhosis (median 7.0 vs 3.0 days, P = 0.035), but this was less evident in patients with more advanced disease. This difference was due to a longer duration of hospitalization for non-liver-related morbidity (median 14.0 days vs 8.0 days, P = 0.04), rather than liver-related morbidity (median 10.5 days vs 8.0 days, P = 0.34), in patients with cryptogenic compared with non-cryptogenic cirrhosis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no significant differences in survival between both types of cirrhosis for all grades of severity. CONCLUSIONS Cryptogenic cirrhosis is associated with a longer duration of hospitalization compared with non-cryptogenic cirrhosis at an early stage of the disease. This difference is due to a greater burden of non-liver-related complications in the former.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Kadhim Mohammed
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sanjiv Mahadeva
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is characterized by increased serum aminotransferase levels, autoantibodies, hypergammaglobulinemia, and interface hepatitis. Presentation can be acute, severe (fulminant), asymptomatic, or chronic. Diagnosis requires multiple findings and exclusion of similar diseases. Treatment with prednisone or prednisolone with azathioprine is recommended. Budesonide with azathioprine has normalized laboratory test with few side effects, but histologic resolution, durability of response, and target population are uncertain. Progressive worsening, incomplete improvement, drug intolerance, and relapse after drug withdrawal are suboptimal outcomes. Calcineurin inhibitors and mycophenolate mofetil are salvage agents in small series and liver transplantation is effective for liver failure.
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Chen XP, Luo ZG, Cao LL, Yang S, Zhang LY, You LY, Yang JH, Tang YM. Diagnostic characteristics and hepatic histopathology in 115 patients with liver injury of unknown reasons. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2014; 22:1730-1733. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v22.i12.1730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To improve the awareness of liver injury of unknown causes by analyzing the diagnostic and pathological features of unexplained liver injury.
METHODS: A total of 115 patients with liver injury of unknown reasons were enrolled in this study. The biochemical and immunological features, as well as virus markers, abdominal imaging findings and hepatic histopathology were analyzed.
RESULTS: A definite diagnosis was achieved by liver biopsy in 109 patients. Among them, 38 were diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and the main pathological feature was non-suppurative inflammation in the bile duct; 31 with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), which showed obvious interface inflammation in liver tissue; 27 with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which showed visible hepatic steatosis and ballooning degeneration; 4 with occult hepatitis B, which presented with portal inflammation and infiltration of lymphocytes and were positive for HBcAg and/or HBsAg as revealed by immunohistochemistry; 2 with hepatic amyloidosis, which showed a lot of eosin amyloid deposits reactive with Congo red in liver cells and blood sinus; 2 with hemochromatosis, which showed obvious iron pigment deposition in liver cells; 2 with glycogen storage disease, which showed extensive hyaline degeneration in hepatic cells and was positive for Dpas; 1 with schistosomiasis with schistosome eggs detected microscopically; 1 with toxoplasmosis, and electron microscopy revealed Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry; 1 with Dubin-Johnson syndrome, which showed thick, dark brown pigment particles in liver cells. There were still 6 cases in whom a definite diagnosis could not be achieved after liver biopsy.
CONCLUSION: Autoimmune liver diseases are main causes of liver injury of unknown causes, followed by NAFLD. Liver parasite, genetic diseases and metabolic diseases are rare. Liver biopsy should be emphasized in patients with liver injury of unknown reasons.
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Keyvani H, Bokharaei-Salim F, Monavari SH, Esghaei M, Nassiri Toosi M, Fakhim S, Sadigh ZA, Alavian SM. Occult hepatitis C virus infection in candidates for liver transplant with cryptogenic cirrhosis. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2013; 13:e11290. [PMID: 24082889 PMCID: PMC3785931 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.11290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a new entity described by the presence of HCV-RNA in liver biopsy and/or peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) specimens, and undetectable levels or absence of HCV-RNA and in the absence or presence of anti HCV antibodies in plasma by current laboratory methods. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the detection of HCV-RNA in PBMC specimens of the liver transplant candidates with cryptogenic cirrhosis by reverse transcriptase-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nested PCR). PATIENTS AND METHODS From November 2007 to March 2013, 45 patients from Liver Transplant Center of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, were enrolled in this cross sectional study. PBMC specimens were separated from the peripheral blood sample. After extraction of RNA from plasma and PBMC specimens, HCV-RNA status was tested by RT-nested PCR. The 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) genotyping of HCV-RNA amplified from PBMC specimens was performed by a standard methodology with the INNO-LiPA(TM) HCV II kit. The PCR products of 5'-UTR were sequenced after cloning into the pJET1.2 / blunt cloning vector. RESULTS Of 45 patients, 4 (8.9% [95% CI: 4.4-15.6]) had detectable genomic HCV-RNA in their PBMC specimens. HCV genotypes were determined in the PBMCs of these subjects showed that 2 (50.0%) subjects with occult HCV infection had HCV subtype 3a, and 2 (50.0%) had HCV subtype 1b. CONCLUSIONS This study found that 8.9 % of the Iranian candidates for liver transplant with cryptogenic cirrhosis had occult HCV infection. Therefore, designing prospective studies focusing on the diagnosis of occult HCV infection in these subjects prior to liver transplantation could be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Keyvani
- Department of Virology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Farah Bokharaei-Salim
- Department of Virology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Farah Bokharaei-Salim, Department of Virology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2188602205, E-mail:
| | - Seyed Hamidreza Monavari
- Department of Virology and Anti-Microbial Resistant Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Maryam Esghaei
- Department of Virology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Mohssen Nassiri Toosi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Shahin Fakhim
- Department of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Shahre Qods, Tehran, IR Iran
| | | | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Tehran, IR Iran
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis frequently has an abrupt onset of symptoms, and it can present with acute liver failure. The abrupt presentation can indicate spontaneous exacerbation of a pre-existent chronic disease, newly created disease, a superimposed infectious or toxic injury, or new disease after viral infection, drug therapy, or liver transplantation. Deficiencies in the classical phenotype may include a low serum immunoglobulin G level and low or absent titers of the conventional autoantibodies. The original revised diagnostic scoring system of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group can guide the diagnostic evaluation, but low scores do not preclude the diagnosis. Liver tissue examination is valuable to exclude viral-related or drug-induced liver injury and support the diagnosis by demonstrating centrilobular necrosis (usually with interface hepatitis), lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, hepatocyte rosettes, and fibrosis. Conventional therapy with prednisone and azathioprine induces clinical and laboratory improvement in 68-75 % of patients with acute presentations, and high dose prednisone or prednisolone (preferred drug) is effective in 20-100 % of patients with acute severe (fulminant) presentations. Failure to improve or worsening of any clinical or laboratory feature within 2 weeks of treatment or worsening of a mathematical model of end-stage liver disease within 7 days justifies liver transplantation in acute liver failure. Liver transplantation for acute severe (fulminant) autoimmune hepatitis is as successful as liver transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis with a chronic presentation and other types of acute liver failure (patient survival >1 year, 80-94 %). Liver transplantation should not be delayed or superseded by protracted corticosteroid therapy or the empiric institution of nonstandard medications.
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Drastich P, Honsová E, Lodererová A, Jarešová M, Pekáriková A, Hoffmanová I, Tučková L, Tlaskalová-Hogenová H, Špičák J, Sánchez D. Celiac disease markers in patients with liver diseases: A single center large scale screening study. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:6255-6262. [PMID: 23180946 PMCID: PMC3501774 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i43.6255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To study the coincidence of celiac disease, we tested its serological markers in patients with various liver diseases.
METHODS: Large-scale screening of serum antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTG), and deamidated gliadin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and serum antibodies against endomysium using immunohistochemistry, in patients with various liver diseases (n = 962) and patients who underwent liver transplantation (OLTx, n = 523) was performed. The expression of tTG in liver tissue samples of patients simultaneously suffering from celiac disease and from various liver diseases using immunohistochemistry was carried out. The final diagnosis of celiac disease was confirmed by histological analysis of small-intestinal biopsy.
RESULTS: We found that 29 of 962 patients (3%) with liver diseases and 5 of 523 patients (0.8%) who underwent OLTx were seropositive for IgA and IgG anti-tTG antibodies. However, celiac disease was biopsy-diagnosed in 16 patients: 4 with autoimmune hepatitis type I, 3 with Wilson's disease, 3 with celiac hepatitis, 2 with primary sclerosing cholangitis, 1 with primary biliary cirrhosis, 1 with Budd-Chiari syndrome, 1 with toxic hepatitis, and 1 with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Unexpectedly, the highest prevalence of celiac disease was found in patients with Wilson's disease (9.7%), with which it is only rarely associated. On the other hand, no OLTx patients were diagnosed with celiac disease in our study. A pilot study of the expression of tTG in liver tissue using immunohistochemistry documented the overexpression of this molecule in endothelial cells and periportal hepatocytes of patients simultaneously suffering from celiac disease and toxic hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis or autoimmune hepatitis type I.
CONCLUSION: We suggest that screening for celiac disease may be beneficial not only in patients with associated liver diseases, but also in patients with Wilson's disease.
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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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Trivedi PJ, Hirschfield GM. Review article: overlap syndromes and autoimmune liver disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 36:517-33. [PMID: 22817525 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2012.05223.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) all nestle within the family of autoimmune liver diseases, whereby the result of immune-mediated liver injury gives rise to varied clinical presentations. Some patients demonstrate a phenotype whereby there is evidence of either PBC or PSC together with overlapping features of AIH. Due to an absence of well-validated diagnostic criteria and a lack of large therapeutic trials, treatment of overlap conditions is empiric and extrapolated from data derived from the primary autoimmune liver diseases. AIMS To review overlaps in the context of autoimmune liver diseases. METHODS General and specific review of published articles using PubMed, Medline and Ovid search engines, alongside pre-existing clinical management protocols, guidelines, and the authors' own knowledge of the published literature. RESULTS The challenges in diagnosis, clinical presentation, determining natural history and outcome of overlaps are presented, as well as present-day management suggestions, some based on evidence, others on consensus and opinion. CONCLUSIONS Overlapping autoimmune features, be they clinical, serological, histological or radiological are not infrequent, but appropriate diagnosis remains hindered by a lack of standardised diagnostic criteria. Optimum care for those with suspected overlap should thus focus on attention to detail over the fundamental aspects of timely secure diagnosis of the dominant disease entity. Clinicians should counsel patients carefully with regard to the risks and benefits of treatment, bearing in mind the paucity of randomised and controlled outcome data for medical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Trivedi
- Centre for Liver Research and NIHR Biomedical Research Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Velho PENF, Ericson ME. Cryptogenic hepatitis and bartonellosis. Dig Dis Sci 2012; 57:1107-8. [PMID: 22307338 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2065-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Zierden M, Penner AH, Montesinos-Rongen M, Weferling M, Drebber U, Stift J, Fries JWU, Odenthal M, Rosenkranz S, Dienes HP. Keratin 8 variants are associated with cryptogenic hepatitis. Virchows Arch 2012; 460:389-97. [DOI: 10.1007/s00428-012-1216-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Revised: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis has a variable clinical phenotype, and the absence of conventional autoantibodies does not preclude its diagnosis or need for treatment. The goals of this review are to describe the frequency and nature of autoantibody-negative autoimmune hepatitis, indicate its outcome after corticosteroid treatment, and increase awareness of the diagnosis in patients with unexplained acute and chronic hepatitis. The frequency of presumed autoantibody-negative autoimmune hepatitis in patients with acute and acute severe presentations is ≤7%, and its frequency in patients with chronic presentations is 1-34%. Patients with acute presentations can have normal serum γ-globulin levels, centrilobular zone 3 necrosis, and low pre-treatment international diagnostic scores. Liver tissue examination is essential for the diagnosis, and hepatic steatosis can be a co-morbid feature. The comprehensive international scoring system can support but never override the clinical diagnosis pre-treatment, and non-standard serological markers should be sought if the clinical diagnosis is uncertain or the diagnostic score is low. A 3-month treatment trial with corticosteroids should be considered in all patients, regardless of the serological findings, and improvements have occurred in 67-87% of cases. Autoantibody-negative autoimmune hepatitis may be associated with an autoantibody outside the conventional battery; it may have a signature autoantibody that is still undiscovered, or its characteristic autoantibodies may have been suppressed or have a delayed expression. The pathogenic mechanisms are presumed to be identical to those of classical disease. Autoantibody-negative autoimmune hepatitis is an infrequent but treatable disease that must be considered in unexplained acute and chronic hepatitis.
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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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Autoimmune hepatitis in special patient populations. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2011; 25:689-700. [PMID: 22117635 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2011.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis has diverse clinical phenotypes that challenge conventional diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies. The goals of this review are to characterize these special populations and provide guidelines for their management. Patients with acute or acute severe (fulminant) presentations may have centrilobular zone 3 hepatic necrosis, but they can respond to conventional corticosteroid therapy. Asymptomatic mild disease warrants corticosteroid treatment because spontaneous resolution is uncertain and 10-year survival is less than expected. Male gender or the absence of conventional autoantibodies does not preclude the diagnosis or need for treatment, and patients with cholestatic changes warrant cholangiography and possible combination therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid. Different ethnic groups commonly have advanced hepatic fibrosis, rapidly progressive disease, or cholestatic features, and elderly patients typically respond well to corticosteroid therapy. Pregnancy is usually well-tolerated by mother and foetus but requires protection against postpartum exacerbation. Special populations must be recognized and treated with tailored regimens.
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