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Mogahed EA, Soliman HM, Morgan DS, Elaal HMA, Khattab RAERM, Eid RA, Hodeib M. Prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis among children with autoimmune hepatitis. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:72. [PMID: 38632644 PMCID: PMC11025222 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01639-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an organ specific autoimmune disease, which can manifest at any age of life. there is a high prevalence of extrahepatic autoimmune diseases in patients with AIH. Autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATDs) are the most frequent extrahepatic autoimmune disorders among patients with AIH. Aim of work is to detect the frequency of ATDs among Egyptian children with AIH. METHODS This research is a cross-sectional study conducted on 58 children with AIH aged ≤ 18 years. All patients were tested for free triiodothyronine (FT3), free tetraiodothyronine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and antithyroglobulin (anti-TG). Thyroid ultrasound (US) and thyroid scan were performed for patients with abnormal thyroid profile, borderline values, positive anti-TPO or anti-TG. RESULTS The mean ± standard deviation (SD) for the age of the patients was 11.3 ± 4.5 years. Out of 58 patients of AIH, 28 patients (48.3%) had associated other autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune thyroiditis was the most common associated autoimmune disease being present in 10 patients (17.2%). The thyroid status of AIT patients showed that 6 patients (60%) were euthyroid, 3 patients (30%) had subclinical hypothyroidism and only one patient (10%) was hyperthyroid. CONCLUSION Autoimmune hepatitis in Egyptian children is commonly associated with other autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune thyroiditis is the most common to be associated with AIH in pediatric patients. As it is not usually clinically manifesting, regular screening for AIT in children with AIH is mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engy Adel Mogahed
- Department of Pediatrics, New Children Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hend M Soliman
- Department of Pediatrics, New Children Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dalia Saber Morgan
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | | | | | - Ragaey A Eid
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases ( Tropical Medicine department), Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Hodeib
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
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2
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Ueno M, Takabatake H, Itakura J, Fujita R, Kayahara T, Morimoto Y, Notohara K, Mizuno M. Corticosteroid-refractory autoimmune hepatitis after COVID-19 vaccination: a case report and literature review. Clin J Gastroenterol 2023:10.1007/s12328-023-01794-x. [PMID: 37029249 PMCID: PMC10081821 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-023-01794-x] [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: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Several vaccines have been developed for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and are used worldwide. Here we report a case of severe acute hepatitis induced by COVID-19 vaccination. A 54-year-old woman received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and an additional dose of the Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Seven days after the third dose, she noticed fatigue, appetite loss and dark urine. Laboratory tests were consistent with severe liver injury and jaundice. Anti-smooth muscle antibody and HLA-DR4 were positive; thus, we suspected that she had autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone were administered. Because remission was not achieved, we performed percutaneous liver biopsy. Histologically, pan-lobular inflammation with moderate infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages, interface hepatitis, and rosette formation were present. We regarded these findings as confirmation of the diagnosis of AIH. As she had not responded to corticosteroids, we added azathioprine. Liver biochemistry tests gradually improved, and prednisolone could be tapered without relapse of AIH. Dozens of cases of AIH after COVID-19 vaccination have been reported. Corticosteroids were effective in most cases, but some patients have died from liver failure after vaccination. This case illustrates the efficacy of azathioprine for steroid-refractory AIH induced by COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Ueno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, 1-1-1 Miwa, Kurashiki, Okayama, 710-8602, Japan.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Takabatake
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, 1-1-1 Miwa, Kurashiki, Okayama, 710-8602, Japan
| | - Junya Itakura
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Rio Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, 1-1-1 Miwa, Kurashiki, Okayama, 710-8602, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama City Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takahisa Kayahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, 1-1-1 Miwa, Kurashiki, Okayama, 710-8602, Japan
| | - Youichi Morimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, 1-1-1 Miwa, Kurashiki, Okayama, 710-8602, Japan
| | - Kenji Notohara
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Motowo Mizuno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, 1-1-1 Miwa, Kurashiki, Okayama, 710-8602, Japan
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3
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Aso K, Kasahara H. Disseminated Ulcerative Nodules With Elevated Liver Enzymes. Gastroenterology 2022:S0016-5085(22)01446-9. [PMID: 36592733 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kuniyuki Aso
- Department of Rheumatology, NTT Sapporo Medical Center, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Hideki Kasahara
- Department of Rheumatology, NTT Sapporo Medical Center, Sapporo, Japan
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Cancado ELR, Goldbaum-Crescente J, Terrabuio DRB. HLA-related genetic susceptibility in autoimmune hepatitis according to autoantibody profile. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1032591. [PMID: 36311739 PMCID: PMC9606223 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1032591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis in first-degree relatives is small, the relationship between genetic markers, especially human leucocyte antigens (HLA), and susceptibility to this disease, has been studied for over three decades. The genetic susceptibility to AIH is believed to be different in the two subtypes of the disease, AIH type 1 and AIH type 2. Type 1 AIH has anti-smooth muscle and anti-nuclear antibodies as its main markers, while those of type 2 AIH are the anti-liver/kidney microsome type 1 and anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibodies. The anti-soluble liver antigen/liver-pancreas antibodies, which, in addition to being present in both subtypes, mark an important number of patients without serological markers. Therefore, a third type of disease is questionable. The vast majority of immunogenetic studies compare the differences between the two main types and make no difference between which antibodies are present to define the subtype. This review seeks to analyze what was most important published in the AIH in this context, trying to relate the HLA alleles according to the AIH marker autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Luiz Rachid Cancado
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Eduardo Luiz Rachid Cancado,
| | - Juliana Goldbaum-Crescente
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Zhou M, Cheng C, Han Y, Niu M, Huang Y, He X, Liu Y, Xiao X, Wang J, Ma Z. 自身免疫性肝炎、原发性胆汁性胆管炎及其重叠综合征的临床代谢组学表征及区分. CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 2022. [DOI: 10.1360/tb-2022-0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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6
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Liu J, Ma Z, Li H, Li X. Chinese medicine in the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis: Progress and future opportunities. Animal Model Exp Med 2022; 5:95-107. [PMID: 35263512 PMCID: PMC9043711 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease occurring in individuals of all ages with a higher incidence in females and characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, elevated serum autoantibodies and histological features of interface hepatitis. AIH pathogenesis remains obscure and still needs in‐depth study, which is likely associated with genetic susceptibility and the loss of immune homeostasis. Steroids alone and in combination with other immunosuppressant agents are the primary choices of AIH treatment in the clinic, whereas, in some cases, severe adverse effects and disease relapse may occur. Chinese medicine used for the treatment of AIH has proven its merits over many years and is well tolerated. To better understand the pathogenesis of AIH and to evaluate the efficacy of novel therapies, several animal models have been generated to recapitulate the immune microenvironment of patients with AIH. In the current review, we summarize recent advances in the study of animal models for AIH and their application in pharmacological research of Chinese medicine‐based therapies and also discuss current limitations. This review aims to provide novel insights into the discovery of Chinese medicine‐originated therapies for AIH using cutting‐edge animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Zhi Ma
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Han Li
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xiaojiaoyang Li
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
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7
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Fasano R, Malerba E, Prete M, Solimando AG, Buonavoglia A, Silvestris N, Leone P, Racanelli V. Impact of Antigen Presentation Mechanisms on Immune Response in Autoimmune Hepatitis. Front Immunol 2022; 12:814155. [PMID: 35116039 PMCID: PMC8804214 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.814155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a very tolerogenic organ. It is continually exposed to a multitude of antigens and is able to promote an effective immune response against pathogens and simultaneously immune tolerance against self-antigens. In spite of strong peripheral and central tolerogenic mechanisms, loss of tolerance can occur in autoimmune liver diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) through a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and an imbalance in immunological regulatory mechanisms. The liver hosts several types of conventional resident antigen presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells, B cells and macrophages (Kupffer cells), and unconventional APCs including liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes. By standard (direct presentation and cross-presentation) and alternative mechanisms (cross-dressing and MHC class II-dressing), liver APCs presents self-antigen to naive T cells in the presence of costimulation leading to an altered immune response that results in liver injury and inflammation. Additionally, the transport of antigens and antigen:MHC complexes by trogocytosis and extracellular vesicles between different cells in the liver contributes to enhance antigen presentation and amplify autoimmune response. Here, we focus on the impact of antigen presentation on the immune response in the liver and on the functional role of the immune cells in the induction of liver inflammation. A better understanding of these key pathogenic aspects could facilitate the establishment of novel therapeutic strategies in AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Fasano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Malerba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Marcella Prete
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Giovanni Solimando
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessio Buonavoglia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Leone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Vito Racanelli,
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8
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Kumar BGV, Sethy PC, Gupta R. A rare etiology of persistent jaundice in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. Arch Clin Cases 2022; 8:37-41. [PMID: 34984223 PMCID: PMC8717003 DOI: 10.22551/2021.32.0803.10183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A 24-year-old male without previously known comorbidities presented with progressive jaundice and hepatomegaly. Autoimmune serology and liver biopsy revealed features of autoimmune hepatitis. A treatment by oral prednisolone and azathioprine was initiated, after which he achieved remission. However, hyperbilirubinemia persisted, with a predominantly unconjugated fraction. Hemolytic causes of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia were ruled out, and the diagnosis of Gilbert syndrome was established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Budumuri Gautam V Kumar
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India
| | - Purna Ch Sethy
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India
| | - Rohit Gupta
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India
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9
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Demir N, Ekin N, Torgutalp M, Wahlin S, Efe C. Two decades of research on autoimmune liver disease in Turkey. TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2021; 31:877-882. [PMID: 33626000 DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2020.19866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are the 3 main autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs). The epidemiology of AILD in Turkey is not known. To determine the scientific status, we performed a scientometric analysis of AILD-related original articles that originated from Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched the Web of Science database, the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E), and the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) by using the keywords "autoimmune hepatitis," "primary biliary cholangitis/primary biliary cirrhosis," and "primary sclerosing cholangitis" in conjunction with "Turkey." A scientometric analysis was done on the search results. RESULTS We identified 117 AILD-related papers that were published in Turkey from 1997 to 2019. Among these, 70 case reports, letters, and reviews and 2 original articles that were not cited in SCI-E/SSCI were excluded. The remaining 45 original articles were further analyzed. These studies were related to AIH (n=22), PBC (n=7), PSC (n=9), PBC-AIH overlap (n=5), and others (n=2). Four of the publications originated in pediatric settings; 9 of 45 papers were published from 1997 to 2008 and 36 papers were published from 2009 to 2019. Most papers (75%) were reported from 5 centers; 9 papers (20%) were published in journals with an impact factor of 3 or higher. CONCLUSION The overall number and quality of AILD-related papers in Turkey are unexpectedly low, although a number of papers have received considerable international recognition. More epidemiologic, prospective, and multicenter research projects are warranted to advance AILD knowledge and to produce high-quality research from Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurhan Demir
- Department of Gastroenterology, Diyarbakır Health Science University EAH, Diyarbakır
| | - Nazım Ekin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Diyarbakır Health Science University EAH, Diyarbakır
| | - Murat Torgutalp
- Department of rheumatology, Ankara University and Ibni-Sina Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Staffan Wahlin
- Hepatology Division, Centre for Digestive Diseases, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
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Jiang Y, Xu BH, Rodgers B, Pyrsopoulos N. Characteristics and Inpatient Outcomes of Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Autoimmune Hepatitis Overlap Syndrome. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:392-398. [PMID: 34221925 PMCID: PMC8237146 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are hepatobiliary diseases of presumed immune-mediated origin that have been shown to overlap. The aim of this retrospective trial was to use national data to examine the characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized with overlapping PBC and AIH (PBC/AIH). METHODS The National Inpatient Sample was used to identify hospitalized adult patients with PBC, AIH, and PBC/AIH from 2010 to 2014 by International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Edition Revision codes; patients with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection were excluded. Primary outcomes measures were in-hospital outcomes that included mortality, respiratory failure, septic shock, length of stay, and total hospital charges. Secondary outcomes were the clinical characteristics of PBC/AIH, including the comorbid extrahepatic autoimmune disease pattern and complications of cirrhosis. RESULTS A total of 3,478 patients with PBC/AIH were included in the study. PBC/AIH was associated with higher rates of Sjögren's syndrome (p<0.001; p<0.001), lower rates of Crohn's disease (p<0.05; p<0.05), and higher rates of cirrhosis-related complications when compared to PBC or AIH alone. There were similar rates of mortality between the PBC/AIH, PBC, and AIH groups. The PBC/AIH group had higher rates of septic shock when compared to the PBC group (p<0.05) and AIH group (p<0.05) after adjusting for possible confounders. CONCLUSIONS PBC/AIH is associated with a lower rate of Crohn's disease, a higher rate of Sjögren's syndrome, higher rates of cirrhosis-related complications, and significantly increased risk of septic shock compared to PBC and AIH individually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Correspondence to: Nikolaos Pyrsopoulos, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, University Hospital, 185 S. Orange Avenue, Medical Science Building H level Room – 536, Newark, NJ 07101-1709, USA. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6950-8174. Tel: +1-973-972-5252, E-mail: ; Yi Jiang, Department of Medicine, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07101, USA. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5114-0183. Tel: +1-973-972-6056, E-mail:
| | - Bing-Hong Xu
- Liver Center & Center for Asian Health, RWJBH-Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Florham Park, New Jersey, USA
| | - Brandon Rodgers
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Nikolaos Pyrsopoulos
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Correspondence to: Nikolaos Pyrsopoulos, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, University Hospital, 185 S. Orange Avenue, Medical Science Building H level Room – 536, Newark, NJ 07101-1709, USA. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6950-8174. Tel: +1-973-972-5252, E-mail: ; Yi Jiang, Department of Medicine, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07101, USA. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5114-0183. Tel: +1-973-972-6056, E-mail:
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Abdollahi M, Ekrami NK, Ghojazadeh M, Boezen HM, Somi M, Alizadeh BZ. Tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil as second-line treatment in autoimmune hepatitis: Is the evidence of sufficient quality to develop recommendations? World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:5896-5910. [PMID: 33132643 PMCID: PMC7579758 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i38.5896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The standard management of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is based on corticosteroids, alone or in combination with azathioprine. Second-line treatments are needed for patients who have refractory disease. However, high-quality data on the alternative management of AIH are scarce.
AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and the quality of evidence by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach (GRADE).
METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of the available data were performed. We calculated pooled event rates for three outcome measures: Biochemical remission, adverse events, and mortality, with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS The pooled biochemical remission rate was 68.9% (95%CI: 60.4-76.2) for tacrolimus, and 59.6% (95%CI: 54.8-64.2) for MMF, and rates of adverse events were 25.5% (95%CI: 12.4-45.3) for tacrolimus and 24.1% (95%CI: 15.4-35.7) for MMF. The pooled mortality rate was estimated at 11.5% (95%CI: 7.1-18.1) for tacrolimus and 9.01% (95%CI: 6.2-12.8) for MMF. Pooled biochemical remission rates for tacrolimus and MMF in patients with intolerance to standard therapy were 56.6% (CI: 43.4-56.6) vs 73.5% (CI: 58.1-84.7), and among non-responders were 59.1% (CI: 48.7-68.8) vs 40.8% (CI: 32.3-50.0), respectively. Moreover, the overall quality assessments using GRADE proved to be very low for all our outcomes in both treatment groups.
CONCLUSION Tacrolimus and MMF are in practice considered effective for patients with AIH who are non-responders or intolerant to first-line treatment, but we found no high-quality evidence to support this statement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Morteza Ghojazadeh
- Research Center for Evidence Based Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran
| | - H Marike Boezen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, Netherlands
| | - Mohammadhossein Somi
- Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran
| | - Behrooz Z Alizadeh
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, Netherlands
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12
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Yik B, Shah N. Autoconversion of Autoimmune Liver Diseases. Dig Dis Sci 2020; 65:71-73. [PMID: 31451985 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-05794-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barnabas Yik
- Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA.
| | - Nimeesh Shah
- Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA.,Stanford University Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA
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13
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Yuan X, Duan SZ, Cao J, Gao N, Xu J, Zhang L. Noninvasive inflammatory markers for assessing liver fibrosis stage in autoimmune hepatitis patients. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 31:1467-1474. [PMID: 31107735 PMCID: PMC7333545 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the accuracy of noninvasive inflammatory markers in predicting liver fibrosis stage in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). PATIENTS AND METHODS We enrolled 55 patients with AIH and 60 healthy controls in this study, and divided them into three groups: F0 (control); F1-F3 (noncirrhotic fibrosis); and F4 (cirrhosis). The following markers were analyzed for all participants: lymphocyte-to-neutrophil ratio (LNR); lymphocyte-to-platelet ratio (LPR); lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR); immunoglobulin-to-platelet ratio (IGPR); aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI); aspartate aminotransferase-to-alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR); and fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4). The predictive accuracy of these noninvasive markers was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between the noninvasive markers and liver fibrosis stage. RESULTS AAR, LPR, LMR, IGPR, APRI, and FIB-4 were linked to liver fibrosis-stage (P < 0.05), with correlation indices of - 0.219, 0.258, - 0.149, 0.647, 0.841, and 0.704, respectively, but not LNR (P = 0.093). area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of LPR, IGPR, AAR, LMR, APRI, and FIB-4 for detecting cirrhosis (F4 vs. F0-F3) were 0.936 (95% confidence interval: 0.870-1.000, P < 0.001), 0.939 (0.875-1.000, P < 0.001), 0.528 (0.319-0.738, P = 0.768), 0.555 (0.409-0.700, P = 0.568), 0.798 (0.694-0.902, P = 0.002), and 0.881 (0.796-0.967, P < 0.001). Our multivariate ordinal regression analysis showed that LPR and IGPR were associated independently with liver fibrosis stage, with a coefficient of 0.385 (95% confidence interval: 0.103-0.667, P = 0.007) and 14.903 (2.091-27.786, P = 0.023), respectively. CONCLUSION LPR and IGPR were associated independently with liver fibrosis stage in treatment-naive AIH, and were superior to APRI and FIB-4 in detecting cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Yuan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ninth People’s Hospital
- Department of Pathology, Princeton Medical Center, Plainsboro
| | - Sheng-Zhong Duan
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiota and Systemic Diseases, School of Stomatology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Junying Cao
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ninth People’s Hospital
| | - Nan Gao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ninth People’s Hospital
| | - Lanjing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Princeton Medical Center, Plainsboro
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick
- Department of Chemical Biology, Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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14
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Treat autoimmune hepatitis in the elderly with corticosteroids + azathioprine to reduce the risk of corticosteroid-related toxicity. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40267-018-0585-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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15
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Rizvi S, Gawrieh S. Autoimmune Hepatitis in the Elderly: Diagnosis and Pharmacologic Management. Drugs Aging 2018; 35:589-602. [PMID: 29971609 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-018-0556-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) may present as acute or chronic hepatitis in the elderly. Advanced hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis are common on first presentation in this population. In this review, we discuss the presentation, approach to diagnosis and management of AIH in the elderly. As polypharmacy is common in the elderly, careful medication use history is essential for detecting drug-induced AIH-like hepatitis. Steroid-sparing or minimizing therapeutic regimens are preferred to treat AIH in the elderly. For the purpose of induction, budesonide or lower dose prednisone in combination with azathioprine (AZA) regimens are preferred over high-dose prednisone monotherapy due to the higher risk of side effects of the later in the elderly. The goal of maintenance therapy should be to achieve full biochemical and histologic remission. Bone density monitoring and interventions to prevent steroid-related bone disease should be implemented throughout the course of the disease. Liver transplantation should be considered in the elderly patient with liver failure or early hepatocellular carcinoma if there are no significant comorbidities or compromise in functional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Rizvi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Samer Gawrieh
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Cir, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5175, USA.
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16
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To U, Silveira M. Overlap Syndrome of Autoimmune Hepatitis and Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Clin Liver Dis 2018; 22:603-611. [PMID: 30259856 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Overlap syndrome of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is typically defined as concomitant or serial presentation with clinical features of both of these 2 distinct diseases. The Paris criteria and variations of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis group scoring systems for the diagnosis of AIH have been used to diagnose overlap syndrome. If left untreated, patients with overlap syndrome will have higher rates of portal hypertension, gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, death, and need for liver transplant. Therefore, early identification is essential in providing appropriate therapy to potentially prevent long-term adverse outcomes in patients with overlap syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uyen To
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marina Silveira
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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17
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Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D, Czaja AJ, Manns MP, Krawitt EL, Vierling JM, Lohse AW, Montano-Loza AJ. Autoimmune hepatitis. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2018; 4:18017. [PMID: 29644994 DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2018.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a severe liver disease that affects children and adults worldwide. The diagnosis of AIH relies on increased serum transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels, presence of autoantibodies and interface hepatitis on liver histology. AIH arises in genetically predisposed individuals when a trigger, such as exposure to a virus, leads to a T cell-mediated autoimmune response directed against liver autoantigens; this immune response is permitted by inadequate regulatory immune control leading to a loss of tolerance. AIH responds favourably to immunosuppressive treatment, which should be started as soon as the diagnosis is made. Standard regimens include fairly high initial doses of corticosteroids (prednisone or prednisolone), which are tapered gradually as azathioprine is introduced. For those patients who do not respond to standard treatment, second-line drugs should be considered, including mycophenolate mofetil, calcineurin inhibitors, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors and biologic agents, which should be administered only in specialized hepatology centres. Liver transplantation is a life-saving option for those who progress to end-stage liver disease, although AIH can recur or develop de novo after transplantation. In-depth investigation of immune pathways and analysis of changes to the intestinal microbiota should advance our knowledge of the pathogenesis of AIH and lead to novel, tailored and better tolerated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, SE5 9RS London, UK
| | - Diego Vergani
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, SE5 9RS London, UK
| | - Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Edward L Krawitt
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.,Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - John M Vierling
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Aldo J Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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18
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Second-line immunosuppressants for autoimmune hepatitis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 30:490-491. [PMID: 29509605 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
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19
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Wu HM, Sheng L, Wang Q, Bao H, Miao Q, Xiao X, Guo CJ, Li H, Ma X, Qiu DK, Hua J. Performance of transient elastography in assessing liver fibrosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis overlap syndrome. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:737-743. [PMID: 29456412 PMCID: PMC5807676 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i6.737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the performance of transient elastography (TE) for diagnosis of fibrosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis (AIH-PBC) overlap syndrome.
METHODS A total of 70 patients with biopsy-proven AIH-PBC overlap syndrome were included. Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the correlation of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and fibrosis stage. Independent samples Student’s t-test or one-way analysis of variance was used to compare quantitative variables. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to calculate the optimal cut-off values of LSM for predicting individual fibrosis stages. A comparison on the diagnostic accuracy for severe fibrosis was made between LSM and other serological scores.
RESULTS Patients with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome had higher median LSM than healthy controls (11.3 ± 6.4 kPa vs 4.3 ± 1.4 kPa, P < 0.01). LSM was significantly correlated with fibrosis stage (r = 0.756, P < 0.01). LSM values increased gradually with an increased fibrosis stage. The areas under the ROC curves of LSM for stages F ≥ 2, F ≥ 3, and F4 were 0.837 (95%CI: 0.729-0.914), 0.910 (0.817-0.965), and 0.966 (0.893-0.995), respectively. The optimal cut-off values of LSM for fibrosis stages F ≥ 2, F ≥ 3, and F4 were 6.55, 10.50, and 14.45 kPa, respectively. LSM was significantly superior to fibrosis-4, glutaglumyl-transferase/platelet ratio, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index scores in detecting severe fibrosis (F ≥ 3) (0.910 vs 0.715, P < 0.01; 0.910 vs 0.649, P < 0.01; 0.910 vs 0.616, P < 0.01, respectively).
CONCLUSION TE can accurately detect hepatic fibrosis as a non-invasive method in patients with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Li Sheng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Han Bao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qi Miao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Can-Jie Guo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Hai Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - De-Kai Qiu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Jing Hua
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200127, China
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20
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Efe C, Ozaslan E, Purnak T. Methotrexate in the Treatment of Autoimmune Hepatitis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 16:149. [PMID: 28844782 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2017.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Batman State Hospital, Batman, Turkey
| | - Ersan Ozaslan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Numune Research and Education Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tugrul Purnak
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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21
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Efe C, Hagström H, Ytting H, Bhanji RA, Müller NF, Wang Q, Purnak T, Muratori L, Werner M, Marschall HU, Muratori P, Gunşar F, Klintman D, Parés A, Heurgué-Berlot A, Schiano TD, Cengiz M, May-Sien Tana M, Ma X, Montano-Loza AJ, Berg T, Verma S, Larsen FS, Ozaslan E, Heneghan MA, Yoshida EM, Wahlin S. Efficacy and Safety of Mycophenolate Mofetil and Tacrolimus as Second-line Therapy for Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 15:1950-1956.e1. [PMID: 28603052 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Predniso(lo)ne, alone or in combination with azathioprine, is the standard-of-care (SOC) therapy for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). However, the SOC therapy is poorly tolerated or does not control disease activity in up to 20% of patients. We assessed the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and tacrolimus as second-line therapy for patients with AIH. METHODS We performed a retrospective study of data (from 19 centers in Europe, the United States, Canada, and China) from 201 patients with AIH who received second-line therapy (121 received MMF and 80 received tacrolimus), for a median of 62 months (range, 6-190 mo). Patients were categorized according to their response to SOC. Patients in group 1 (n = 108) had a complete response to the SOC, but were switched to second-line therapy as a result of side effects of predniso(lo)ne or azathioprine, whereas patients in group 2 (n = 93) had not responded to SOC. RESULTS There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with a complete response to MMF (69.4%) vs tacrolimus (72.5%) (P = .639). In group 1, MMF and tacrolimus maintained a biochemical remission in 91.9% and 94.1% of patients, respectively (P = .682). Significantly more group 2 patients given tacrolimus compared with MMF had a complete response (56.5% vs 34%, respectively; P = .029) There were similar proportions of liver-related deaths or liver transplantation among patients given MMF (13.2%) vs tacrolimus (10.3%) (log-rank, P = .472). Ten patients receiving MMF (8.3%) and 10 patients receiving tacrolimus (12.5%) developed side effects that required therapy withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS Long-term therapy with MMF or tacrolimus generally was well tolerated by patients with AIH. The agents were equally effective in previous complete responders who did not tolerate SOC therapy. Tacrolimus led to a complete response in a greater proportion of previous nonresponder patients compared with MMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Hannes Hagström
- Hepatology Division, Centre for Digestive Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henriette Ytting
- Department of Hepatology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rahima A Bhanji
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Niklas F Müller
- Sektion Hepatologie, Klinik für Gastroenterologie und Rheumatologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Qixia Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Tugrul Purnak
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Luigi Muratori
- Centro per lo Studio e la Cura delle Malattie Autoimmuni del Fegato e delle Vie Biliari, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mårten Werner
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Paolo Muratori
- Centro per lo Studio e la Cura delle Malattie Autoimmuni del Fegato e delle Vie Biliari, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fulya Gunşar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Daniel Klintman
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden; Division of Gastroenterology University of British Columbia, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Albert Parés
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Thomas D Schiano
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Mustafa Cengiz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dr A.Y. Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Michele May-Sien Tana
- The Liver Center at University of California, San Francisco, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Aldo J Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Thomas Berg
- Sektion Hepatologie, Klinik für Gastroenterologie und Rheumatologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sumita Verma
- Department of Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Fin Stolze Larsen
- Department of Hepatology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ersan Ozaslan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Numune Research and Education Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric M Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology University of British Columbia, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Staffan Wahlin
- Hepatology Division, Centre for Digestive Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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22
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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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23
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Tansel A, Katz LH, El-Serag HB, Thrift AP, Parepally M, Shakhatreh MH, Kanwal F. Incidence and Determinants of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 15:1207-1217.e4. [PMID: 28215616 PMCID: PMC5522646 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the incidence of HCC and associated risk factors among patients with AIH. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and reference lists from relevant articles through June 2016 to identify cohort studies that examined the incidence of HCC in patients with AIH. We used random effects models to estimate pooled incidence rates overall and in subgroup of patients with cirrhosis. The between-study heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistic. RESULTS A total of 25 studies (20 papers and 5 abstracts), including 6528 patients, met the eligibility criteria. The median cohort size was 170 patients with AIH (range, 25-1721 patients), followed for a median of 8.0 years (range, 3.3-16.0 years). The pooled incidence rate for HCC in patients with AIH was 3.06 per 1000 patient-years (95% confidence interval, 2.22-4.23; I2 = 51.5%; P = .002). The pooled incidence of HCC in patients with cirrhosis at AIH diagnosis was 10.07 per 1000 patient-years (95% confidence interval, 6.89-14.70; I2 = 48.8%; P = .015). In addition, 92 of 93 patients who had HCC had evidence of cirrhosis before or at the time of their HCC diagnosis. The risk of HCC seems to be lower in patients with AIH and cirrhosis than that reported for patients with cirrhosis from hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or primary biliary cholangitis. CONCLUSIONS Based on the increased risked of HCC shown in this meta-analysis, there may be a role for HCC surveillance in patients with AIH and cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Tansel
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
| | - Lior H Katz
- The Department of Gastroenterology, Sheba Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Hashem B El-Serag
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas; Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Aaron P Thrift
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Mayur Parepally
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mohammad H Shakhatreh
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas; Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
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Muratori P, Lenzi M, Cassani F, Lalanne C, Muratori L. Diagnostic approach to autoimmune hepatitis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2017; 13:769-779. [PMID: 28480763 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2017.1327355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease which, if left without treatment, can evolve into cirrhosis and possibly liver failure. The diagnosis of AIH is hampered by the lack of specific and reliable markers of the disease and a number of clinical, biochemical, immunological, histological and genetic factors should be considered to reach a confident diagnosis Areas covered: Clinical expression of AIH, histological features, serological and genetic profiles, differential diagnosis, overlap with other autoimmune liver diseases, assessed on the basis of personal experience and review of published literature in the last 10 years through a systematic Medline search (keywords: autoimmune hepatitis, diagnosis) Expert commentary: Notwithstanding numerous efforts to identify simple and reliable markers of the disease, the diagnosis of AIH is still based on the combination of histological, immunological and biochemical features and often can represent a real challenge for the hepatologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Muratori
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Marco Lenzi
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Fabio Cassani
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Claudine Lalanne
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Luigi Muratori
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
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Cropley A, Weltman M. The use of immunosuppression in autoimmune hepatitis: A current literature review. Clin Mol Hepatol 2017; 23:22-26. [PMID: 28288505 PMCID: PMC5381833 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2016.0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an organ specific autoimmune condition which can manifest at any age of life. The heterogeneous nature of this condition means that great variation can be seen in severity, progression of disease and response to treatment within this patient group. Since the 1980s prednisolone and azathioprine have been used for induction and remission of the disease and remain the mainstay of treatment. Other immunosuppressive agents have been employed in difficult to treat cases. While there is less published data regarding these agents compared with the conventional treatments of steroid and azathioprine, there is mounting evidence to support the use of mycophenolate mofetil as a second-line agent. The calcineurin inhibitors, though less studied, additionally show promise. More data is needed on the use of biological agents in refractory disease. This review focuses on our centre’s approach to treatment of AIH in the context of a contemporary review of the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cropley
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nepean Hospital, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Martin Weltman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nepean Hospital, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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26
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Liberal R, de Boer YS, Andrade RJ, Bouma G, Dalekos GN, Floreani A, Gleeson D, Hirschfield GM, Invernizzi P, Lenzi M, Lohse AW, Macedo G, Milkiewicz P, Terziroli B, van Hoek B, Vierling JM, Heneghan MA. Expert clinical management of autoimmune hepatitis in the real world. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 45:723-732. [PMID: 28004405 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-quality data on the management of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are scarce. Despite published guidelines, management of AIH is still expert based rather than evidence based. AIM To survey expert hepatologists, asking each to describe their practices in the management of patients with AIH. METHODS A survey questionnaire was distributed to members of the International AIH Group. The questionnaire consisted of four clinical scenarios on different presentations of AIH. RESULTS Sixty surveys were sent, out of which 37 were returned. None reported budesonide as a first line induction agent for the acute presentation of AIH. Five (14%) participants reported using thiopurine S-methyltransferase measurements before commencement of thiopurine maintenance therapy. Thirteen (35%) routinely perform liver biopsy at 2 years of biochemical remission. If histological inflammatory activity is absent, four (11%) participants reduced azathioprine, whereas 10 (27%) attempted withdrawal altogether. Regarding the management of difficult-to-treat patients, mycophenolate mofetil is the most widely used second-line agent (n = ~450 in 28 centres), whereas tacrolimus (n = ~115 in 21 centres) and ciclosporin (n = ~112 in 18 centres) are less often reported. One centre reported considerable experience with infliximab, while rescue therapy with rituximab has been tried in seven centres. CONCLUSIONS There is a wide variation in the management of patients with autoimmune hepatitis even among the most expert in the field. Although good quality evidence is lacking, there is considerable experience with second-line therapies. Future prospective studies should address these issues, so that we move from an expert- to an evidence- and personalised-based care in autoimmune hepatitis.
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Deswal S, Srivastava A. Role of Allopurinol in Optimizing Thiopurine Therapy in Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Review. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2017; 7:55-62. [PMID: 28348471 PMCID: PMC5357743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2017.01.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic immune mediated liver disease characterized by elevated transaminases, hyper gammaglobulinemia, presence of autoantibodies and interface hepatitis in the absence of a known etiology of liver disease. Thiopurines (azathioprine [AZA]/6-mercaptopurine [6MP]) and steroids remain the first line of treatment of AIH in both children and adults. However, a small proportion of AIH patients are either non-responders or develop side effects with AZA. The metabolism of AZA is complex and mediated by multiple enzymes. After absorption and getting converted to 6MP, it is converted to 6-thiouric acid, 6-methyl mercaptopurine (6MMP) and 6-thioguanine (6TG) by different enzymes. Elevated 6MMP levels are associated with hepatotoxicity and also poor efficacy due to simultaneous lower levels of 6TG, which is the active drug metabolite related to both efficacy and myelosuppression. Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor shifts the metabolism of AZA away from 6MMP toward 6TG. This combination of allopurinol with reduced dose of AZA is an alternative to more expensive and toxic second line therapy to induce remission in patients with AIH. This article discusses the mechanism of action of allopurinol in inducing response to AZA, reviews the published literature on this combination therapy and gives guidelines on the use of allopurinol in patients with AIH.
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Key Words
- 6-MTIMP, 6-methyl thioinosine monophosphate
- 6MMP, 6-methyl mercaptopurine
- 6MP, 6-mercaptopurine
- 6TG, 6-thioguanine
- AIH, autoimmune hepatitis
- ANA, antinuclear antibody
- AZA, azathioprine
- HGPRT, hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase
- IBD, inflammatory bowel disease
- IgG, immunoglobulin G
- LC, liver cytosol
- LKM, liver kidney microsomal
- PBC, primary biliary cirrhosis
- PSC, primary sclerosing cholangitis
- SMA, smooth muscle antibody
- TIMP, thioinosine monophosphate
- TPMT, thiopurine methyltransferase
- XO, xanthine oxidase
- allopurinol
- autoimmune hepatitis
- azathioprine
- hepatotoxicity
- overlap syndrome
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Deswal
- Department of Pediatrics, PGIMER and Dr RML Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Anshu Srivastava
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India,Address for correspondence: Anshu Srivastava, Additional Professor, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, Uttar Pradesh, India. Tel.: +91 9935219497; fax: +91 522 2668017.Additional Professor, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical SciencesLucknow226014India
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Han E, Jo SJ, Lee H, Choi AR, Lim J, Jung ES, Oh EJ. Clinical relevance of combined anti-mitochondrial M2 detection assays for primary biliary cirrhosis. Clin Chim Acta 2017; 464:113-117. [PMID: 27864100 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2016.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) is a specific serologic marker in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of combined AMA assays. METHODS Sera were obtained from 79 patients with PBC and 108 patients with other liver disease. They were tested by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) using rat kidney/stomach tissue and HEp2 cells as substrate, 4 AMA-M2 assays, anti-sp100, and anti-gp210 assays. RESULTS Using IIF-AMA with cut-off titer of 1:40, the sensitivity and specificity for PBC were 88.6% and 87.0%, respectively. A cut-off titer of 1:80 improved the specificity to 93.5%. The 4 commercial assay kits using AMA-M2 autoantibodies showed sensitivity of 55.7-79.7% and specificity of 91.7-95.4% with moderate to good agreement. AMA-M2 assays using both native and recombinant E2 antigens had higher sensitivity. ANAs on HEp2 cells, anti-sp100, and anti-gp210 were detected in 67.1%, 13.9-15.2%, and 22.8-27.8% of PBC patients, respectively. Additional AMA-M2 specific assays in IIF-AMA negative and low titer positive (1:40) sera increased the sensitivity and specificity to 88.6% and 90.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Serological diagnosis for PBC using IIF with high titer cut-off and additional AMA-M2 specific tests by ELISA or LIA in IIF-negative sera should be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Han
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Jin Jo
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeyoung Lee
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ae-Ran Choi
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyang Lim
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Sun Jung
- Departments of Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jee Oh
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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ACG Clinical Guideline: Evaluation of Abnormal Liver Chemistries. Am J Gastroenterol 2017; 112:18-35. [PMID: 27995906 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2016.517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 600] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Clinicians are required to assess abnormal liver chemistries on a daily basis. The most common liver chemistries ordered are serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. These tests should be termed liver chemistries or liver tests. Hepatocellular injury is defined as disproportionate elevation of AST and ALT levels compared with alkaline phosphatase levels. Cholestatic injury is defined as disproportionate elevation of alkaline phosphatase level as compared with AST and ALT levels. The majority of bilirubin circulates as unconjugated bilirubin and an elevated conjugated bilirubin implies hepatocellular disease or cholestasis. Multiple studies have demonstrated that the presence of an elevated ALT has been associated with increased liver-related mortality. A true healthy normal ALT level ranges from 29 to 33 IU/l for males, 19 to 25 IU/l for females and levels above this should be assessed. The degree of elevation of ALT and or AST in the clinical setting helps guide the evaluation. The evaluation of hepatocellular injury includes testing for viral hepatitis A, B, and C, assessment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease, screening for hereditary hemochromatosis, autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson's disease, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. In addition, a history of prescribed and over-the-counter medicines should be sought. For the evaluation of an alkaline phosphatase elevation determined to be of hepatic origin, testing for primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis should be undertaken. Total bilirubin elevation can occur in either cholestatic or hepatocellular diseases. Elevated total serum bilirubin levels should be fractionated to direct and indirect bilirubin fractions and an elevated serum conjugated bilirubin implies hepatocellular disease or biliary obstruction in most settings. A liver biopsy may be considered when serologic testing and imaging fails to elucidate a diagnosis, to stage a condition, or when multiple diagnoses are possible.
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an uncommon, chronic inflammatory, and relapsing liver disease of unknown origin that may lead to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, or death. AIH occurs in all age groups and races but can frequently manifest as acute fulminant hepatitis. Clinical presentation of AIH can have features similar to primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and these diseases may coexist leading to overlap syndromes. Although histological diagnosis is necessary, imaging features often can demonstrate characteristics that may be helpful to distinguish these diseases. Imaging features of AIH are those of chronic liver disease, and imaging plays important role in detection of complications and ruling out other possible causes of chronic liver disease. Emerging techniques such as elastography provide non-invasive options for diagnosis of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis during clinical follow-up as well as assessment of response to treatment. In this study, we will describe imaging findings in AIH and overlap syndromes.
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Liberal R, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. Contemporary issues and future directions in autoimmune hepatitis. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 10:1163-1174. [PMID: 27215278 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2016.1193004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a severe life-threatening hepatopathy of unknown etiology, affecting both pediatric and adult populations, and characterised by inflammatory liver histology, circulating non-organ-specific autoantibodies, and hypergammaglobulinaemia. AIH is a very heterogeneous disease with a variety of clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic liver test abnormalities to acute severe hepatitis or even acute liver failure. It responds very well to immunosuppressive treatment with prednisolone with or without azathioprine. Patients who are intolerant or fail to respond to standard therapy are candidates for alternative immunosuppressive regimens, the combination of steroids with mycophenolate mofetil or calcineurin inhibitors being the most frequently reported. The pathogenesis of AIH remains not completely understood, although there is evidence that genetic predisposition, molecular mimicry and defective immunoregulatory mechanisms contribute to the autoimmune liver damage. Areas covered: A literature search was conducted using the key-words 'autoimmune hepatitis', 'immunogenetics', 'regulatory T-cells' and 'immunosuppression'. The aim of this review is to discuss recent breakthroughs in the understanding AIH pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Expert commentary: Progress in the understanding of AIH pathogenesis is likely to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies, such as the adoptive transfer of autologous expanded antigen-specific regulatory T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Liberal
- a Institute of Liver Studies and Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre , King's College Hospital , London , UK
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- a Institute of Liver Studies and Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre , King's College Hospital , London , UK
| | - Diego Vergani
- a Institute of Liver Studies and Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre , King's College Hospital , London , UK
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Liberal R, Krawitt EL, Vierling JM, Manns MP, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. Cutting edge issues in autoimmune hepatitis. J Autoimmun 2016; 75:6-19. [PMID: 27502148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a severe liver disease affecting all age groups worldwide. Novel basic and clinical aspects of AIH, addressed at a Monothematic Conference in London in September 2015, are highlighted in this review. The diagnosis of AIH relies upon detection of characteristic autoantibodies, hypergammaglobulinemia, and interface hepatitis on liver histology. The International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) has devised diagnostic scoring systems to help in comparative studies and clinical practice. AIH arises in a genetically predisposed host, when yet unknown triggers - such an encounter with a pathogen - lead to a T cell-mediated immune response targeting liver autoantigens. This immune response is inadequately controlled because regulatory mechanisms are impaired. The mainstay of treatment for AIH is immunosuppression, which should be instituted as soon as the diagnosis is made. Standard treatment regimens include relatively high doses of predniso(lo)ne, which are tapered gradually as azathioprine is introduced. Recent guidelines have described newer treatment regimens and have tightened the goal of therapy to complete normalization of biochemical, serological and histological parameters. Mycophenolate mofetil, calcineurin inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors and biological agents are potential salvage therapies, but should be reserved for selected non-responsive patients and administered only in experienced centers. Liver transplantation is a life-saving option for those patients who progress to end-stage liver disease. Further dissection of cellular and molecular pathways involved in AIH pathogenesis is likely to lead to the discovery of novel, tailored and better tolerated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Liberal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Edward L Krawitt
- Department of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - John M Vierling
- Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Baylor-St Luke's Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK; Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Diego Vergani
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
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Acute onset seronegative autoimmune hepatitis: are simplified diagnostic criteria sufficient? Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 28:607-8. [PMID: 27010476 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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34
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Fallon MB, Kanwal F, El-Serag HB. The Art and Science of Managing Liver Disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 13:2029-30. [PMID: 26325399 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2015.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Hashem B El-Serag
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Androutsakos T, Stamopoulos P, Aroni K, Hatzis G. A case report of successful treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum in a patient with autoimmune hepatitis, and review of the literature. BMC Gastroenterol 2015; 15:149. [PMID: 26502871 PMCID: PMC4624371 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-015-0376-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pyoderma Gangrenosum (PG) is a cutaneous condition, its diagnosis suggested by the presence of a painful cutaneous ulcer showing rapid progression. Pyoderma gangrenosum is associated with a concomitant systemic disease in 50 to 70 % of cases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, and lymphoproliferative disorders. Although PG has also been reported with viral hepatitis, it is rarely associated with autoimmune hepatitis. Case presentation A 19-year-old Caucasian female, with a prior diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in remission, presented with bilateral lower limb ulcers 4 years after the diagnosis of AIH. She was diagnosed with PG and treated with high-dose prednisolone, methotrexate and cyclosporine. One year later she was well, the ulcers completely healed, and with the autoimmune hepatitis still in remission. Conclusion We report a case of autoimmune hepatitis and the subsequent, rarely occurring, extra-hepatic onset of pyoderma gangrenosum, with the AIH in remission, strengthening the association between the two conditions. Since both the AIH and the PG can present serious diagnostic challenges, thus delaying vital therapy, it is important that the development of either prompts us to consider the possibility of the other developing in the future or if already present facilitate its diagnosis, such considerations making the case for a systematic follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Androutsakos
- Pathophysiology Department, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.
| | - Paraskevas Stamopoulos
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.
| | - Kiriaki Aroni
- Department of Dermatopathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Gregorios Hatzis
- Pathophysiology Department, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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