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Guedes LR, Cançado GGL, Santos BC, Jacomassi LDS, Nardelli MJ, Osório FMF, Faria LC, Couto CA. Clinical, biochemical and histological features related to treatment response and prognosis in autoimmune hepatitis. Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101497. [PMID: 38460715 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare disease with a complex and not fully understood pathogenesis. Prognostic factors that might influence treatment response, relapse rates, and transplant-free survival are not well established. This study investigates clinical and biochemical markers associated with response to immunosuppression in patients with AIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 102 patients with AIH treated with immunosuppressants and followed at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 1990 to 2018. Pretreatment data such as clinical profiles, laboratory, and histological exams were analyzed regarding biochemical response at one year, histological remission, relapse, and death/transplantation rates. RESULTS Cirrhosis was present in 59 % of cases at diagnosis. One-year biochemical remission was observed in 55.7 % of the patients and was found to be a protective factor for liver transplant. Overall survival was 89 %. Patients with ascites at disease onset showed a higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/ alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio and elevated Model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. The presence of ascites was significantly associated with a 20-fold increase in mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS AIH has a severe clinical phenotype in Brazilians, with high rates of cirrhosis and low remission rates. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for achieving remission and reducing complications. The presence of ascites is significantly associated with mortality, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and prompt intervention. This study also stresses the need for further research on AIH in Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Resende Guedes
- Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Hospital Mater Dei, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme Grossi Lopes Cançado
- Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Hospital da Polícia Militar de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno Campos Santos
- Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luma Dos Santos Jacomassi
- Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mateus Jorge Nardelli
- Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Maria Farage Osório
- Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luciana Costa Faria
- Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Alves Couto
- Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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2
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Enciso J, Vasavada-Patel R, Lien K. A Rare Presentation of Drug-Induced Autoimmune Hepatitis and the Role of Male Enhancement Supplements. Cureus 2024; 16:e51770. [PMID: 38322090 PMCID: PMC10844770 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a condition characterized by an autoimmune response resulting in chronic inflammatory liver disease. Its presentation is marked by significant increases in serum immunoglobulins and the production of active autoantibodies that target liver tissue. AIH is often associated with other autoimmune disorders, which can lead to overlapping clinical syndromes. However, alternative theories propose that exposure to specific environmental triggers can initiate this autoimmune cascade. We present the case of a 45-year-old male who sought evaluation for abdominal discomfort and was subsequently diagnosed with drug-induced AIH (DIAIH) following prolonged use of an over-the-counter male-enhancing supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Enciso
- Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, USA
| | - Ruhi Vasavada-Patel
- Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, USA
| | - Kyle Lien
- Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, USA
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3
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Reincke M, Thimme R. [Elevated liver enzymes: A diagnostic challenge]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2023; 148:809-817. [PMID: 37364575 DOI: 10.1055/a-1871-6459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The differential diagnosis of elevated liver enzymes is a key aspect of hepatology and a diagnostic challenge for many. Elevated liver enzymes may mostly indicate liver damage but also physiologic elevations or extrahepatic causes are possible. A rational approach to the differential diagnosis of elevated liver enzymes is necessary to avoid overdiagnosis while not missing rare causes of liver disease.
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4
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Biewenga M, Verhelst X, Baven-Pronk M, Putter H, van den Berg A, Colle I, Schouten J, Sermon F, Van Steenkiste C, van Vlierberghe H, van der Meer A, van Hoek B. Aminotransferases During Treatment Predict Long-Term Survival in Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis Type 1: A Landmark Analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:1776-1783.e4. [PMID: 34022454 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Biochemical remission, important treatment goal in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), has been associated with better long-term survival. The aim of this study was to determine the independent prognostic value of aminotransferases and immunoglobulin G (IgG) during treatment on long-term transplant-free survival in AIH. METHODS In a multicenter cohort alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and IgG were collected at diagnosis and 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after start of therapy and related to long-term outcome using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis with landmark analysis at these time points, excluding patients with follow-up ending before each landmark. RESULTS A total of 301 AIH patients with a median follow-up of 99 (range, 7-438) months were included. During follow-up, 15 patients required liver transplantation and 33 patients died. Higher AST at 12 months was associated with worse survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.86; P < .001), while IgG was not associated with survival (HR, 1.30; P = .53). In multivariate analysis AST at 12 months (HR, 2.13; P < .001) was predictive for survival independent of age, AST at diagnosis and cirrhosis. Multivariate analysis for AST yielded similar results at 6 months (HR, 2.61; P = .001), 24 months (HR, 2.93; P = .003), and 36 months (HR, 3.03; P = .010). There was a trend toward a worse survival in patients with mildly elevated aminotransferases (1-1.5× upper limit of normal) compared with patients with normal aminotransferases (P = .097). CONCLUSIONS Low aminotransferases during treatment are associated with a better long-term survival in autoimmune hepatitis. IgG was not associated with survival in first 12 months of treatment. Normalization of aminotransferases should be the treatment goal for autoimmune hepatitis to improve long-term survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Biewenga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UZ Ghent, member of European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martine Baven-Pronk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Green Heart Hospital, Gouda, the Netherlands
| | - Hein Putter
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Aad van den Berg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, member of European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Colle
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, ASZ Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Jeoffrey Schouten
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, AZ Nikolaas, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Filip Sermon
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, OLV Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Steenkiste
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, AZ Maria Middelares Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hans van Vlierberghe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UZ Ghent, member of European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Adriaan van der Meer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Flatley S, Dube AK, Gleeson D. Histopathologist and clinician interface in diagnosis and management of autoimmune hepatitis. Frontline Gastroenterol 2022; 13:e94-e101. [PMID: 35812025 PMCID: PMC9234737 DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2022-102192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of AIH is based on a combination of clinical, laboratory and histological information. It has been formalised by diagnostic scoring systems, to which liver biopsy contributes substantially. Diagnostic biopsy is thus, desirable in nearly all patients. An adequate biopsy size, provision by clinicians of adequate information to histopathologists and active discussion at regular meetings are all important for accurate histological diagnosis. Recently, the specificity of some features previously thought to suggest AIH has been questioned, and new recommendations for histological diagnosis have been proposed, although not yet validated. The histology of acutely presenting AIH and that of severe or fulminant AIH include some characteristic features. Primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may co-exist with AIH on biopsy. Liver biopsy also enables grading of severity of inflammation and staging of fibrosis. Presence of cirrhosis is a poor prognostic marker. Repeat liver biopsy after achieving biochemical remission, although not performed routinely, enables assessment of (a) histological remission, a favourable prognostic indicator and (b) fibrosis progression. It can thus help determine further management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Flatley
- Liver Unit, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Asha K Dube
- Department of Histopathology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Dermot Gleeson
- Liver Unit, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
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Gordon V, Adhikary R, Appleby V, Das D, Day J, Delahooke T, Dixon S, Elphick D, Hardie C, Heneghan MA, Hoeroldt B, Hooper P, Hutchinson J, Jones R, Khan F, Aithal GP, Metcalf J, Nkhoma A, Pelitari S, Prince M, Prosser A, Sathyanarayana V, Saksena S, Vani D, Yeoman A, Abouda G, Nelson A, Gleeson D. Treatment and Outcome of Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH): Audit of 28 UK centres. Liver Int 2022; 42:1571-1584. [PMID: 35286013 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With few data regarding treatment and outcome of patients with AIH outside of large centres we present such a study of patients with AIH in 28 UK hospitals of varying size and facilities. METHODS Patients with AIH were identified in 14 University and 14 District General hospitals; incident cases during 2007-2015 and prevalent cases, presenting 2000-2015. Treatment and outcomes were analysed. RESULTS In 1267 patients with AIH, followed-up for 3.8(0-15) years, 5- and 10-year death/transplant rates were 7.1+0.8% and 10.1+1.3% (all-cause) and 4.0+0.6% and 5.9+1% (liver-related) respectively. Baseline parameters independently associated with death/transplantation for all-causes were: older age, vascular/respiratory co-morbidity, cirrhosis, decompensation, platelet count, attending transplant centre and for liver-related: the last four of these and peak bilirubin All-cause and liver-related death/transplantation was independently associated with: non-treatment with corticosteroids, non-treatment with a steroid-sparing agent (SSA), non-treatment of asymptomatic or non-cirrhotic patients and initial dose of Prednisolone >35mg/0.5mg/kg/day (all-cause only), but not with type of steroid (Prednisolone versus Budesonide) or steroid duration beyond 12-months. Subsequent all-cause and liver-death/transplant rates showed independent associations with smaller percentage fall in serum ALT after 1 and 3-months, but not with failure to normalise levels over 12-months. CONCLUSIONS We observed higher death/transplant rates in patients with AIH who were untreated with steroids (including asymptomatic or non-cirrhotic sub-groups), those receiving higher Prednisolone doses and those who did not receive an SSA. Similar death/transplant rates were seen in those receiving Prednisolone or Budesonide, those continuing steroids after 12-months and patients attaining normal ALT within 12-months versus not.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Guruprasad P Aithal
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases centre and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham
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7
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B-cell activating factor and IL-21 levels predict treatment response in autoimmune hepatitis. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100460. [PMID: 35368991 PMCID: PMC8971938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Lemoinne S, Heurgue A, Bouzbib C, Hanslik B, Gournay J, Nguyen-Khac E, Bureau C, de Lédinghen V, Ganne-Carrié N, Bourlière M. Non-invasive diagnosis and follow-up of autoimmune hepatitis. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2022; 46:101772. [PMID: 34332126 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2021.101772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a liver disease characterised by necrotico-inflammatory lesions of hepatocytes, the presence of specific autoantibodies and response to corticosteroid treatment. AIH must be considered in any patient with acute or chronic liver disease. As there is no pathognomonic sign of AIH, the diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical, biological, immunological and histological findings, after excluding other causes of liver disease. The clinical and biological presentation of AIH is variable and AIH can be associated with an autoimmune biliary disease, primary biliary cholangitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis in an overlap syndrome. For these reasons, diagnosis of AIH can be challenging. Even if liver histology remains essential in the diagnosis of AIH, non-invasive tests can be used at different steps of the management of AIH: diagnosis of AIH, notably diagnosis of an overlap syndrome, assessment of severity of AIH, searching for extra-hepatic disease frequently associated to AIH, evaluation of response to therapy, decision of treatment withdrawal. This review aims to provide practical guidelines for the use of non-invasive tests for the diagnosis and the follow-up of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lemoinne
- Assistance publique-hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service d'hépatologie, Centre de référence pour les maladies inflammatoires des voies biliaires et les hépatites auto-immunes ( CMR MIVB-H, ERN RARE-LIVER), Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris France; Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Institute of cardiometabolism and Nutrition ( ICAN), Paris, France.
| | - Alexandra Heurgue
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie et cancérologie digestive, CHU Reims, Reims, France
| | - Charlotte Bouzbib
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hopital Pitié Salpêtrière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Hanslik
- Centre Montpelliérain des maladies du foie et de l'appareil digestif, Montpellier, France
| | - Jérôme Gournay
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, cancérologie digestive et assistance nutritionnelle, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Eric Nguyen-Khac
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, CHU Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Christophe Bureau
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Rangueil, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Victor de Lédinghen
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU Bordeaux, pessac & INSERM U1053, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nathalie Ganne-Carrié
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Avicenne, APHP, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny & INSERM UMR 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université de Paris, France
| | - Marc Bourlière
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Saint Joseph & INSERM UMR 1252 IRD SESSTIM Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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9
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Kalas MA, Chavez L, Leon M, Taweesedt PT, Surani S. Abnormal liver enzymes: A review for clinicians. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1688-1698. [PMID: 34904038 PMCID: PMC8637680 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i11.1688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver biochemical tests are some of the most commonly ordered routine tests in the inpatient and outpatient setting, especially with the automatization of testing in this technological era. These tests include aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (INR). Abnormal liver biochemical tests can be categorized based on the pattern and the magnitude of aminotransferases elevation. Generally, abnormalities in aminotransferases can be classified into a hepatocellular pattern or cholestatic pattern and can be further sub-classified based on the magnitude of aminotransferase elevation to mild [< 5 × upper limit of normal (ULN)], moderate (> 5-< 15 × ULN) and severe (> 15 × ULN). Hepatocellular pattern causes include but are not limited to; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, alcohol use, chronic viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis (variable), autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, celiac disease, medication-induced and ischemic hepatitis. Cholestatic pattern causes include but is not limited to; biliary pathology (obstruction, autoimmune), other conditions with hyperbilirubinemia (conjugated and unconjugated). It is crucial to interpret these commonly ordered tests accurately as appropriate further workup, treatment and referral can greatly benefit the patient due to prompt treatment which can improve the natural history of several of the diseases mentioned and possibly reduce the risk of progression to the liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ammar Kalas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, El Paso, TX 79905, United States
| | - Luis Chavez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, El Paso, TX 79905, United States
| | - Monica Leon
- Department of General Surgery, University of Mexico, Ciudad de Mexico 01120, Mexico
| | - Pahnwat Tonya Taweesedt
- Department of Medicine, Corpus Christi Medical Center, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, United States
| | - Salim Surani
- Department of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
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10
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Schroeder SM, Matsukuma KE, Medici V. Wilson disease and the differential diagnosis of its hepatic manifestations: a narrative review of clinical, laboratory, and liver histological features. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1394. [PMID: 34733946 PMCID: PMC8506558 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-2264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective The goal of the present work is to provide an overview of the differential diagnosis of Wilson disease. Background Wilson disease is a rare condition due to copper accumulation primarily in the liver and brain. Although there is no definitive cure, current anti-copper treatments are associated with better outcomes if initiated early and if the diagnosis is made promptly. However, diagnostic delays are frequent and often Wilson disease represents a diagnostic challenge. The diagnosis ultimately relies on a combination of clinical, laboratory and genetic findings, and it is crucial that clinicians list Wilson disease in their differential diagnosis, especially in patients presenting with a hepatocellular pattern of liver injury. Some biochemical and liver histological features of Wilson disease overlap with those of more common conditions including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol-associated liver disease, and autoimmune hepatitis. In particular, hepatic steatosis, hepatocyte glycogenated nuclei, ballooning degeneration, and Mallory-Denk bodies are often identified in Wilson disease as well as more common liver diseases. In addition, the natural history of liver damage in Wilson disease and the risk of developing liver cancer are largely understudied. Methods We conducted an enlarged review of published papers on Wilson disease focusing on its diagnosis and distinctive clinical and liver pathology features in relation to common non-cholestatic liver diseases with the final goal in aiding clinicians in the diagnostic process of this rare but treatable condition. Conclusions Aside from markedly altered copper metabolism, Wilson disease has essentially no pathognomonic features that can distinguish it from more common liver diseases. Clinicians should be aware of this challenge and consider Wilson disease in patients presenting with a hepatocellular pattern of liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Schroeder
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Karen E Matsukuma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Valentina Medici
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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11
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Biewenga M, Verhelst XPDMJ, Baven-Pronk MAMC, Putter H, van den Berg AP, van Nieuwkerk KCMJ, van Buuren HR, Bouma G, de Boer YS, Simoen C, Colle I, Schouten J, Sermon F, van Steenkiste C, van Vlierberghe H, van der Meer AJ, Nevens F, van Hoek B. Development and validation of a prognostic score for long-term transplant-free survival in autoimmune hepatitis type 1. United European Gastroenterol J 2021; 9:662-671. [PMID: 34165262 PMCID: PMC8281048 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No prognostic score is currently available for long-term survival in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop and validate such a prognostic score for AIH patients at diagnosis. METHODS The prognostic score was developed using uni- & multivariate Cox regression in a 4-center Dutch cohort and validated in an independent 6-center Belgian cohort. RESULTS In the derivation cohort of 396 patients 19 liver transplantations (LTs) and 51 deaths occurred (median follow-up 118 months; interquartile range 60-202 months). In multivariate analysis age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.045; p < 0.001), non-caucasian ethnicity (HR 1.897; p = 0.045), cirrhosis (HR 3.266; p < 0.001) and alanine aminotransferase level (HR 0.725; p = 0.003) were significant independent predictors for mortality or LT (C-statistic 0.827; 95% CI 0.790-0.864). In the validation cohort of 408 patients death or LT occurred in 78 patients during a median follow-up of 74 months (interquartile range: 25-142 months). Predicted 5-year event rate did not differ from observed event rate (high risk group 21.5% vs. 15.7% (95% CI: 6.3%-24.2%); moderate risk group 5.8% versus 4.3% (95% CI: 0.0%-9.1%); low risk group 1.9% versus 5.4% (95% CI: 0.0%-11.4%); C-statistic 0.744 [95% CI 0.644-0.844]). CONCLUSIONS A Dutch-Belgian prognostic score for long-term transplant-free survival in AIH patients at diagnosis was developed and validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Biewenga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Hein Putter
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Aad P van den Berg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Karin C M J van Nieuwkerk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henk R van Buuren
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gerd Bouma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ynte S de Boer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cedric Simoen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UZ Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Colle
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, ASZ Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Jeoffrey Schouten
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, AZ Nikolaas, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Filip Sermon
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, OLV Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Christophe van Steenkiste
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, AZ Maria Middelares Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Frederik Nevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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12
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Martins PN, Rizzari MD, Ghinolfi D, Jochmans I, Attia M, Jalan R, Friend PJ. Design, Analysis, and Pitfalls of Clinical Trials Using Ex Situ Liver Machine Perfusion: The International Liver Transplantation Society Consensus Guidelines. Transplantation 2021; 105:796-815. [PMID: 33760791 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent trials in liver machine perfusion (MP) have revealed unique challenges beyond those seen in most clinical studies. Correct trial design and interpretation of data are essential to avoid drawing conclusions that may compromise patient safety and increase costs. METHODS The International Liver Transplantation Society, through the Special Interest Group "DCD, Preservation and Machine Perfusion," established a working group to write consensus statements and guidelines on how future clinical trials in liver perfusion should be designed, with particular focus on relevant clinical endpoints and how different techniques of liver perfusion should be compared. Protocols, abstracts, and full published papers of clinical trials using liver MP were reviewed. The use of a simplified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation working group (GRADE) system was attempted to assess the level of evidence. The working group presented its conclusions at the International Liver Transplantation Society consensus conference "DCD, Liver Preservation, and Machine Perfusion" held in Venice, Italy, on January 31, 2020. RESULTS Twelve recommendations were proposed with the main conclusions that clinical trials investigating the effect of MP in liver transplantation should (1) make the protocol publicly available before the start of the trial, (2) be adequately powered, and (3) carefully consider timing of randomization in function of the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS There are issues with using accepted primary outcomes of liver transplantation trials in the context of MP trials, and no ideal endpoint could be defined by the working group. The setup of an international registry was considered vital by the working group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo N Martins
- Division of Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Memorial Hospital, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA
| | - Michael D Rizzari
- Division of Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI
| | - Davide Ghinolfi
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Pisa Medical School Hospital, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Ina Jochmans
- Transplantation Research Group, Lab of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Abdominal Transplant Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Magdy Attia
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Transplantation Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, UCL Medical School, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J Friend
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Ziogas IA, Martins PN, Alexopoulos SP, Matsuoka LK, Rauf MA, Geevarghese SK, Gorden LD, Karp SJ, Perkins JD, Montenovo MI. Effect of Donor Transaminase Levels on Graft Survival Following Liver Transplant: An Analysis of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Database. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2021; 19:250-258. [PMID: 33605200 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2020.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite data showing equivalent outcomes between grafts from marginal versus standard criteria deceased liver donors, elevated donor transaminases constitute a frequent reason to decline potential livers. We assessed the effect of donor transaminase levels and other characteristics on graft survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of adult first deceased donor liver transplant recipients with available transaminase levels registered in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database (2008-2018). We used Cox proportional hazards regression to determine the effects of donor characteristics on graft survival. RESULTS Of 53 913 liver transplants, 52 158 were allografts from donors with low transaminases (≤ 500 U/L; group A) and 1755 were from donors with elevated transaminases (> 500 U/L; group B). Group A recipients were more likely to be hospitalized (P = .01) or in intensive care (P < .001) or to have mechanical assistance (P < .001), portal vein thrombosis (P = .01), diabetes mellitus (P = .003), or dialysis the week before liver transplant (P = .004). Multivariable analysis (controlling for recipient characteristics) showed donor risk factors of graft failure included diabetes mellitus (P < .001), donation after cardiac death (P < .001), total bilirubin > 3.5 mg/dL (P < .001), serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL (P = .01), and cold ischemia time > 6 hours (P < .001). Regional organ sharing showed lower risk of graft failure (P = .02). Donor transaminases > 500 U/L were not associated with graft failure (relative risk, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.91-1.14; P = .74). CONCLUSIONS Donor transaminases > 500 U/L should not preclude the use of liver grafts. Instead, donor total bilirubin > 3.5 mg/dL and serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL appear to be associated with higher likelihood of graft failure after liver transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis A Ziogas
- From the Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Michel M, Spinelli F, Grambihler A, Labenz C, Nagel M, Kaps L, Huber Y, Galle PR, Wörns MA, Schattenberg JM. Health-related quality of life in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Qual Life Res 2021; 30:2853-2861. [PMID: 33978892 PMCID: PMC8481193 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-021-02850-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare chronic liver disease. Impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL) contributes to the overall disease burden. At current, only limited data related to the impact of treatment response on HRQL are available. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to determine the impact of biochemical remission on HRQL. METHODS Patients with AIH were prospectively enrolled between July 2018 and June 2019. A liver disease-specific tool, the chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) and the generic EQ-5D-5L were used to quantify HRQL. Treatment response was assessed biochemically by measurement of immunoglobulin G, ALT and AST. The cohort was divided into two groups according to their biochemical remission status in either complete vs. incomplete remission. Clinical as well as laboratory parameters and comorbidities were analysed using univariable and multivariable analysis to identify predictors of poor HRQL. RESULTS A total of 116 AIH patients were included (median age: 55; 77.6% female), of which 9.5% had liver cirrhosis. In this cohort, 38 (38.4%) showed a complete and 61 (61.6%) an incomplete biochemical remission at study entry. The HRQL was significantly higher in patients with a complete as compared to an incomplete biochemical remission (CLDQ overall score: 5.66 ± 1.15 vs. 5.10 ± 1.35; p = 0.03). In contrast, the generic EQ-5D-5L UI-value was not different between the groups. Multivariable analysis identified AST (p = 0.02) and an incomplete biochemical remission (p = 0.04) as independent predictors of reduced HRQL (CLDQ total value). CONCLUSION Patients with a complete biochemical remission had a significantly higher HRQL. Liver-related quality of life in patients living with AIH is dependent on the response to immunosuppressive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice Michel
- grid.410607.4Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,grid.410607.4I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Francesca Spinelli
- grid.410607.4Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,grid.410607.4I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Annette Grambihler
- grid.410607.4Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,grid.410607.4I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Labenz
- grid.410607.4Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,grid.410607.4I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Nagel
- grid.410607.4Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,grid.410607.4I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Leonard Kaps
- grid.410607.4Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,grid.410607.4I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Yvonne Huber
- grid.410607.4Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,grid.410607.4I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter R. Galle
- grid.410607.4Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,grid.410607.4I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marcus-Alexander Wörns
- grid.410607.4Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,grid.410607.4I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jörn M. Schattenberg
- grid.410607.4Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,grid.410607.4I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Pape S, Gevers TJG, Vrolijk JM, van Hoek B, Bouma G, van Nieuwkerk CMJ, Taubert R, Jaeckel E, Manns MP, Papp M, Sipeki N, Stickel F, Efe C, Ozaslan E, Purnak T, Nevens F, Kessener DJN, Kahraman A, Wedemeyer H, Hartl J, Schramm C, Lohse AW, Drenth JPH, Heneghan MA. Rapid Response to Treatment of Autoimmune Hepatitis Associated With Remission at 6 and 12 Months. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18:1609-1617.e4. [PMID: 31715274 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2019.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Changes in serum levels of transaminases immediately after initiation of treatment for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) might be associated with biochemical markers of remission and liver-related events. We assessed the outcomes of patients with vs without rapid response to treatment of AIH in a large international cohort. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study, collecting data from 2 independent cohorts of adults with AIH from 12 centers in 7 countries in Europe. We collected information on patient demographics; serologic, histologic, and biochemical analyses; and treatment. We used a receiver operating characteristic curve and Youden index to calculate the optimal percentage decrease in level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) after 8 weeks of treatment that associated with normalization of transaminase levels after 26 weeks of treatment with predniso(lo)ne (primary outcome) in the first (discovery) cohort (n = 370). We evaluated the results in the second (validation) cohort (n = 370). Secondary outcomes were liver-related death or transplantation. We performed univariate and multivariable logistic and Cox regression with correction for confounders. RESULTS A significant decrease in level of AST after 8 weeks of treatment was significantly associated with normalization of transaminase levels at 26 and 52 weeks (P < .001); a decrease of more than 80% in level of AST was associated with optimal normalization. In both cohorts, rapid responders (≥80% decrease in level of AST after 8 weeks) were more likely to achieve normalization of transaminases at 26 and 52 weeks when compared to non-rapid responders. Rapid responders in the discovery cohort had lower risk of liver-related death or transplantation (adjusted hazard ratio 0.18; 95% CI 0.05-0.63; P = .007), although this was not confirmed in the validation cohort. Results from measurement of alanine aminotransferase did not differ significantly from those of AST for the primary outcome. Slow responders (without normalization of transaminases after 1 year) had the highest risk of liver transplantation or liver-related death. CONCLUSIONS In a retrospective study of patients with AIH, we found that a rapid response to treatment, based on level of AST after 8 weeks, associates with normalization of transaminase levels in the following year. Patients with a rapid response also have a lower risk of liver-related death or transplantation than patients without this rapid response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Pape
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tom J G Gevers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Maarten Vrolijk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rijnstate hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerd Bouma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carin M J van Nieuwkerk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Taubert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maria Papp
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Nora Sipeki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Felix Stickel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Harran University Hospital, Urfa, Turkey
| | - Ersan Ozaslan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Numune Research and Education Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tugrul Purnak
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Frederik Nevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominik J N Kessener
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinic of Essen Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Alisan Kahraman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinic of Essen Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinic of Essen Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Hartl
- 1(st) Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schramm
- 1(st) Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Martin Zeitz Centre for Rare Diseases, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- 1(st) Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joost P H Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Martins PN, Rawson A, Movahedi B, Brüggenwirth IMA, Dolgin NH, Martins AB, Mahboub P, Bozorgzadeh A. Single-Center Experience With Liver Transplant Using Donors With Very High Transaminase Levels. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2019; 17:498-506. [DOI: 10.6002/ect.2017.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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17
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Purnak T, Efe C, Kav T, Wahlin S, Ozaslan E. Treatment Response and Outcome with Two Different Prednisolone Regimens in Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2017; 62:2900-2907. [PMID: 28871464 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-017-4728-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beyond available guidelines, therapy of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) shows wide variation among physicians. We compared two regimens for treatment naive AIH: one recommended protocol with an initial prednisolone dose of 30 mg/day and our own 40 mg/day prednisolone with a slow dose tapering protocol. We analyzed the safety, response rates, and outcomes for two groups of treated patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated data of 71 AIH patients including, group I (n = 32, prednisone 30 mg/day) and group II (n = 39, prednisone 40 mg/day). All patients also received azathioprine. RESULTS The frequency of complete biochemical response was significantly higher in group II than in group I (69.2 vs. 43.8%, p = 0.031) after 3 months of therapy, but not after 6 and 12 months (79.5 vs. 59.4%, p = 0.065 and 89.5 vs. 80.6%, p = 0.30). In patients with severe interface hepatitis, the complete response rates were significantly higher in group II than in group I after 3 (63.6 vs. 23.1%, p = 0.02) and 6 months (72.7 vs. 38.5%, p = 0.046), but not after 12 months of therapy (86.4 vs. 69.2%, p = 0.221). Relapses were observed in 50% of group I and in 35.9% of group II during maintenance therapy (p = 0.23). Overall survival was significantly better in group II than in group I (100 vs. 87.5%, log-rank, p = 0.048). No severe steroid-related side effects were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS Our real-world experience suggests that an initial prednisolone dose of 40 mg/day with a slower tapering protocol induces earlier biochemical response, tends to result in less relapses during maintenance, and is associated with a better disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugrul Purnak
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Taylan Kav
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Staffan Wahlin
- Hepatology Division, Centre for Digestive Disease, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ersan Ozaslan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Numune Research and Education Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Hyperferritinemia and hypergammaglobulinemia predict the treatment response to standard therapy in autoimmune hepatitis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179074. [PMID: 28594937 PMCID: PMC5464635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic hepatitis with an increasing incidence. The majority of patients require life-long immunosuppression and incomplete treatment response is associated with a disease progression. An abnormal iron homeostasis or hyperferritinemia is associated with worse outcome in other chronic liver diseases and after liver transplantation. We assessed the capacity of baseline parameters including the iron status to predict the treatment response upon standard therapy in 109 patients with untreated AIH type 1 (AIH-1) in a retrospective single center study. Thereby, a hyperferritinemia (> 2.09 times upper limit of normal; Odds ratio (OR) = 8.82; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.25–34.52) and lower immunoglobulins (<1.89 times upper limit of normal; OR = 6.78; CI: 1.87–24.59) at baseline were independently associated with the achievement of complete biochemical remission upon standard therapy. The predictive value increased when both variables were combined to a single treatment response score, when the cohort was randomly split into a training (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.749; CI 0.635–0.863) and internal validation cohort (AUC = 0.741; CI 0.558–0.924). Patients with a low treatment response score (<1) had significantly higher cumulative remission rates in the training (p<0.001) and the validation cohort (p = 0.024). The baseline hyperferritinemia was accompanied by a high serum iron, elevated transferrin saturations and mild hepatic iron depositions in the majority of patients. However, the abnormal iron status was quickly reversible under therapy. Mechanistically, the iron parameters were not stringently related to a hepatocellular damage. Ferritin rather seems deregulated from the master regulator hepcidin, which was down regulated, potentially mediated by the elevated hepatocyte growth factor. In conclusion, baseline levels of serum ferritin and immunoglobulins, which are part of the diagnostic work-up of AIH, can be used to predict the treatment response upon standard therapy in AIH-1, although confirmation from larger multicenter studies is pending.
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Joshi D, Gupta N, Samyn M, Deheragoda M, Dobbels F, Heneghan MA. The management of childhood liver diseases in adulthood. J Hepatol 2017; 66:631-644. [PMID: 27914924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of patients with childhood liver disease survive into adulthood. These young adults are now entering adult services and require ongoing management. Aetiologies can be divided into liver diseases that develop in young adults which present to adult hepatologists i.e., biliary atresia and Alagille syndrome or liver diseases that occur in children/adolescents and adults i.e., autoimmune hepatitis or Wilson's disease. To successfully manage these young adults, a dynamic and responsive transition service is essential. In this review, we aim to describe the successful components of a transition service highlighting the importance of self-management support and a multi-disciplinary approach. We will also review some of the liver specific aetiologies which are unique to young adults, offering an update on pathogenesis, management and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Joshi
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Nitika Gupta
- Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - Marianne Samyn
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Fabienne Dobbels
- Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
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Wang Z, Sheng L, Yang Y, Yang F, Xiao X, Hua J, Guo C, Wei Y, Tang R, Miao Q, Zhang J, Li Y, Fang J, Qiu D, Krawitt EL, Bowlus CL, Gershwin ME, Wang Q, Ma X. The Management of Autoimmune Hepatitis Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis: Real-World Experience and a Comprehensive Review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2016; 52:424-435. [DOI: 10.1007/s12016-016-8583-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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21
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Long-Term Prognostic Significance of Persisting Histological Activity Despite Biochemical Remission in Autoimmune Hepatitis. Am J Gastroenterol 2015; 110:993-9. [PMID: 26010310 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2015.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Biochemical remission is widely considered a satisfactory treatment end point in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The significance of persisting histological activity despite biochemical remission is unknown. We aimed to assess the frequency and prognostic significance of persisting histological inflammation in patients with AIH who had achieved biochemical remission with treatment. METHODS We studied 120 patients (median age at diagnosis 57 years; 81% female) with AIH by International Criteria (59% definite), who received immunosuppressive treatment and underwent a follow-up liver biopsy after at least 6 months of sustained biochemical remission (defined as normal serum ALT and globulin). RESULTS Fifty-five patients (46%) had persisting histological activity (Ishak histological activity index (HAI) ≥4). These patients had higher serum ALT (24 vs. 18 IU/l, P=0.003) and AST (27 vs. 23 IU/l, P=0.03) at the time of follow-up biopsy, compared with patients who achieved histological remission (HAI ≤3). They had less frequent regression of fibrosis on follow-up biopsy compared with those achieving histological remission (32 vs. 60%, P=0.004) and had excess mortality (standardized mortality ratio 1.4 vs. 0.7, P<0.05). The excess mortality was due to liver disease. On multivariate analysis, persisting histological activity was independently associated with all-cause death/transplantation (HR 3.1 (95% CI 1.2-8.1); P=0.02); an association with liver-related death/transplantation fell short of significance (HR 9.7 (95% CI 0.84-111.6; P=0.07). CONCLUSIONS Persisting histological activity, despite biochemical remission, is frequent in patients with treated AIH and is associated with lower rates of fibrosis regression and reduced long-term survival.
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Yeoman AD, Westbrook RH, Zen Y, Bernal W, Al-Chalabi T, Wendon JA, O'Grady JG, Heneghan MA. Prognosis of acute severe autoimmune hepatitis (AS-AIH): the role of corticosteroids in modifying outcome. J Hepatol 2014; 61:876-82. [PMID: 24842305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS No standardised definition exists for acute, severe AIH (AS-AIH). However, rapid identification of AS-AIH and early corticosteroid therapy may prevent the need for liver transplantation (LT). We set out to determine the clinical outcomes of patients with AS-AIH presenting to our institution with particular focus on the role of corticosteroids. METHODS Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collated database identified patients presenting with AS-AIH from 1999 to 2009. We defined AS-AIH as an acute presentation with an INR of ⩾1.5 at any time without histological evidence of cirrhosis. RESULTS 32 patients were identified with AS-AIH. Among the 32 AS-AIH patients 23 were treated with corticosteroids of whom 10 (48%) required LT, whilst all 9 untreated patients required LT (p = 0.01). Untreated patients demonstrated higher MELD scores at presentation (34 vs. 28 p = 0.01) and a non-significant decrease in episodes of sepsis but no difference in sepsis or mortality was observed between untreated or treated patients (11% vs. 26% p = 0.6 and 22% vs. 17% p = 0.99 respectively). Among treated patients, no difference in MELD scores was observed between responders or failures. Despite 59% undergoing LT, six deaths (19%) occurred. CONCLUSION In a well characterised cohort of patients with AS-AIH, almost 60% required LT and 20% died. There was no difference in prognostic scores between steroid responders and failures and steroid exposure did not appear to jeopardise survival. Patients with AS-AIH should be considered for a trial of corticosteroids expediently whilst a thorough search for sepsis and assessment for LT should occur if clinical deterioration or encephalopathy develops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Yeoman
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel H Westbrook
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Yoh Zen
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - William Bernal
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Thawab Al-Chalabi
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Julia A Wendon
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - John G O'Grady
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Forty percent of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) present with acute jaundice/hepatitis. Such patients, when treated promptly, are thought to have a good prognosis. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to describe the natural history of AIH in patients presenting with jaundice/hepatitis and to determine whether the diagnosis could have been made earlier, before presentation. METHODS This study is a retrospective review of 2249 consecutive patients who presented with jaundice to the Jaundice Hotline clinic, Truro, Cornwall, UK, over 15 years (1998-2013) and includes a review of the laboratory data over a 23-year period (1990-2013). RESULTS Of the 955 patients with hepatocellular jaundice, 47 (5%) had criterion-referenced AIH: 35 female and 12 male, the median age was 65 years (range 15-91 years); the bilirubin concentration was 139 μmol/l (range 23-634 μmol/l) and the alanine transaminase level was 687 IU/l (range 22-2519 IU/l). Among the patients, 23/46 (50%) were cirrhotic on biopsy; 11/47 (23%) died: median time from diagnosis to death, 5 months (range 1-59); median age, 72 years (range 59-91 years). All 8/11 patients who died of liver-related causes were cirrhotic. Weight loss (P=0.04) and presence of cirrhosis (P=0.004) and varices (P=0.015) were more common among those who died. Among patients who died from liver-related causes, 6/8 (75%) died less than 6 months from diagnosis. Cirrhosis at presentation and oesophageal varices were associated with early liver-related deaths (P=0.011, 0.002 respectively). Liver function test results were available in 33/47 (70%) patients before presentation. Among these patients, 16 (49%) had abnormal alanine transaminase levels previously, and eight (50%) were cirrhotic at presentation. CONCLUSION AIH presenting as jaundice/hepatitis was mainly observed in older women: 50% of the patients were cirrhotic, and liver-related mortality was high. Some of these deaths were potentially preventable by earlier diagnosis, as the patients had abnormal liver function test results previously, which had not been investigated.
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Peng M, Li Y, Zhang M, Jiang Y, Xu Y, Tian Y, Peng F, Gong G. Clinical features in different age groups of patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Exp Ther Med 2013; 7:145-148. [PMID: 24348780 PMCID: PMC3860875 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2013.1363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chinese population are at an increased risk of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The aims of this study were to determine the demographic and clinical features of AIH in China. A total of 83 patients with AIH diagnosed by the revised scoring system were re-analyzed, and the clinical presentations among the different ages were compared. The patients were classified according to age at presentation. AIH occurred in patients aged ≤30 years (9.6%), 31–39 years (10.8%), 40–49 years (16.9%), 50–59 years (31.3%) and ≥60 years (31.3%). There were no differences in the form of the clinical presentation, concurrent autoimmune diseases, cirrhosis distribution and autoantibodies among the groups. However, patients aged ≥60 years presented with higher levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) compared with patients aged ≤30 years (P=0.034, P=0.043, respectively), and patients aged 31–39 years had a significantly lower immunoglobulin G (IgG) level compared with those aged 50–59 years (P=0.049) and those aged ≥60 years (P=0.012). By contrast, patients aged ≤30 years had a significantly higher total bilirubin (TBIL) level compared with those aged 31–39 years (P=0.007), 50–59 years (P=0.002) and ≥60 years (P=0.013). A substantial portion of patients with AIH were aged >60 years, indicating a poor liver-associated outcome under current management strategies. Elderly patients appeared to be more asymptomatic compared with the younger patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milin Peng
- Center of Liver Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Yi Li
- Center of Liver Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Min Zhang
- Center of Liver Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Yongfang Jiang
- Center of Liver Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Center of Liver Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Yi Tian
- Center of Liver Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Feng Peng
- Center of Liver Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Guozhong Gong
- Center of Liver Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
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Ngu JH, Gearry RB, Frampton CM, Stedman CAM. Predictors of poor outcome in patients w ith autoimmune hepatitis: a population-based study. Hepatology 2013; 57:2399-406. [PMID: 23359353 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) can lead to cirrhosis, hepatic failure, and death. We aimed to identify predictors of advanced liver fibrosis at presentation, predictors of incomplete response to initial immunosuppression, and predictors of poor liver-related outcomes in the population-based AIH cohort from Canterbury, New Zealand. Cases diagnosed after 1980 that fulfilled standard diagnostic criteria were included. Cases were censored at death or liver transplantation and had a median follow-up of 9 years. Analyses were performed with Cox proportional hazards regression and logistic binary regression. The times to event outcomes were summarized using Kaplan-Meier curves. A total of 133 AIH patients were included. Predictors for advanced liver fibrosis at diagnosis were age at presentation of ≤20 years or >60 years (P = 0.02), serum albumin <36 g/L (P < 0.01), platelet <150 U/L (P < 0.01), and International Normalized Ratio (INR) >1.2 (P < 0.01). The only independent predictor for incomplete normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 6 months was age at presentation ≤20 years. Independent predictors of poor liver-related outcomes were incomplete normalization of ALT at 6 months (P < 0.01), serum albumin <36 g/L (P < 0.01), and age at presentation of ≤20 years or >60 years (P = 0.01). Kaplan-Meier estimates showed that 10-year adverse liver event-free survival was 80% for age at presentation ≤20 years and >60 years, and 93% and 100% for age at presentation between 21-40 years and 41-60 years, respectively. CONCLUSION Incomplete normalization of ALT at 6 months, low serum albumin concentration at diagnosis, and age at presentation of ≤20 years or >60 years were significant independent predictors of liver-related death or requirement for liver transplantation. Histological cirrhosis at diagnosis was not associated with poor prognosis and did not influence the response to initial immunosuppressive treatment. (HEPATOLOGY 2013;57:2399-2406).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hieng Ngu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
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26
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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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27
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Pan TL, Wang PW, Al-Suwayeh SA, Huang YJ, Fang JY. Toxicological effects of cationic nanobubbles on the liver and kidneys: biomarkers for predicting the risk. Food Chem Toxicol 2012; 50:3892-901. [PMID: 22809472 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Revised: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Nanobubbles with acoustical activity are used as both diagnostic and therapeutic carriers for detecting and treating diseases. We aimed to prepare nanobubbles and assess toxic responses to them in the liver and kidneys. The cytotoxicity of nanobubbles was determined by examining the viability of liver (HepG2) and kidney (293T) cell lines after a 24-h treatment at various concentrations (0.01-2%). Toxic effects of different formulations were compared by determining functional markers such as γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) after intravenous administration of nanobubbles. Cationic nanobubbles caused concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against cultured cells with a more significant effect in the liver than in the kidneys. A significant reduction of viability was revealed at a concentration as low as 0.1%. Cational systems with soyaethyl morpholinium ethosulfate (SME) exhibited the greatest γ-GT level at 6-fold higher than the control. Immunohistochemistry detected liver fibrosis and inflammation with nanobubbles treatment, especially SME-containing ones at higher doses. According to plasma proteomic profiles, gelsolin and fetuin-B were significantly downregulated 3-fold in the high-dose SME-treated group. Transthyretin decreased by 6-fold in this group. The fibrinogen gamma chain expression was highly elevated. The results suggest that these protein biomarkers are sensitive for assessing the risk of nanobubble exposure. This study is the first to systematically evaluate the possible toxicity of nanobubbles in the liver and kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Long Pan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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28
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Hoeroldt B, McFarlane E, Dube A, Basumani P, Karajeh M, Campbell MJ, Gleeson D. Long-term outcomes of patients with autoimmune hepatitis managed at a nontransplant center. Gastroenterology 2011; 140:1980-9. [PMID: 21396370 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.02.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Revised: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The long-term outcomes of patients treated for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are considered to be good. However, follow-up data beyond 10 years are limited and confined to tertiary referral centers. We assessed long-term outcomes and determinants of outcome in patients with AIH from a nontransplant center. METHODS We studied 245 patients (204 women; median age, 56 years; range, 2.5-87 years) with AIH (167 definite by International AIH Group criteria) managed at a single nontransplant center from 1971 to 2007. RESULTS 229 patients (93%) achieved normal serum levels of alanine aminotransferase within 12 months after treatment. After a median follow-up period of 9.4 years (range, 0.01-36 years), 11 patients received liver transplants (2 subsequently died). Seventy other patients died (30 from liver disease), 15 were censored (moved away, defaulted, or developed primary biliary cirrhosis), and 149 were still being followed up on December 31, 2007. Survival rates from all-cause death or transplantation were 82%±3% and 48%±5% after 10 and 20 years, respectively, and from liver-related death or transplantation were 91%±2% and 70%±5%, respectively. The standardized mortality ratio was 1.63 for all-cause death (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-2.02), 1.86 also considering liver transplant as "death" (95% CI, 1.49-2.26), and 0.91 for non-liver-related death (95% CI, 0.62-1.19). By Cox regression analysis, liver decompensation, cirrhosis at any time, failure to normalize levels of alanine aminotransferase within 12 months, and >4 relapses per decade were significantly associated with liver-related death or transplant. CONCLUSIONS Despite a good initial response to immunosuppression, long-term mortality of patients with AIH is greater than that of the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Hoeroldt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rotherham General Hospital, Rotherham, England
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29
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Yeoman AD, Westbrook RH, Zen Y, Maninchedda P, Portmann BC, Devlin J, O'Grady JG, Harrison PM, Heneghan MA. Early predictors of corticosteroid treatment failure in icteric presentations of autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatology 2011; 53:926-34. [PMID: 21374663 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) typically responds to treatment in 90% of patients. Early prediction of treatment outcome would be advantageous in clinical practice. We evaluated whether parameters at initiation of therapy or changes in these parameters at day 3 and day 7 following corticosteroid initiation predicted treatment failure. Treatment-naive, jaundiced patients presenting to our tertiary unit between 1999-2009 were identified and mathematical models of prognosis in liver disease scores calculated at day 0, day 3, and day 7. Overall, 72 patients were identified (48 women, 24 men). Treatment failure occurred in 18% (13/72) of patients. At diagnosis, higher median bilirubin (451 μmol/L versus 262 μmol/L, P = 0.02), INR (1.62 versus 1.33, P = 0.005), model for endstage liver (MELD) score (26 versus 20, P = 0.02), MELD-sodium (Na) score (27 versus 22, P = 0.03) and United Kingdom endstage liver disease score (UKELD) score (59 versus 57, P = 0.01) significantly correlated with treatment failure. Analysis of area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) values at day 7 identified change (Δ) bilirubin (AUROC 0.68), Δ creatinine (0.69), Δ MELD (0.79), Δ MELD-Na (0.83) and Δ UKELD (0.83) best predicted treatment failure. Specifically, a fall in UKELD of less than 2 points predicted treatment failure with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 68%. Of 13 treatment failures, nine required second-line immunosuppression, three required emergency transplant, and one died of sepsis. In total, four patients died in the treatment failure group compared with one in the responder group (4/13 = 31% versus 1/59 = 1.7%, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION Approximately 20% of icteric AIH presentations fail corticosteroid therapy. This is associated with significant mortality and the need for emergency transplantation. Treatment failure is best predicted by change in MELD-Na and UKELD at day 7. Early identification of nonresponders may allow timely escalation of immunosuppression to prevent clinical deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Yeoman
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital NHS Trust Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK
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30
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Yeoman AD, Westbrook RH, Al-Chalabi T, Carey I, Heaton ND, Portmann BC, Heneghan MA. Diagnostic value and utility of the simplified International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) criteria in acute and chronic liver disease. Hepatology 2009; 50:538-45. [PMID: 19575457 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Diagnostic criteria for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have been created and revised by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG). Simplified criteria have been created, but remain independently unvalidated. We report on the diagnostic accuracy of the simplified criteria in patients across a range of diagnoses, including a subset of patients presenting with fulminant liver failure who required liver transplant. Patients with AIH and non-AIH etiologies of liver disease were identified from dedicated patient databases. Parameters relevant to the simplified and 1999 IAIHG criteria were recorded, and sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for scores of >or=6 (probable AIH) and >or=7 (definite AIH) were calculated. A total of 549 patients with chronic liver disease were evaluated, (221 with AIH, 26 with variant syndromes, and 302 with non-AIH). For scores >or=6, sensitivity was 90%, and specificity was 98% with positive and negative predictive values of 97% and 92%, respectively. For scores >or=7; sensitivity was 70%, and specificity was 100% with positive and negative predictive values of 100% and 74%, respectively. Seven false positive diagnoses of AIH occurred, all with simplified scores of 6. Concordance with 1999 criteria was 90% for probable and 61% for definite AIH. The frequency of an overall diagnosis of AIH (probable or definite AIH) among the 70 patients with fulminant liver failure was 24% for simplified criteria and 40% for 1999 criteria, respectively. CONCLUSION The simplified criteria retain high specificity but exhibit lower sensitivity for scores of >or=7. The explanations for this are unclear but may relate to loss of such discriminating information as response to corticosteroids. Prospective evaluation of these criteria is required to corroborate these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Yeoman
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Abstract
Corticosteroid therapy induces clinical, laboratory and histological improvements in 80% of patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Prednisone, alone or at a lower dose in combination with azathioprine, increases the 20-year life expectancy to 80% and prevents or reduces hepatic fibrosis in 79% of patients. The combination regimen is preferred and treatment should be considered in all patients with active disease. The duration of therapy is finite and the medication should be discontinued after resolution of all manifestations of inflammatory activity, including the histological changes. Relapse after drug withdrawal occurs in 50-79% of patients, and it should be treated with long-term azathioprine (2 mg/kg daily). Salvage therapies for individuals intolerant of or refractory to the conventional regimens include high-dose corticosteroids, with or without high-dose azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus or ciclosporin. Liver transplantation should be considered in patients with hepatic failure unresponsive to corticosteroid treatment, decompensated cirrhosis with a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of at least 15 points, or hepatocellular carcinoma that meets transplantation criteria. Autoimmune hepatitis recurs after transplantation in at least 17% of patients, and it typically improves after adjustments in the immunosuppressive regimen. Future therapies are likely to include mesenchymal stem cell transplantation, adoptive transfer of T regulatory cells, and cytokine manipulation. The emergence of new treatments will require the development of a collaborative network of clinical and basic investigators, as the complexity and specificity of current management problems require solutions that exceed the capabilities of single institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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32
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review studies that improve the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis and extend the understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms. RECENT FINDINGS A simplified diagnostic scoring system has high sensitivity and specificity. Biliary changes detected by MRI are of uncertain nature and significance. New candidate autoantigens have been identified by proteomic analyses. T regulatory cells suppress disease activity; their adoptive transfer is beneficial in animal models. Budesonide in combination with azathioprine is effective frontline therapy. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation may emerge as salvage therapy. Screening for hepatocellular cancer is justified. Racial disparities in disease severity, mortality, and treatment remain unexplained. SUMMARY Diagnosis has been simplified and management strategies have been upgraded. Biliary changes have been recognized but are of uncertain nature and significance. New antigens and antibodies have been described. T-cell populations that modulate disease activity have been characterized, and adoptive transfer of T regulatory cells is possible. Budesonide in combination with azathioprine is effective frontline therapy, and therapeutic interventions that target critical pathogenic mechanisms are feasible.
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