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Li M, Chen S, Li S, Lv T, Li B, Shan S, Li M, Zeng N, Wang Q, Kong Y, Ma H, Zhao X, Ou X, You H, Duan W, Jia J. Add-on immunosuppressive therapy may benefit selected patients with primary biliary cholangitis and autoimmune phenomena. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2024; 17:17562848231224840. [PMID: 38250015 PMCID: PMC10798075 DOI: 10.1177/17562848231224840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mildly elevated levels of transaminase and/or immunoglobulin G (IgG) are common in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). It is still unclear whether adding immunosuppressive therapy to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) benefits those patients who are not fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of PBC with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) features. Objectives To assess the efficacy of adding immunosuppressive therapy to UDCA for patients with PBC and autoimmune phenomena but not fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of PBC with AIH features. Design This is a retrospective-prospective cohort study in a tertiary medical center. Methods Patients with PBC and autoimmune phenomena were defined by the elevation of IgG and/or transaminase but did not fulfill the diagnostic criteria of PBC with AIH features. We grouped these patients based on with and without add-on immunosuppressive therapy and balanced their baseline characteristics using inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW). Results A total of 652 patients with PBC and autoimmune phenomena were included, with a median follow-up of 4.08 years. After IPTW, the pseudo sample size in the add-on therapy and monotherapy groups was 558 and 655, respectively. After 1 year of observation, patients in the add-on therapy group had a higher biochemical response rate (normalization of transaminase and IgG levels) (49% versus 17%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, add-on therapy improved the transplant-free survival in the subgroup of patients with PBC and transaminase ⩾3 × upper limit of normal (ULN) or IgG ⩾1.3 × ULN (p = 0.033). Conclusion Add-on immunosuppressive therapy may improve the normalization rates of transaminase and IgG levels in all patients with PBC and mildly elevated transaminase and IgG levels and the long-term outcomes in the subgroup of the patients with transaminase ⩾3 × ULN or IgG ⩾1.3 × ULN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Li
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Chen
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shuxiang Li
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Lv
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Buer Li
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Shan
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Min Li
- Clinical Epidemiology and EBM Unit, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zeng
- Clinical Epidemiology and EBM Unit, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Qianyi Wang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Kong
- Clinical Epidemiology and EBM Unit, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Ma
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyan Zhao
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Ou
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Weijia Duan
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong-an Road, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jidong Jia
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong-an Road, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
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Early histopathologic changes in primary biliary cholangitis: does 'minimal change' primary biliary cholangitis exist? A pathologist's view. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 33:e7-e12. [PMID: 32804848 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), formerly known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is an autoimmune, slowly progressive, cholestatic liver disease characterized by nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis, and interlobular bile duct destruction. Necroinflammatory activities of the hepatic parenchyma and limiting plates of milder form along with late liver fibrosis may develop. Serum liver tests include elevated serum alkaline phosphatase along with a positive antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) in nearly 95% of patients. Liver biopsies are an important confirmatory and staging tool and are additionally very helpful when AMA is negative. More specifically, the earliest changes in liver biopsy suspicious for PBC can be detected, namely loss of the canals of Hering (CoH), as proposed by various authors recently. CoH loss has been described as an early feature of PBC. We focus on early histologic features of PBC, investigating through the literature the possible role of 'minimal change' supporting the clinical diagnosis of PBC, even in the absence of characteristic granulomatous duct destructive lesions.
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Montano-Loza AJ, Corpechot C. Definition and Management of Patients With Primary Biliary Cholangitis and an Incomplete Response to Therapy. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:2241-2251.e1. [PMID: 32629125 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.06.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an immune-mediated chronic liver disease characterized by biliary epithelial injury, cholestasis, and progressive fibrosis that can lead to cirrhosis and requirement for liver transplantation. All patients with PBC should receive initial treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and odds for response are based on characteristics at baseline. It is important to have clear definitions of patients at risk for a poor response to therapy, of biochemical markers of an incomplete response, and standardized management. Patients typically are assessed after 12 months of treatment with UDCA for biochemical markers of response. However, evaluation at 6 months has been proposed for patients with more severe disease or symptoms (such as pruritus or fatigue). Markers of response to therapy include reduced serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin (Paris-2, Toronto, GLOBE, and so forth); patients with high levels of total and conjugated bilirubin or levels of alkaline phosphatase more than 1.5-fold the upper limit of normal should be considered for second-line therapy. Patients with adequate biochemical responses can continue UDCA monotherapy. Incomplete responders should be considered for second-line therapies with obeticholic acid (licensed) or fibrates (unlicensed) in addition to continued treatment with UDCA. Patients with PBC should be followed up for life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo J Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Christophe Corpechot
- Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, European Reference Network Rare-Liver, Saint-Antoine Research Center, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.
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Mack CL, Adams D, Assis DN, Kerkar N, Manns MP, Mayo MJ, Vierling JM, Alsawas M, Murad MH, Czaja AJ. Diagnosis and Management of Autoimmune Hepatitis in Adults and Children: 2019 Practice Guidance and Guidelines From the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2020; 72:671-722. [PMID: 31863477 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 441] [Impact Index Per Article: 110.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cara L Mack
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - David Adams
- Centre for Liver Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - David N Assis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Nanda Kerkar
- Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marlyn J Mayo
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas SW Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - John M Vierling
- Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Mohammad H Murad
- Mayo Knowledge and Encounter Research Unit, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
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Freedman BL, Danford CJ, Patwardhan V, Bonder A. Treatment of Overlap Syndromes in Autoimmune Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9051449. [PMID: 32414025 PMCID: PMC7291241 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of overlap syndromes is guided by small observational studies whose data have never been synthesized in a rigorous, quantitative manner. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of available treatments for these rare and morbid conditions. We searched the literature for studies comparing ≥2 therapies for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)-primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), AIH-primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), PBC-PSC, AIH-PBC-PSC, autoimmune cholangitis (AIC), or autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC) with respect to various clinical outcomes, including biochemical improvement and transplant-free survival. A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria for AIH-PBC, AIH-PSC, AIC, and ASC. AIH-PBC patients tended to experience more biochemical improvement with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) + [corticosteroids and/or antimetabolites], i.e., "combination therapy", than with corticosteroids ± azathioprine (RR = 4.00, 95% CI 0.93-17.18). AIH-PBC patients had higher transplant-free survival with combination therapy than with UDCA, but only when studies with follow-up periods ≤90 months were excluded (RR = 6.50, 95% CI 1.47-28.83). Combination therapy may therefore be superior to both UDCA and corticosteroids ± azathioprine for the treatment of AIH-PBC, but additional studies are needed to show this definitively and to elucidate optimal treatments for other overlap syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L. Freedman
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Christopher J. Danford
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave., Dana 603, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Vilas Patwardhan
- Liver Center, Autoimmune and Cholestatic Liver Disease Program, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 110 Francis St. Suite 8E, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Alan Bonder
- Liver Center, Autoimmune and Cholestatic Liver Disease Program, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 110 Francis St. Suite 8E, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-617-632-1070
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EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: The diagnosis and management of patients with primary biliary cholangitis. J Hepatol 2017; 67:145-172. [PMID: 28427765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 766] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune cholestatic liver disease, which when untreated will culminate in end-stage biliary cirrhosis. Diagnosis is usually based on the presence of serum liver tests indicative of a cholestatic hepatitis in association with circulating antimitochondrial antibodies. Patient presentation and course can be diverse and risk stratification is important to ensure all patients receive a personalised approach to their care. The goals of treatment and management are the prevention of end-stage liver disease, and the amelioration of associated symptoms. Pharmacologic approaches in practice, to reduce the impact of the progressive nature of disease, currently include licensed therapies (ursodeoxycholic acid and obeticholic acid) and off-label therapies (fibric acid derivatives, budesonide). These clinical practice guidelines summarise the evidence for the importance of a structured, life-long and individualised, approach to the care of patients with PBC, providing a framework to help clinicians diagnose and effectively manage patients.
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Purohit T, Cappell MS. Primary biliary cirrhosis: Pathophysiology, clinical presentation and therapy. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:926-941. [PMID: 25954476 PMCID: PMC4419097 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i7.926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an autoimmune, slowly progressive, cholestatic, liver disease characterized by a triad of chronic cholestasis, circulating anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA), and characteristic liver biopsy findings of nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis and interlobular bile duct destruction. About 10% of PBC patients, however, lack AMA. A variant, called PBC-autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) overlap, is characterized by the above findings of PBC together with findings of elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, elevated serum immunoglobulin G, and circulating anti-smooth muscle antibodies, with liver biopsy demonstrating periportal or periseptal, lymphocytic, piecemeal necrosis. PBC is hypothesized to be related to environmental exposure in genetically vulnerable individuals. It typically occurs in middle-aged females. Prominent clinical features include fatigue, pruritis, jaundice, xanthomas, osteoporosis, and dyslipidemia. The Mayo Risk score is the most widely used and best prognostic system. Ursodeoxycholic acid is the primary therapy. It works partly by reducing the concentration and injury from relatively toxic bile acids. PBC-AIH overlap syndrome is treated with ursodeoxycholic acid and corticosteroids, especially budesonide. Obeticholic acid and fibrate are promising new, but incompletely tested, therapies. Liver transplantation is the definitive therapy for advanced disease, with about 70% 10-year survival after transplantation. Management of pruritis includes local skin care, dermatologist referral, avoiding potential pruritogens, cholestyramine, and possibly opioid antagonists, sertraline, or rifaximin. Management of osteoporosis includes life-style modifications, administration of calcium and vitamin D, and alendronate. Statins are relatively safe to treat the osteopenia associated with PBC. Associated Sjogren’s syndrome is treated by artificial tears, cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion to stimulate tear production; and saliva substitutes, cholinergic agents, and scrupulous oral and dental care. Complications of cirrhosis from advanced PBC include esophageal varices, ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, and hepatoma formation.
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Abstract
Overlapping features between autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and cholestatic disorders (primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), or indeterminate cholestasis), so-called overlap syndromes, usually have a progressive course toward cirrhosis and liver failure without adequate treatment. The diagnosis of overlap syndrome requires the prominent features of classic AIH and secondary objective findings of PBC or PSC. Empiric treatment for patients with AIH-PBC overlap is immunosuppressive therapy plus ursodeoxycholic acid. Empiric treatment for patients with AIH-PSC and AIH-cholestatic overlap is immunosuppressive therapy with or without ursodeoxycholic acid. Liver transplantation is indicated for patients who have end-stage liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chalermrat Bunchorntavakul
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 2 Dulles, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Rajavithi Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Rajavithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - K Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 2 Dulles, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Fang YQ, Lv DX, Jia W, Li J, Deng YQ, Wang Y, Yu M, Wang GQ. Case-control study on prednisolone combined with ursodeoxycholic acid and azathioprine in pure primary biliary cirrhosis with high levels of immunoglobulin G and transaminases: efficacy and safety analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2014; 93:e104. [PMID: 25365404 PMCID: PMC4616301 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to address the use of glucocorticoids in the comparatively special population of pure primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) patients who have high levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and transaminases but do not have PBC-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is now assumed to be the standard therapy for PBC patients. However, patients treated with UDCA still have a risk of progression to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. The most recent European Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines of 2009 declared that further studies on glucocorticoid therapy in this disease should be a priority. Therefore, we designed this 3-year longitudinal retrospective study, which might provide deep insight into the treatment for PBC.The aim of this study was to assess whether the combination of prednisolone, UDCA, and azathioprine was superior to UDCA alone in these PBC patients.Sixty patients were enrolled in this study. Thirty-one patients underwent UDCA monotherapy, and 29 patients were treated with prednisolone, UDCA, and azathioprine. We analyzed their biochemistries, immune parameters, liver synthetic function, and noninvasive assessments of liver fibrosis, as well as treatment efficacy and adverse effects at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months.Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels and the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and S-index improved dramatically in both groups, whereas IgG levels only decreased in the combination group (all P < 0.05). Albumin (ALB) levels decreased in the UDCA group but increased with the combination treatment at 36 months. Significant differences between the 2 groups were observed at 36 months in ALP (P = 0.005), IgG (P = 0.002), ALB (P = 0.002), APRI (P = 0.015), and S-index (P = 0.020). Prednisolone combined with UDCA and azathioprine showed a higher efficacy based on our new criteria.The combination of prednisolone, UDCA, and azathioprine is superior to UDCA alone for the treatment of pure PBC patients with high levels of IgG and transaminases. Side effects were minimal or absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qing Fang
- Centre for Liver Diseases and Department of Infectious Diseases (Y-QF, WJ, JL, Y-QD, YW, MY, G-QW), Peking University First Hospital, Xicheng District, Beijing; and Department of Infectious Diseases (D-XL), Sixth Hospital of Shenyang, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Cholestatic phenotypes of autoimmune hepatitis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 12:1430-8. [PMID: 24013108 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2013.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis can have cholestatic features that are outside the codified diagnostic criteria. These features have uncertain effects on the clinical presentation and progression of disease. Patients with autoimmune hepatitis can have antimitochondrial antibodies and coincidental bile duct injury or loss (2%-13% of patients), focal biliary strictures and dilations based on cholangiography (2%-11%), or histologic changes of bile duct injury or loss in the absence of other features (5%-11%). These findings probably represent atypical manifestations of autoimmune hepatitis or variants of primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis, depending on the predominant findings. Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transferase, histologic features of bile duct injury, and findings from cholangiography are associated with responsiveness to corticosteroid therapy and individualized alternative treatments. Corticosteroid therapy, in combination with low-dose ursodeoxycholic acid, has been promulgated by international societies, but these recommendations are not based on strong evidence. The frequency, variable outcomes, and uncertainties in diagnosis and management of the cholestatic phenotypes must be addressed by a collaborative investigational network. This network should define the genetic and pathologic features of these disorders, standardize their nomenclature, and establish a treatment algorithm. In this review, the different cholestatic phenotypes of autoimmune hepatitis, mechanisms of pathogenesis, current management strategies and outcomes, and opportunities for improving understanding and therapy are presented.
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Diagnosis and management of the overlap syndromes of autoimmune hepatitis. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2014; 27:417-23. [PMID: 23862175 DOI: 10.1155/2013/198070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis may have cholestatic features that are outside the classical phenotype and that resemble findings in other immune-mediated liver diseases. These cholestatic phenotypes have been designated 'overlap syndromes'. OBJECTIVES To recognize the overlap syndromes in adults and manage them appropriately. METHODS The MEDLINE database was reviewed for published experiences from 1984 to 2013. RESULTS Patients with autoimmune hepatitis may exhibit features of primary biliary cirrhosis (7% to 13%), primary sclerosing cholangitis (6% to 11%) or a cholestatic syndrome without other diagnostic features (5% to 11%). These mixed phenotypes may represent classical autoimmune hepatitis with atypical features, transition states in the evolution of classical cholestatic syndromes, concurrent separate diseases or pathogenically distinct disorders. The 'Paris criteria' have been endorsed for the diagnosis of the overlap syndrome with primary biliary cirrhosis, and treatment with conventional immunosuppressive therapy alone or in combination with low-dose ursodeoxycholic acid can be guided by the serum alkaline phosphatase level. The overlap syndrome with primary sclerosing cholangitis or with cholestasis without diagnostic features is commonly treated with immunosuppressive therapy and ursodeoxycholic acid. Responses are variable and commonly incomplete (20% to 100% improvement) depending on the degree of cholestasis. DISCUSSION The overlap syndromes are clinical descriptions rather than pathological entities, and the dominant component of the disease determines its designation and therapy. Cholestatic findings in autoimmune hepatitis influence the response to immunosuppressive therapy. CONCLUSION The overlap syndromes must be considered in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and cholestatic findings, concurrent inflammatory bowel disease or steroid-refractory disease.
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Abstract
Overlap syndrome in hepatology is emerging as a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, which is further complicated by the present gaps in the information regarding the immunopathogenesis of these diseases. The present review represents a concise review of literature on overlap syndromes with emphasis on prevalence, etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of true overlap syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Dhiman
- Department of Biochemistry, JIPMER, Dhanvantari Nagar, Puducherry, India
| | - Sharad Malhotra
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre, New Delhi, India,Address for correspondence: Dr. Sharad Malhotra, Consultant, Medical Gastroenterology, Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre, New Delhi, India. E-mail:
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Hagymási K, Tulassay Z. [Review of overlap syndromes in autoimmune liver diseases. Diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties]. Orv Hetil 2013; 154:923-9. [PMID: 23752047 DOI: 10.1556/oh.2013.29640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Overlap syndromes are biochemical, serological, histological and radiological overlaps across the classic autoimmune liver diseases in the presence of autoimmun hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis. The exact prevalence of the disease is not known, but it may vary between 5% and 20%. Because it has no generally accepted diagnostic criteria, clinical signs, biochemical, serological, radiological and histological findings are evaluated together. Treatment depends on the predominant feature of the overlap syndrome; ursodeoxycholic acid and/or immunsuppressive (corticosteroid) treatment are used, based on observations from retrospective, non-randomized studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Hagymási
- Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar, II. Belgyógyászati Klinika, Budapest.
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis has two major variant phenotypes in which the features of classical disease are co-mingled with those of primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis. These overlap syndromes lack codified diagnostic criteria, established pathogenic mechanisms, and confident management strategies. Their clinical importance relates mainly to the identification of patients who respond poorly to conventional corticosteroid treatment. Scoring systems that lack discriminative power have been used in their definition, and a clinical phenotype based on pre-defined laboratory and histological findings has not been promulgated. The frequency of overlap with primary biliary cirrhosis is 7-13 %, and the frequency of overlap with primary sclerosing cholangitis is 8-17 %. Patients with autoimmune hepatitis and features of cholestatic disease must be distinguished from patients with cholestatic disease and features of autoimmune hepatitis. Variants of the overlap syndromes include patients with small duct primary sclerosing cholangitis, antimitochondrial antibody-negative primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis, and immunoglobulin G4-associated disease. Conventional corticosteroid therapy alone or in conjunction with ursodeoxycholic acid (13-15 mg/kg daily) has been variably effective, and cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and budesonide have been beneficial in selected patients. The key cholestatic features that influence the prognosis of autoimmune hepatitis must be defined and incorporated into the definition of the syndrome rather than rely on designations that imply the co-mingling of different diseases with manifestations of variable clinical relevance. The overlap syndromes in autoimmune hepatitis are imprecise, heterogeneous, and unfounded, but they constitute a clinical reality that must be accepted, diagnosed, refined, treated, and studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Overlap syndromes: the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) position statement on a controversial issue. J Hepatol 2011; 54:374-85. [PMID: 21067838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 324] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Revised: 08/30/2010] [Accepted: 09/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Some patients present with overlapping features between disorders within the spectrum of autoimmune liver diseases (i.e. autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)) and are commonly classified as having an "overlap syndrome". Standardized definitions of "overlap syndromes" are lacking. The aim of this report by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) is to evaluate if there are important reasons to classify conditions with overlapping features between autoimmune liver diseases as separate diagnostic entities. Definition of diagnostic criteria for overlap conditions can only be arbitrary. The IAIHG scoring system for diagnosis of AIH has been widely used to diagnose "overlap syndromes", but was not intended for such use and has not proven to be an efficient tool for this purpose. Some patients with overlapping features between a cholestatic and hepatitic disorder appear to benefit from treatment with a combination of ursodeoxycholic acid and immunosuppressants, but this strategy is not evidence-based, and it seems unjustified to define new diagnostic groups in this regard. The IAIHG suggests that patients with autoimmune liver disease should be categorized according to the predominating feature(s) as AIH, PBC, and PSC/small duct PSC, respectively, and that those with overlapping features are not considered as being distinct diagnostic entities. The IAIHG scoring system should not be used to establish subgroups of patients. Patients with PBC and PSC with features of AIH should be considered for immunosuppressive treatment. Due to the low prevalence of such "overlap syndromes", prospective interventional therapeutic trials cannot be expected in the foreseeable future.
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Efe C, Ozaslan E, Nasiroglu N, Tunca H, Purnak T, Altiparmak E. The development of autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis overlap syndrome during the course of connective tissue diseases: report of three cases and review of the literature. Dig Dis Sci 2010; 55:2417-21. [PMID: 19826950 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-009-0996-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2009] [Accepted: 09/15/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
- Cholagogues and Choleretics/therapeutic use
- Cholangitis, Sclerosing/complications
- Cholangitis, Sclerosing/drug therapy
- Female
- Hepatitis, Autoimmune/complications
- Hepatitis, Autoimmune/drug therapy
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use
- Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary/complications
- Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary/drug therapy
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy
- Middle Aged
- Scleroderma, Systemic/complications
- Scleroderma, Systemic/drug therapy
- Sjogren's Syndrome/complications
- Sjogren's Syndrome/drug therapy
- Ursodeoxycholic Acid/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Numune Education and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
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Hindorf U, Jahed K, Bergquist A, Verbaan H, Prytz H, Wallerstedt S, Werner M, Olsson R, Björnsson E, Peterson C, Almer SHC. Characterisation and utility of thiopurine methyltransferase and thiopurine metabolite measurements in autoimmune hepatitis. J Hepatol 2010; 52:106-11. [PMID: 19906459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2009.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2009] [Revised: 06/09/2009] [Accepted: 07/05/2009] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Corticosteroids alone or in conjunction with azathioprine (AZA) is the standard treatment in autoimmune hepatitis (AiH). Individual variations in thiopurine (TP) metabolism may affect both drug efficacy and toxicity. Our aim was to investigate the utility of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) as well as thioguanine nucleotide (TGN) and methylthioinosine monophosphate (meTIMP) metabolite measurements with regard to clinical outcome. METHODS Two hundred thirty-eight patients with AiH were included in this cross-sectional study. TPMT status was assessed in all patients, while TGN and meTIMP were measured in patients with ongoing TP medication. Clinical outcome was evaluated by liver tests and the ability to withdraw steroids. RESULTS TPMT genotyping (n=229) revealed 207 (90.4%) wild-type and 22 heterozygous patients. One hundred forty-three patients had ongoing TP therapy with AZA (n=134) or mercaptopurine (MP; n=9); response was judged as complete response (CR) in 113 patients and partial response (PR) in 30 patients. Both TP dose (1.64 vs 1.19 mg/kg; p=0.012) and TPMT activity (14.3 vs 13.5; p=0.05) were higher in PR, resulting in similar TGN levels (PR: 121 pmol/8 x 10(8) red blood cells [RBC]; CR: 113 pmol/8 x 10(8) RBC; p=0.33) but higher meTIMP levels in PR (1350 vs 400 pmol/8 x 10(8) RBC; p=0.004). Patients able to withdraw steroids or who were using 5 mg prednisolone daily were treated with lower TP doses than patients on higher steroid doses (1.15 vs 1.18 vs 1.82 mg/kg; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS TP metabolite measurements are of clinical value in AiH patients who do not respond to standard TP treatment and for the identification of a shifted metabolism, which may demand an alternative treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Hindorf
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University Hospital, 22185 Lund, Sweden.
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