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Dalekos GN, Gatselis NK. Autoimmune serology testing in clinical practice: An updated roadmap for the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 108:9-17. [PMID: 36400668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is in most cases challenging for clinicians as there is not a single specific laboratory or histological marker to diagnose or exclude the presence of the disease. The clinical spectrum of AIH varies from completely asymptomatic to acute-severe or even rarely fulminant hepatic failure, while everybody can be affected irrespective of age, gender, and ethnicity. The old revised and the newer simplified diagnostic scores have been established by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) in 1999 and 2008, respectively, which are based on several clinical, laboratory and histological parameters. Additionally, a thorough differential diagnosis from other diseases mimicking AIH is absolutely indicated. In this context, autoantibodies detection in patients with suspected AIH is mandatory -even though not pathognomonic- not only for AIH diagnosis but furthermore, for AIH classification (AIH-type 1 and AIH-type 2). Although autoimmune serology can be supportive of AIH diagnosis in ≥95% of cases if testing has been performed according to the IAIHG guidelines, this is not the case under real-life circumstances in routine clinical laboratories. Clinicians should be careful both for the importance of the required testing and how to interpret the results and therefore, they should communicate and discuss with the laboratory personnel to achieve the maximum benefit for the patient. Herein, a detailed and updated review of the diagnostic work-up for AIH diagnosis under real-life conditions is given to minimize the underestimation and misdiagnosis of AIH which can result in progression of the disease and unfavourable outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
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Rigopoulou EI, Gatselis N, Arvaniti P, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. Alcoholic liver disease and autoimmune hepatitis: Sometimes a closer look under the surface is needed. Eur J Intern Med 2021; 85:86-91. [PMID: 33451888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2020.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Differential diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) incorporates various liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We report on clinical, laboratory and outcome characteristics of AIH patients who were initially referred as ALD based on increased alcohol consumption (AIH/ALD). METHODS From 2000-2019, we retrospectively identified 12 AIH/ALD patients [9 males, age: 61 (30-73) years] in our prospective data base of 317 AIH patients. RESULTS AIH diagnosis was based on aminotransferases elevation in 10 patients, high IgG in 8, compatible autoantibody profile in all and typical/compatible histology in all 9 with available biopsy. There were no significant differences of baseline demographics, presentation, cirrhosis at diagnosis, response to treatment and simplified score compared to 45 age- and sex-matched AIH patients without alcohol consumption and 44 age- and sex-matched ALD patients. However, the AIH/ALD cohort was characterized by more frequent progression to cirrhosis, higher liver-related deaths and overall mortality compared to AIH, though similar to the ALD group. AST/ALT ratio>1 seems to bear a good positive (0.84) and negative predictive value (0.88) for ALD and AIH diagnosis, respectively, but cannot help in discriminating the AIH/ALD variant. CONCLUSIONS AIH should not be forgotten in patients with alcohol use when clinical and laboratory features hint towards the diagnosis of AIH/ALD variant as this group seems to have worse outcome compared to those with AIH alone suggesting the need for closer follow-up and surveillance. Reliable autoantibody testing and cautious interpretation of liver histology appear mandatory for AIH diagnosis in these difficult to diagnose cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini I Rigopoulou
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, 41447 Larissa, Greece; Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Gatselis
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, 41447 Larissa, Greece; Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Arvaniti
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - George K Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - George N Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, 41447 Larissa, Greece; Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece.
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Mühling T, Rohrbach H, Schepp W, Gundling F. Overlap of concurrent extrahepatic autoimmune diseases is associated with milder disease severity of newly diagnosed autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2021; 20:21-27. [PMID: 32830050 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2020.06.019] [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: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concurrent extrahepatic autoimmune disorders (CEHAID) are frequently observed in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). It is not clear whether there is any prognostic significance of CEHAID on AIH. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic impact of CEHAID and the correlation with the disease severity of AIH. METHODS This study included 65 hospitalized subjects who fulfilled the accepted criteria for AIH during an 8-year period (2009-2016). All records were manually screened for presence of associated autoimmune diseases. Disease severity of AIH was assessed by liver laboratory tests including the ratio of aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) and liver histology. RESULTS Among the enrolled patients, 52 (80%) were female (median age 61 years, IQR 45-75). Fifty-six (86.2%) were classified as type-1 AIH. In 26 (40%) patients at least one additional extrahepatic autoimmune disease was diagnosed. Thirty-four subjects were referred to our hospital because of acute presentation of AIH (supposed by an acute elevation of hepatic enzymes) for subsequent liver biopsy resulting in initial diagnosis of AIH. This group was stratified into 3 subgroups: (A) AIH alone (n = 14); (B) overlap with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) / primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (n = 11); and (C) with CEHAID (n = 9). AST/ALT ratio was the lowest in subgroup C (median 0.64, IQR 0.51-0.94; P = 0.023), compared to subgroup A (median 0.91, IQR 0.66-1.10) and subgroup B (median 1.10, IQR 0.89-1.36). Patients with AIH alone showed a trend to the highest grade of fibrosis (mean 2.3; 95% CI: 1.5-3.0) with no statistical significance compared to subjects with CEHAID (lowest grade of fibrosis; mean 1.5; 95% CI: 0.2-2.8; P = 0.380) whereas the ongoing inflammation was comparable. CONCLUSIONS AST/ALT ratio and extent of fibrosis were lower in subjects with AIH and CEHAID, compared to subjects with only AIH. Therefore, the occurrence of CEHAID might be a predictor for lower disease severity of newly diagnosed acute onset AIH, possibly caused by an earlier diagnosis or different modes of damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Mühling
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine II, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Helmut Rohrbach
- Department of Pathology, Academic Teaching Hospital Bogenhausen, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81925, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schepp
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, Academic Teaching Hospital Bogenhausen, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81925, Germany
| | - Felix Gundling
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, Academic Teaching Hospital Bogenhausen, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81925, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Diabetology, Kemperhof Koblenz, Koblenz, Germany.
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Dalekos GN, Koskinas J, Papatheodoridis GV. Hellenic Association for the Study of the Liver Clinical Practice Guidelines: Autoimmune hepatitis. Ann Gastroenterol 2019; 32:1-23. [PMID: 30598587 PMCID: PMC6302199 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2018.0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare acute or chronic liver disease of unknown etiology characterized by large heterogeneity. Its distribution is global, covering all ages, both sexes and all ethnic groups. The aim of the present Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) of the Hellenic Association for the Study of the Liver was to provide updated guidance and help to gastroenterologists, hepatologists, internists and general practitioners for AIH diagnosis and management. AIH diagnosis is based on clinicopathological characteristics: namely, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, particularly of immunoglobulin G (IgG), circulating autoantibodies, interface hepatitis on liver histology, absence of viral hepatitis, and a favorable response to immunosuppression. Clinical manifestations at disease onset are variable, ranging from asymptomatic to the acute/severe form. Aminotransferase and bilirubin levels vary, while the presence of hepatitis at the histological level is a prerequisite for diagnosis. Autoantibodies are the hallmark for AIH diagnosis; therefore, the CPG describe the appropriate serological algorithm for their detection. AIH therapy should aim to achieve complete biochemical (normalization of IgG and aminotransferases) and histological remission. All patients who have active disease, even those with cirrhosis, should be treated with individualized and response-guided induction therapy using prednisolone in combination with azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil as first-line therapy. Immunosuppression should be given for at least 3 years and for at least 2 years after the achievement of complete biochemical response, while a liver biopsy should be recommended before treatment discontinuation. Current CPG are also provided for several specific conditions and difficult-to-treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N. Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa (George N. Dalekos)
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa (George N. Dalekos)
| | - John Koskinas
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Hippokratio” General Hospital of Athens, Athens (John Koskinas)
| | - George V. Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Laiko” General Hospital of Athens, Athens (George V. Papatheodoridis), Greece
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Zachou K, Gatselis NK, Arvaniti P, Gabeta S, Rigopoulou EI, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. A real-world study focused on the long-term efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil as first-line treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 43:1035-47. [PMID: 26991238 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Front-line therapy with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has shown high on-treatment remission rates. AIM To study prospectively in a real-world fashion the long-term outcome of a large group of consecutive treatment-naïve AIH patients. METHODS Between 2000 and 2014, 158 patients were recruited but only 131 were eligible for treatment (109 MMF/prednisolone; 22 prednisolone ± azathioprine). Long-term data on outcome after drug withdrawal were evaluated. Patients stopped treatment after having achieved complete response (normal transaminases and IgG) for at least the last 2 years. RESULTS At diagnosis, 31.6% of patients had cirrhosis and 72.8% insidious presentation. A total of 102 of 109 (93.6%) responded initially to MMF within 2 (1-18) months. A total of 78 of 109 (71.6%) had complete response on treatment and 61 of 78 (78.2%) maintained remission off prednisolone. MMF-treated patients had increased probability of complete response compared to those receiving azathioprine (P = 0.03). Independent predictors of complete response were lower ALT at 6 months (P = 0.001) and acute presentation (P = 0.03). So far, treatment withdrawal was feasible in 40/109 patients and 30 (75%) are still in remission after 24 (2-129) months. Remission maintenance was associated with longer MMF treatment (P = 0.005), higher baseline ALT (P < 0.02), lower IgG on 6 months (P = 0.004) and histological improvement. CONCLUSIONS Mycophenolate mofetil proved to be an efficient first-line treatment for AIH, achieving so far the highest rates of remission maintenance off treatment (75%) ever published for at least a median of 2 years, although the remission criteria used were strict. However, the risk of potential bias and overestimation of intervention benefits from MMF cannot be completely excluded as this is a real world and not a randomised controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - N K Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - P Arvaniti
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - S Gabeta
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - E I Rigopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - G K Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - G N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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Affiliation(s)
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- EASL office, 7 Rue Daubin, CH 1203 Geneva, Switzerland,
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Gatselis NK, Zachou K, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. Autoimmune hepatitis, one disease with many faces: Etiopathogenetic, clinico-laboratory and histological characteristics. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:60-83. [PMID: 25574080 PMCID: PMC4284362 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an unresolving progressive liver disease of unknown etiology characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, autoantibodies detection and interface hepatitis. Due to the absence of specific diagnostic markers and the large heterogeneity of its clinical, laboratory and histological features, AIH diagnosis may be potentially difficult. Therefore, in this in-depth review we summarize the substantial progress on etiopathogenesis, clinical, serological and histological phenotypes of AIH. AIH has a global distribution affecting any age, both sexes and all ethnic groups. Clinical manifestations vary from asymptomatic to severe or rarely fulminant hepatitis. Hypergammaglobulinemia with selective elevation of IgG is found in most cases. Autoimmune attack is perpetuated, possibly via molecular mimicry, and favored by the impaired control of T-regulatory cells. Histology (interface hepatitis, emperipolesis and hepatic rosette formation) and autoantibodies detection although not pathognomonic, are still the hallmark for a timely diagnosis. AIH remains a major diagnostic challenge. AIH should be considered in every case in the absence of viral, metabolic, genetic and toxic etiology of chronic or acute hepatitis. Laboratory personnel, hepato-pathologists and clinicians need to become more familiar with disease expressions and the interpretation of liver histology and autoimmune serology to derive maximum benefit for the patient.
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