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Fujiwara K, Fukuda Y, Sanada M, Koizumi S, Seza K, Saito M, Yokosuka O, Kato N. Analysis of autoimmune hepatitis with acute presentation in the early stage of illness. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024. [PMID: 38860418 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM There is no gold standard for making the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and the diagnosis of acute onset AIH (A-AIH) is most challenging. A-AIH sometimes develops into acute liver failure with poor prognosis if the diagnosis is delayed. Therefore, it is most important for the better prognosis to diagnose non-severe A-AIH early and treat appropriately. However, features in the early stage of A-AIH are unclear. We examined initial characteristics of non-severe A-AIH in detail and tried to find novel clinical features for the early diagnosis. METHODS Clinical, biochemical, immunological, radiological, and histological features of 71 patients (54 women, mean age 57.9 ± 14.3 years) with non-severe A-AIH admitted to community hospitals between 2001 and 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULT Forty-six had no symptom on onset and liver injuries were discovered by regular medical checkups. The mean duration from onset to consultation was 25.0 ± 29.3 days. Liver histology showed acute hepatitis in 59% and chronic hepatitis in 41%. Patients with symptoms revealed more male sex (P = 0.039), higher alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.001), higher total bilirubin (P < 0.001), and higher rate of histological acute hepatitis (P = 0.0013) than those without symptoms significantly. Male sex, presence of symptoms on onset, occurrence of jaundice in the course, and histological acute hepatitis were correlated. CONCLUSIONS Sixty-five percent of non-severe A-AIH patients were asymptomatic on onset, suggesting that A-AIH would develop insidiously and present a longer clinical course than that reported. Male patients more often revealed true acute hepatitis clinically, biochemically, and histologically than female ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Fukuda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Seikeikai Chiba Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masahiko Sanada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yusokai Saisei Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shuko Koizumi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Seikeikai Chiba Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Katsushi Seza
- Department of Gastroenterology, Seikeikai Chiba Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masaya Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Seikeikai Chiba Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naoya Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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Wang CR, Tsai HW, Wu IC. Systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune hepatitis overlap disease in a hospitalized systemic lupus erythematosus cohort. J Formos Med Assoc 2024:S0929-6646(24)00279-1. [PMID: 38851914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is caused by disease activity or secondary conditions like coexistent autoimmune liver diseases. In Taiwan, despite sporadically reported cases of SLE-autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) overlap disease, larger-scale monocentric investigations for such overlapping patients are not available. Retrospective analyses were performed in a hospitalized SLE cohort with 805 patients for identifying co-existent AIH from 2014 to 2023, focusing on distinct therapeutic modalities and differential diagnosis between SLE-AIH overlap and lupus hepatitis (LH). There were 5 cases (a 0.6% occurrence), all females aged 25-58 years (44 ± 13). Ages for the SLE diagnosis were 19-51 years (30 ± 13), while ages for the AIH diagnosis were 22-57 years (36 ± 14). Contradictory to interface hepatitis in SLE-AIH overlap, liver biopsy only demonstrated non-specific abnormalities in LH. Liver cirrhosis was identified in SLE-AIH overlap but not in LH. After corticosteroids/azathioprine therapy, there were normalized liver function in all LH. In 2 SLE-AIH overlap cases refractory to such therapy, one received B-cell depletion therapy (annual rituximab infusion, 375 mg/m2 weekly × 4) and another accepted living-donor liver transplantation from sibling due to advanced liver cirrhosis, leading to improved hepatic dysfunction in both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrong-Reen Wang
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taiwan.
| | | | - I-Chin Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
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3
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Chi G, Pei J, Li X. Inflammatory bowel disease and risk of autoimmune hepatitis: A univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305220. [PMID: 38848323 PMCID: PMC11161122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to use Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the potential causal association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). METHODS Two-sample MR was performed to estimate the causal effect of IBD on AIH. The primary analysis employed the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method in univariable MR analysis, supplemented by additional methods including MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode. The p values were adjusted by FDR p-value adjustment. In the replication analysis, the primary IVW analysis was repeated and then pooled by meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses were performed using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, leave-one-out, and funnel plot analysis to evaluate the robustness of the MR findings. Additionally, multivariable MR (MVMR) was employed to estimate the direct causal effect of IBD on the risk of AIH. RESULTS In univariable MR analysis, a significant positive causal association was observed between IBD (both Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC)) and the risk of AIH (for CD and AIH, the IVW odds ratio (OR) = 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00-1.16, P = 0.045, FDR P = 0.045; for UC and AIH, the IVW OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.00-1.13, P = 0.038, FDR P = 0.076). Furthermore, no significant positive correlation between IBD and the risk of AIH (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.94-1.35, P = 0.194). Sensitivity analysis revealed no pleiotropic bias. MVMR analysis further confirmed the direct causal effect of CD or UC on the risk of AIH after adjusting for the common risk factors (cigarettes per day and osteoporosis). In the replication analysis, the positive causal association between UC and the risk of AIH remain significant (the IVW odds ratio (OR) = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.18-1.48, P = 2.90E-06). While no significant positive association was observed between CD or IBD and the risk of AIH in the replication analysis, a suggestive positive association between the identified risk factors (UC, CD, and IBD) and the risk of AIH was detected in the meta-analysis (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.05-1.13, P<0.0001). CONCLUSION This MR study revealed a positive impact of the identified risk factors (CD, UC and IBD) on the risk of AIH within the European population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Chi
- Department of Biochemistry, Changzhi Medical College, Changazhi, Shanxi, China
| | - Jinhong Pei
- Department of Biochemistry, Changzhi Medical College, Changazhi, Shanxi, China
| | - Xueqing Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Changzhi Medical College, Changazhi, Shanxi, China
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Oliveira EMG, Amaral ACDC, Oliveira PMC, Lanzoni VP, Perez RM, Narciso-Schiavon JL, Whale RC, Carvalho-Filho RJ, Silva AEB, Ferraz MLCG. Clinical Characteristics of Genuine Acute Autoimmune Hepatitis. GE PORTUGUESE JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2024; 31:173-181. [PMID: 38757065 PMCID: PMC11095594 DOI: 10.1159/000531018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has a spectrum of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic disease to acute severe hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, and decompensated cirrhosis. The acute presentation is not rare and could represent genuine acute AIH (GAAIH) or acute exacerbation of chronic autoimmune hepatitis. We aimed to identify the prevalence, clinical features, and prognostic factors associated with GAAIH and compare these cases with acute exacerbation of chronic AIH. Methods This cross-sectional observational study evaluated patients with acute AIH presentation, defined as total bilirubin >5 times the upper limit of normality (xULN) and/or alanine aminotransferase >10 xULN, and no prior history of liver disease. Histology findings of acute disease defined GAAIH. Bivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the GAAIH, when compared with acute exacerbation of chronic AIH. Results Seventy-two patients with acute presentation of AIH were included and six (8.3%) of them presented GAAIH. Comparative analysis between patients with GAAIH and patients with acute exacerbation of chronic AIH revealed that prothrombin activity (96% [74-100] vs. 61% [10-100]; p = 0.003) and albumin levels (3.9 ± 0.2 g/dL vs. 3.4 ± 0.5 g/dL; p < 0.001) were higher in patients with GAAIH. The International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group score was higher in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic AIH (18.5 [8-23] vs. 16.5 [15-17]; p = 0.010). Compared to 15.2% of acute exacerbation of chronic AIH, complete therapeutic response to treatment was achieved in 67.7% of cases with GAAIH (p = 0.018). Conclusions GAAIH was rare (8.3%), and patients with this presentation exhibited more preserved liver function tests, suggesting that most cases presenting with loss of function are acute exacerbation of chronic AIH. Additionally, patients with GAAIH had a better complete therapeutic response, suggesting a more preserved liver function at presentation, and early diagnosis has a positive therapeutic implication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elze Maria Gomes Oliveira
- Division of Gastroenterology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Centro Universitário Lusíada, Santos, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Renata Mello Perez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Janaína Luz Narciso-Schiavon
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Raul Carlos Whale
- Division of Gastroenterology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Abe K, Abe N, Sugaya T, Takahata Y, Fujita M, Hayashi M, Takahashi A, Ohira H. Characteristics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and potential related molecular mechanisms in patients with autoimmune hepatitis: a single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Med Mol Morphol 2024; 57:110-123. [PMID: 38340154 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-024-00380-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune disorder characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, autoantibodies, and chronic active hepatitis on liver histology. However, immune cell population characteristics in AIH patients remain poorly understood. This study was designed to analyze peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) characteristics in AIH through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and explore potential AIH-related molecular mechanisms. We generated 3690 and 3511 single-cell transcriptomes of PBMCs pooled from 4 healthy controls (HCs) and 4 AIH patients, respectively, by scRNA-seq. These pooled PBMC transcriptomes were used for cell cluster identification and differentially expressed gene (DEG) identification. GO functional enrichment analysis was performed on the DEGs to determine the most active AIH immune cell biological functions. Although the PCA-based uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) algorithm was used to cluster cells with similar expression patterns in the two samples, 87 up- and 12 downregulated DEGs were retained in monocytes and 101 up- and 15 downregulated DEGs were retained in NK cells from AIH PBMCs. Moreover, enriched GO terms in the PBMC-derived monocyte and NK cell clusters were related mainly to antigen processing and presentation, IFN-γ-mediated signaling, and neutrophil degranulation and activation. These potential molecular mechanisms may be important targets for AIH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumichi Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Naoto Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Sugaya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yosuke Takahata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Masashi Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Manabu Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
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Ideo F, Niazi S, Chessa L, Miglianti M, Bardini G, Mannocci F, Cotti E. Prevalence of Apical Periodontitis in Patients with Autoimmune Liver Diseases on Immune Suppressants and Immune Modulators: A Cross-sectional Study. J Endod 2024; 50:784-791. [PMID: 38527610 DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2024.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune liver diseases (ALDs) are chronic conditions generated by an immune-mediated autoaggressive inflammatory reaction in genetically susceptible individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) in patients suffering from ALDs undergoing treatment with the immune suppressants glucocorticoids, azathioprine, and/or ursodeoxycholic acid. METHODS The ALD group included 46 patients (11 men and 35 women, average age = 57.9 ± 11.8 years) and 1186 teeth. The control group included 50 healthy patients not taking any medications (15 men and 35 women, average age = 58.6 ± 10.4 years) and 1251 teeth. Demographic data and medical, pharmacologic, and dental history were recorded. Dental and radiographic examinations were performed. The presence of AP; the periapical index score; decayed, missing, and filled teeth; quality of restoration, and root canal treatment were evaluated. The influence of the medications the patients were taking on the prevalence of AP was also tested. RESULTS The prevalence of AP was significantly lower in ALDs than in the control group at the patient (P = .019) and tooth level (P = .014). Smoking and age were associated with a significant increase in AP in cases and controls (P = .045 and P = .001, respectively). In both groups, endodontically treated teeth showed a higher prevalence of AP. CONCLUSIONS Considering the limitations because of the observational nature of the study, the patients affected by ALDs liver diseases and undergoing treatment with immune suppressors (often associated with immune modulators) were found to exhibit a lower prevalence of AP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ideo
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Sadia Niazi
- Department of Endodontology, Centre for Oral, Clinical and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luchino Chessa
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Miglianti
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Bardini
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Mannocci
- Department of Endodontology, Centre for Oral, Clinical and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabetta Cotti
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Hatoum S, Rockey DC. Long-term outcomes of patients with autoimmune hepatitis induced cirrhosis after immunosuppressive treatment. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 36:742-749. [PMID: 38555597 PMCID: PMC11058017 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002714] [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] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune hepatitis is an immune-mediated liver disease that results in hepatic inflammation and subsequent fibrosis. We aimed to assess the natural history of autoimmune hepatitis in patients who had cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis. METHODS We examined consecutive patients with autoimmune hepatitis (based on the revised International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group criteria) and cirrhosis who had long-term follow-up between 2012 and 2018. Complete clinical data, including longitudinal data, was obtained for each patient to determine clinical and biochemical outcomes. Decompensating events were defined as complications of portal hypertension. RESULTS Thirty-four patients presenting with autoimmune hepatitis induced cirrhosis (age 50, 17-81; 71% women) were followed for an average of 8 years post-diagnosis. Fourteen (41%) patients had a decompensating event at diagnosis. All patients were begun on treatment; index decompensating events resolved in all patients. Twenty-six (76%) patients had normalization of transaminases; in this group, 4 (15%) patients developed one or more new decompensating events and 1 patient (4%) died. Of the 8 (24%) patients who did not have transaminase normalization, 6 (75%) developed one or more new decompensating events and 5 (62%) died or underwent liver transplant. There was a significant association between achieving normalization of transaminases and protection from developing a decompensating event ( P = 0.003) and liver transplant or death ( P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Most patients with autoimmune hepatitis with cirrhosis at presentation achieved normalization of transaminases with treatment and rarely developed further decompensating events. We speculate that some of these patients had stabilization or reversal of portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hatoum
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Huang A, Zhu Y, Liu S, Sun Y, Liu Z, Liang QS, Zhao J, Chang BX, Bi JF, Liu JT, Zhai XR, Xie H, Li N, Tian H, Han L, Zhuang Y, Ma H, Teng GJ, Zhang W, Aithal GP, Ji D, Zhao J, Zou Z. An optimized short-term steroid therapy for chronic drug-induced liver injury: A prospective randomized clinical trial. Liver Int 2024; 44:1435-1447. [PMID: 38483145 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15899] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The use of corticosteroids in chronic drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is an important issue. Our previous randomized controlled trial showed that patients with chronic DILI benefited from a 48-week steroid stepwise reduction (SSR) regimen. However, it remains unclear whether a shorter course of therapy can achieve similar efficacy. In this study, we aimed to assess whether a 36-week SSR can achieve efficacy similar to that of 48-week SSR. METHODS A randomized open-label trial was performed. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the 36- or 48-week (1:1) SSR group. Liver biopsies were performed at baseline and at the end of treatment. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with relapse rate (RR). The secondary outcomes were improvement in liver histology and safety. RESULTS Of the 90 participants enrolled, 84 (87.5%) completed the trial, and 62 patients (68.9%) were women. Hepatocellular damage was observed in 53.4% of the cohort. The RR was 7.1% in the 36-week SSR group but 4.8% in the 48-week SSR group, as determined by per-protocol set analysis (p = 1.000). Significant histological improvements in histological activity (93.1% vs. 92.9%, p = 1.000) and fibrosis (41.4% vs. 46.4%, p = .701) were observed in both the groups. Biochemical normalization time did not differ between the two groups. No severe adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS Both the 36- and 48-week SSR regimens demonstrated similar biochemical response and histological improvements with good safety, supporting 36-week SSR as a preferable therapeutic choice (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03266146).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang Huang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- Senior Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhong Liu
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Senior Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zherui Liu
- Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-Sheng Liang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Senior Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bin-Xia Chang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Feng Bi
- Epidemiology Department, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang-Tao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Hainan, China
| | - Xing-Ran Zhai
- Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Xie
- Senior Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Li
- Senior Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Tian
- Senior Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Han
- Senior Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Zhuang
- Department for Disease Control and Prevention, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbin Ma
- Department of Clinical Diagnostic Center, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Ju Teng
- Senior Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guruprasad P Aithal
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Center, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Dong Ji
- Senior Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Jingmin Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengsheng Zou
- Senior Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China
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Cardoso MF, Carvalho R, Correia FP, Branco JC, Costa MN, Martins A. Autoimmune Hepatitis Induced by Hepatitis Delta Virus: A Conundrum. GE PORTUGUESE JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2024; 31:203-208. [PMID: 38836124 PMCID: PMC11149988 DOI: 10.1159/000531773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The association of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection with positive autoantibodies and autoimmune features has been known for decades. However, to date, very few cases of clinical autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have been reported in association with HDV infection, most of them being in the context of treatment with peginterferon. Case Report This case refers to a 46-year-old woman born in Guinea-Bissau who moved to Portugal in 2018 to investigate complaints of diffuse abdominal discomfort and nausea. Her initial work-up, including laboratory and liver histology, was consistent with type 1 AIH. She had HBe antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B virus infection with negative DNA and also a positive total anti-HDV antibody, with negative IgM and undetectable RNA. Therefore, after initiating prophylactic tenofovir difumarate, she was started on prednisolone followed by azathioprine, which was later stopped due to presumed hepatotoxicity. Repeated histology showed signs of viral superinfection, and she was treated with acyclovir due to a positive herpes simplex IgM, with HDV RNA remaining negative. A third flare in transaminases prompted the introduction of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) after a thorough exclusion of additional causes of liver disease. About 6 months later, during another bout of hepatitis, HDV RNA was finally positive and classified as genotype 5. MMF was stopped, and, considering a contraindication to interferon, the patient was offered therapy with bulevirtide, which she refused for personal reasons as she is currently living in her home country. Discussion This is a challenging case of autoimmune or "autoimmune-like" hepatitis, probably induced by chronic HDV infection. High suspicion of HDV was essential because, had the case been interpreted as refractory AIH, with escalation of immunosuppression, a more severe course of the viral infection might have ensued. Recently, HDV suppression with bulevirtide was shown to reverse autoimmune liver disease. We hypothesize that the same could have happened to our patient, had she accepted this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana F Cardoso
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Rita Carvalho
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Fábio Pereira Correia
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Joana C Branco
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Mariana Nuno Costa
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Martins
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
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Chen Y, Liu J, Wang J, Wu W, Wang H, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Zhang S, Pan Y, Li Y, Ding W, Zhu L, Zhu C, Li J, Qiu Y, Huang R, Wu C. Liver inflammation activity in patients with autoimmune hepatitis with normal alanine aminotransferase and immunoglobulin G levels. J Transl Autoimmun 2024; 8:100220. [PMID: 38188039 PMCID: PMC10770593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2023.100220] [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] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Normal serum transaminases and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels are surrogate markers for hepatic histologic disease activity in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). This study aimed to evaluate liver inflammation in patients with AIH with normal serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and IgG levels. Methods Two hundred and five AIH patients who underwent liver biopsy in four medical centers were included. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with advanced inflammation. Results One hundred and thirty-one (63.9 %) AIH patients had advanced liver inflammation, and 108 (52.7 %) patients had advanced liver fibrosis. 60.0 % of patients with normal ALT and 51.7 % of patients with normal ALT and IgG had advanced inflammation. However, 76.7 % and 35.0 % of patients with or without advanced fibrosis with normal ALT had advanced inflammation, while the corresponding proportions of advanced inflammation were 78.6 % and 26.7 % in patients with normal ALT and IgG, respectively. Moreover, 81.0 % and 44.8 % of patients with and without cirrhosis with normal ALT had advanced inflammation, while the corresponding proportions were 83.3 % and 29.4 % in patients with normal ALT and IgG, respectively. Red cell distribution width (OR = 1.325, 95%CI 1.045-1.681, P = 0.020) and PT (OR = 1.514, 95%CI 1.138-2.014, P = 0.004) were independent factors associated with advanced inflammation. Conclusions High proportion of advanced inflammation was found in AIH patients with normal ALT and IgG levels despite without advanced fibrosis. Although using non-invasive methods may contribute to rule out liver fibrosis in AIH patients with normal ALT and IgG levels, liver biopsy is encouraged to assess liver inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiacheng Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weihua Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huali Wang
- Department of General Practice, Nanjing Second Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiyi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shaoqiu Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yifan Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiguang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weimao Ding
- Department of Hepatology, Huai'an No. 4 People's Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuanwu Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanwang Qiu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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11
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Mino M, Sano A, Kakazu E, Matsubara H, Kakisaka K, Kogure T, Sekine K, Aoki Y, Imamura M, Matsuda M, Yamazoe T, Mori T, Yoshio S, Inoue J, Masamune A, Kanto T. Differences in branched-chain amino acid to tyrosine ratio (BTR) among etiologies of chronic liver disease progression compared to healthy adults. J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:483-493. [PMID: 38530472 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-024-02092-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to tyrosine (Tyr) ratio (BTR) test is used to evaluate the progression of chronic liver disease (CLD). However, the differences across sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and etiologies are still unclear. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data from 2,529 CLD cases with free amino acids (FAAs) in peripheral blood from four hospitals and 16,421 general adults with FAAs data from a biobank database. In total, 1,326 patients with CLD (covering seven etiologies) and 8,086 healthy controls (HCs) were analyzed after exclusion criteria. We investigated the change of BTR in HCs by sex, age and BMI and then compared these to patients divided by modified ALBI (mALBI) grade after propensity score matching. RESULTS BTR is significantly higher in males than females regardless of age or BMI and decreases with aging in HCs. In 20 types of FAAs, 7 FAAs including BCAAs were significantly decreased, and 11 FAAs including Tyr were significantly increased by mALBI grade in total CLD. The decreasing timings of BTR were at mALBI grade 2b in all CLD etiologies compared to HCs, however in chronic hepatitis C (CHC), chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD), BTR started to decrease at 2a. There was a positive correlation between BCAAs and albumin among parameters in BTR and mALBI. The correlation coefficients in PBC, ALD and MASLD were higher than those of other etiologies. CONCLUSIONS BTR varies by sex and age even among healthy adults, and decreasing process and timing of BTR during disease progression is different among CLD etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Mino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Sano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo, Aobaku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Eiji Kakazu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan.
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo, Aobaku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan.
- Department of Liver Diseases, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan.
| | - Hiroko Matsubara
- Department of Biobank, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo, Aobaku, Sendai, 980-0872, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kakisaka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, 2-1-1, Idaidori, Yahabacho, Shiwagun, Iwate, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kogure
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University Miyagi, 1-15-1, Fukumuro, Miyaginoku, Sendai, 983-8536, Japan
| | - Katsunori Sekine
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Aoki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Imamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Michitaka Matsuda
- Department of Liver Diseases, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Taiji Yamazoe
- Department of Liver Diseases, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Taizo Mori
- Department of Liver Diseases, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Sachiyo Yoshio
- Department of Liver Diseases, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Jun Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo, Aobaku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo, Aobaku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kanto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
- Department of Liver Diseases, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
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12
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Riveiro-Barciela M, Barreira-Díaz A, Esteban P, Rota R, Álvarez-Navascúes C, Pérez-Medrano I, Mateos B, Gómez E, De-la-Cruz G, Ferre-Aracil C, Horta D, Díaz-González Á, Ampuero J, Díaz-Fontenla F, Salcedo M, Ruiz-Cobo JC, Londoño MC. Rituximab is a safe and effective alternative treatment for patients with autoimmune hepatitis: Results from the ColHai registry. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 38809086 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15970] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Small series suggest that rituximab could be effective as treatment for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), although data are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in different cohorts of patients with AIH. METHODS Multicentre retrospective analysis of the 35 patients with AIH and its variant forms treated with rituximab and included in the ColHai registry between 2015 and 2023. RESULTS Most patients were female (83%), 10 (29%) had cirrhosis and four (11.4%) variant forms of AIH. Indication for rituximab were as follows: 14(40%) refractory AIH, 19(54%) concomitant autoimmune or haematological disorder, 2(6%) intolerance to prior treatments. In three (9%) subjects with a concomitant disorder, rituximab was the first therapy for AIH. Overall, 31 (89%) patients achieved or maintained complete biochemical response (CBR), including the three in first-line therapy. No difference in CBR was observed according to rituximab indication (refractory AIH 86% vs. concomitant disorders 90%, p = .824) or cirrhosis (80% vs. 92%, p = .319). Rituximab was associated with a significant reduction in corticosteroids (median dose: prior 20 vs. post 5 mg, p < .001) and the discontinuation of ≥1 immunosuppressant in 47% of patients. Flare-free rate at 1st, 2nd and 3rd year was 86%, 73% and 62% respectively. Flares were not associated with the development of liver failure and were successfully managed with repeated doses of rituximab and/or increased corticosteroids. Three (9%) patients experienced infusion-related adverse events (1 anaphylaxis and 2 flu-like symptoms) and five (14%) infections. CONCLUSION Rituximab is safe and effective in patients with refractory AIH and those treated due to concomitant autoimmune or haematological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Riveiro-Barciela
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Ana Barreira-Díaz
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Esteban
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Rota
- Liver Unit, Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, L'hospitalet, Spain
| | | | - Indhira Pérez-Medrano
- Gastroenterology Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Pontevedra, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Beatriz Mateos
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Gómez
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema De-la-Cruz
- Gastroenterology Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Toledo, Toledo, Spain
| | - Carlos Ferre-Aracil
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Horta
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Universitari Mutua de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
| | - Álvaro Díaz-González
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Clinical and Translational Research in Digestive Diseases, Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander, Spain
| | - Javier Ampuero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Institute of Biomedicine of Sevilla (IBIS), Sevilla, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Fernando Díaz-Fontenla
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Magdalena Salcedo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan-Carlos Ruiz-Cobo
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María-Carlota Londoño
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Eppendorf, Germany
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Korie U, Joldoshova A, Khandakar B, Zhang X, Liang Y. Histopathology and its clinical correlation of liver biopsy in patients with treated autoimmune hepatitis. Ann Diagn Pathol 2024; 73:152333. [PMID: 38820911 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2024.152333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) relies on well-established criteria encompassing histological, serological, and clinical features. Diagnosing AIH may become challenging when encountering patients who have undergone steroid therapy for other co-existing diseases. Thirty-nine liver biopsies from 25 patients with treated and untreated AIH were classified into three groups: 1) Newly diagnosed untreated biopsies (n = 16); 2) Newly diagnosed partially treated biopsies from patients already on steroid treatment for other co-existing diseases (n = 9); 3) Previously diagnosed biopsies from patients who had undergone complete treatment (n = 14). In the untreated AIH group, at least 50 % of the cases exhibited the following features: at least moderate portal inflammation (81 %), at least moderate lobular inflammation (56 %), ductular reaction (94 %), inflammation gradient from bile duct to interface (88 %), unequivocal interface hepatitis (100 %), emperipolesis (56 %), plasma cell cluster (88 %), apoptosis or necrosis (63 %), pericentral inflammation (63 %), and periportal fibrosis (88 %). Although all these diagnostically sensitive histologic features were present in significantly fewer cases after treatment (p < 0.05), the features of ductular reaction, inflammation gradient from bile duct to interface, pericentral inflammation, and periportal fibrosis were likely to persist after treatment, especially in partially treated cases; these features did not show a significant association with higher transaminase levels (P > 0.05) and were considered as indirect features of hepatocytic injury. Our data suggest categorizing AIH histological features into direct and indirect hepatocytic injuries. Direct hepatocytic injury features significantly correlate with transaminase levels and respond well to treatment, while indirect ones show weaker transaminase correlation and relative treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujunwa Korie
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Albina Joldoshova
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Division of Gastrointestinal Pathology, Porath/Sonic Healthcare Anatomic Pathology, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Binny Khandakar
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Northwell Health Laboratories, Donald Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health, Greenvale, NY, United States of America
| | - Xuchen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Yuanxin Liang
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America.
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14
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Ma D, Liu X, Ai G, Pan W, Liu L, Huang Y, Liao Y, Lu Y, Zhang Z, Zhou H, Huang Z, Hao X, Shu S, Fang F. The etiology and differential diagnosis of "autoimmune hepatitis-like liver disease" in children: a single-center retrospective study. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1377333. [PMID: 38818349 PMCID: PMC11137199 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1377333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) often present with symptoms similar to those of other liver diseases. This study consists of a comparison between the clinical and histological characteristics of AIH and those of other four AIH-like liver diseases [i.e., drug-induced liver injury (DILI), gene deficiency, infectious liver disease and other etiology of liver disease], as well as an evaluation of the AIH scoring system's diagnostic performance. Methods All children with AIH-like liver disease at our center from January 2013 to December 2022 were included. The clinical and histological characteristics of the AIH group were retrospectively analyzed and compared with those of the other four groups. Results A total of 208 children were included and divided into AIH group (18 patients), DILI group (38 patients), gene deficiency group (44 patients), infectious liver disease group (74 patients), and other etiology group (34 patients). The antinuclear antibodies (ANA) ≥ 1:320 rate was significantly higher in the AIH compared to the other four groups after multiple testing correction (p < 0.0125), while patients with positive antibodies to liver-kidney microsomal-1 (anti-LKM1, n = 3) and smooth muscle antibodies (SMA, n = 2) were only observed in the AIH group. The positive rates of antibodies to liver cytosol type1 (anti-LC1) and Ro52 were higher than those in the other four groups. The serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and globulin levels, as well as the proportions of portal lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, lobular hepatitis with more than moderate interface hepatitis, and lobular hepatitis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, were significantly higher in the AIH group than in the other four groups after multiple testing correction (p < 0.0125). The cirrhosis rate in the AIH group was higher than that in the DILI and infectious liver disease groups (p < 0.0125). Both the simplified (AUC > 0.73) and the revised systems (AUC > 0.93) for AIH have good diagnostic performance, with the latter being superior (p < 0.05). Conclusion Positive autoantibodies (ANA ≥ 1:320 or anti-LKM1 positive, or accompanied by SMA, anti-LC1 or Ro-52 positive) and elevated serum IgG or globulin levels contribute to early recognition of AIH. The presence of lobular hepatitis with more than moderate interface hepatitis and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration contribute to the diagnosis of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinglou Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guo Ai
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingling Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihua Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingjie Hao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sainan Shu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Fang
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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15
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Pongracz T, Biewenga M, Stoelinga AEC, Bladergroen MR, Nicolardi S, Trouw LA, Wuhrer M, de Haan N, van Hoek B. Autoimmune hepatitis displays distinctively high multi-antennary sialylation on plasma N-glycans compared to other liver diseases. J Transl Med 2024; 22:456. [PMID: 38745252 PMCID: PMC11092172 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05173-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in plasma protein glycosylation are known to functionally affect proteins and to associate with liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a liver disease characterized by liver inflammation and raised serum levels of IgG, and is difficult to distinguish from other liver diseases. The aim of this study was to examine plasma and IgG-specific N-glycosylation in AIH and compare it with healthy controls and other liver diseases. METHODS In this cross-sectional cohort study, total plasma N-glycosylation and IgG Fc glycosylation analysis was performed by mass spectrometry for 66 AIH patients, 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, 31 primary biliary cholangitis patients, 10 primary sclerosing cholangitis patients, 30 non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients and 74 patients with viral or alcoholic hepatitis. A total of 121 glycans were quantified per individual. Associations between glycosylation traits and AIH were investigated as compared to healthy controls and other liver diseases. RESULTS Glycan traits bisection (OR: 3.78 [1.88-9.35], p-value: 5.88 × 10- 3), tetraantennary sialylation per galactose (A4GS) (OR: 2.88 [1.75-5.16], p-value: 1.63 × 10- 3), IgG1 galactosylation (OR: 0.35 [0.2-0.58], p-value: 3.47 × 10- 5) and hybrid type glycans (OR: 2.73 [1.67-4.89], p-value: 2.31 × 10- 3) were found as discriminators between AIH and healthy controls. High A4GS differentiated AIH from other liver diseases, while bisection associated with cirrhosis severity. CONCLUSIONS Compared to other liver diseases, AIH shows distinctively high A4GS levels in plasma, with potential implications on glycoprotein function and clearance. Plasma-derived glycosylation has potential to be used as a diagnostic marker for AIH in the future. This may alleviate the need for a liver biopsy at diagnosis. Glycosidic changes should be investigated further in longitudinal studies and may be used for diagnostic and monitoring purposes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamas Pongracz
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike Biewenga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Eva Charlotte Stoelinga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Marco René Bladergroen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Simone Nicolardi
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Leendert Adrianus Trouw
- Department Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Noortje de Haan
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands.
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
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16
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Fawzy A, Sutton H, Vandriel SM, Sonnenberg M, Kamath BM. Outcomes and management in paediatric autoimmune hepatitis presenting as acute liver failure: Individual patient data meta-analysis. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 38700362 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15943] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in children presenting in acute liver failure (ALF) can be fatal and often requires liver transplantation (LTx). This individual patient data meta-analysis (IPD) aims to examine management and outcomes of this population, given the lack of large cohort studies on paediatric AIH first presenting as ALF (AIH-ALF). METHODS A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of IPD statement using PubMed and Excerpta Medica dataBASE, and included English studies published between 2000 and 2020. The study included patients under 21 years of age, diagnosed with type 1 or 2 AIH and presenting with ALF. Data extracted included clinical and biochemical characteristics, interventions, and outcomes. RESULTS Three hundred and thirty eligible patients from 61 studies were identified, with an additional five patients from our institution. The majority were female (66.8%), with a median age of 10. Overall, 59.7% achieved native liver survival (NLS), 35% underwent LTx, and 5% died before LTx. The use of corticosteroids with non-steroid immunomodulators increased the likelihood of NLS by 2.5-fold compared to corticosteroids alone. AIH-1 was associated with 3.3-fold odds for NLS, compared to AIH-2. However, on multivariate analysis, only AIH-1 was identified as an independent predictor for NLS (OR 3.8 [95% CI 1.03-14.2], p = .04). CONCLUSION While corticosteroids and non-steroid immunomodulators treatment may offer enhanced probability of achieving NLS, treatment regimens for AIH-ALF may need to consider patient-specific factors, especially AIH type. This highlights the potential for NLS in AIH-ALF and suggest a need to identify biomarkers which predict the need for combination immunosuppression to avoid LTx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aly Fawzy
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harry Sutton
- Division of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shannon M Vandriel
- Division of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mikayla Sonnenberg
- Division of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Binita M Kamath
- Division of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Awad SM, Elgazzar HM, Hassan EH, Allam ET, Zaid AB, Elkhadry SW, Rizk SK, Fotoh DS, Salem TAEH. Leptin gene Polymorphism and Leptin protein levels in Pediatric Autoimmune Hepatitis. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2024; 45:210-232. [PMID: 38808600 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2024.2360083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptin plays a role in regulating energy balance, immunity, and inflammation. Studies suggest higher leptin levels might be associated with various autoimmune diseases. Most of them were in adult. To our knowledge, our study is one of the few that describe serum leptin level and leptin gene polymorphism in children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). OBJECTIVE Our study aims to explore the association between serum leptin level and genetic variations in leptin gene with the likelihood of AIH in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-one children with AIH and 29 healthy children serving as a control group were included. Serum leptin levels were measured by ELISA assays. Leptin rs2167270 genotyping was done using the real time-PCR. The relationship of serum leptin level and leptin gene polymorphism with patients' data was studied. Patients follow up to assess treatment response. RESULTS Children with AIH had significantly higher levels of leptin compared to healthy controls. GG genotype was significantly more prevalent in the AIH group compared to controls. CONCLUSION High serum leptin levels and leptin gene polymorphism may play a role in AIH development. It is worthy to recognize if leptin can serve as diagnostic and/or therapeutic target in AIH in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah M Awad
- Department of Clinical microbiology and immunology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Hanaa M Elgazzar
- Department of Clinical microbiology and immunology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Eman H Hassan
- Department of Clinical microbiology and immunology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Esraa T Allam
- Department of Clinical pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed B Zaid
- Immunology department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Sally W Elkhadry
- Department of Epidemiology and preventive medicine, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-koom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Sara K Rizk
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department, Faculty of Medicine, Menofia University, Shebin El-koom, Egypt
| | - Dina S Fotoh
- Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation department, Faculty of Medicine, Menofia University, Shebin El-koom, Egypt
| | - Tahany Abd El Hamid Salem
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-koom, Menoufia, Egypt
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18
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Huang W, Jin T, Zheng W, Yin Q, Yan Q, Pan H, Xu C. Identifying the genetic association between systemic lupus erythematosus and the risk of autoimmune liver diseases. J Autoimmun 2024; 145:103188. [PMID: 38458076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies on the relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) are inconclusive. Therefore, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the causal associations between SLE and AILDs. METHODS A two-sample MR analysis was performed using summary-level statistics sourced from genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets. Inverse-variance weighting (IVW), MR‒Egger, and weighted median (WM) were further supported by several sensitivity analyses. RESULTS We detected causal genetic associations between SLE and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) (odds ratio (OR) = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.15-1.51, P < 0.01; adjusted OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.39-1.90, P < 0.01) and between SLE and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.01-1.08, P = 0.03; adjusted OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.00-1.21, P = 0.04). No causal association was found between SLE and autoimmune hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS We are the first to use MR analysis to explore the causal relationships between SLE and various AILDs, revealing an increased risk of PBC and PSC in individuals with SLE.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/genetics
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/epidemiology
- Genome-Wide Association Study
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Mendelian Randomization Analysis
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Hepatitis, Autoimmune/genetics
- Hepatitis, Autoimmune/epidemiology
- Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary/genetics
- Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary/epidemiology
- Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary/etiology
- Cholangitis, Sclerosing/genetics
- Cholangitis, Sclerosing/epidemiology
- Autoimmune Diseases/genetics
- Autoimmune Diseases/epidemiology
- Autoimmune Diseases/etiology
- Odds Ratio
- Risk Factors
- Liver Diseases/genetics
- Liver Diseases/epidemiology
- Liver Diseases/etiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Tianyu Jin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Wei Zheng
- Center for General Practice Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Qiaoqiao Yin
- Center for General Practice Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Qiqi Yan
- Heart Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Hongying Pan
- Center for General Practice Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Chengan Xu
- Center for General Practice Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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19
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Abe R, Hasegawa N, Suzuki S, Shigeta S, Matsuoka R, Kato T, Niisato Y, Seo E, Matsubara D, Tsuchiya K. Simultaneous occurrence of autoimmune hepatitis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia after COVID-19 infection: case report and literature review. Clin J Gastroenterol 2024:10.1007/s12328-024-01972-5. [PMID: 38652377 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-024-01972-5] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Various autoimmune diseases have been reported to develop as a result of a coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) infection. There have been some reports of COVID-19-triggered autoimmune hepatitis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia infection, but none have reported simultaneous onset of these diseases. A 15-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital with severe liver injury and anemia. Three weeks before admission, her father was diagnosed with COVID-19, after which she became aware of a sore throat. Two weeks later, she visited her doctor for malaise. She was referred to our hospital due to severe anemia, elevated hepatobiliary enzymes, and jaundice. A COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test was positive at the time of referral. She was diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia based on decreased hemoglobin and haptoglobin, positive direct Coombs test, and increased urinary urobilinogen. Blood tests were positive for antinuclear antibodies, and a liver biopsy revealed interface hepatitis and plasma cell infiltration, consistent with autoimmune hepatitis. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia triggered by COVID-19 infection was made. Steroid therapy was initiated, which resulted in rapid improvement of blood markers and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Hasegawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Sakiko Shigeta
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Ryota Matsuoka
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Takayasu Kato
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yusuke Niisato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Emiko Seo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Daisuke Matsubara
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Kiichiro Tsuchiya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
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20
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Weber S. [Drug-induced autoimmune-like liver injury]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 65:334-339. [PMID: 38374310 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-024-01669-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a rare yet potentially life-threatening disease. Besides intrinsic DILI, which is mainly caused by paracetamol overdosing and which is dose-dependent and predictable, there is idiosyncratic DILI-an unpredictable and dose-independent injury of the liver caused by certain medications that only occurs in a minority of patients taking this drug. The reason why some patients react with DILI towards a specific drug is still unknown. However, the immune system plays a central role, which is underlined by the association of certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms and DILI caused by specific drug classes. Due to the immunological processes that lead to the liver injury in DILI, there are great overlaps regarding laboratory and histological parameters between DILI and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Differentiating DILI and AIH can therefore be challenging, especially at the time of presentation. In addition, there are other immunologically mediated DILI phenotypes, in particular the newly defined drug-induced autoimmune-like hepatitis (DI-ALH) and liver injuries caused by checkpoint inhibitors (CPI). DI-ALH is characterized by autoimmune features and good responses towards corticosteroids, with the difference that DI-ALH mostly does not relapse after discontinuation of corticosteroids. CPI-induced liver injury has become more frequent with the rising use of those drugs and is characterized by a distinct histopathological pattern with granulomatous hepatitis and infiltration dominated by cytotoxic T cells. Similarly, the recently recognized liver injury following vaccinations also shows an autoimmune phenotype; however, in contrast to AIH, cytotoxic T cells seem to dominate the inflammatory infiltrates in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Weber
- LMU Klinikum München, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland.
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21
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Tadokoro T, Nomura T, Fujita K, Manabe T, Takuma K, Nakahara M, Oura K, Mimura S, Tani J, Morishita A, Kobara H, Ono M, Masaki T. Management of hepatocellular carcinoma, an important cause of death in Japanese autoimmune hepatitis patients. BMC Gastroenterol 2024; 24:123. [PMID: 38561671 PMCID: PMC10986071 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03204-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was considered rare but is increasing with prolonged prognosis. Its impact on the overall prognosis of AIH is unknown, and treatment has not been established. AIM To investigate the risk factors and prognosis of HCC in patients with AIH and identify appropriate management strategies. METHODS We studied patients with AIH including background liver disease, sex, age, complications, treatment, response to treatment, liver fibrosis, prognosis, and treatment. RESULTS In 131 patients, deaths due to liver failure were more common early after the onset of AIH; however, deaths due to HCC increased gradually. HCC was observed in 12 patients (median age, 70 years; male/female, 4/8; cirrhosis at onset, 11; median time to carcinogenesis, 7 years). Cirrhosis at diagnosis was identified as a risk factor for carcinogenesis in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 41.36; p < 0.0001) and cumulative cancer rates were high. Multidisciplinary therapy other than immune checkpoint inhibitors was administered as treatment for HCC. Two of the three patients who used molecular-targeted drugs discontinued the treatment because of adverse events. CONCLUSION HCC is an important cause of death in patients with AIH. Currently available drug therapies are limited and early detection is desirable. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was retrospectively registered in the Ethics Committee of Kagawa University School of Medicine under the identifier 2019 - 238, registered on 4 Feb 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Tadokoro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan.
| | - Takako Nomura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, HITO Medical Center, 788-1 Kamibun-cho, Shikokutyuou, Ehime, 799-0121, Japan
| | - Koji Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Takushi Manabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kei Takuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Mai Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kyoko Oura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Shima Mimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Joji Tani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Hideki Kobara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ono
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
- Division of Innovative Medicine for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
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22
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Komori A. Evaluation of the histological scoring systems of autoimmune hepatitis: A significant step towards the optimization of clinical diagnosis. Clin Mol Hepatol 2024; 30:157-159. [PMID: 38390702 PMCID: PMC11016496 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2024.0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Atsumasa Komori
- Clinical Research Center, NHO Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Japan
- Department of Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Omura, Japan
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23
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Taubert R, Engel B. [Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis-First-line, second-line and third-line treatment]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 65:325-333. [PMID: 38456902 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-024-01679-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare autoimmune inflammation of the liver mostly with a chronic course, which can also be acutely manifested up to acute liver failure. It affects women 3-4 times more frequently than men and can be diagnosed in all age groups. In one third of the patients a liver cirrhosis is present at the time of diagnosis. It is characterized by a hepatic inflammation pattern, a polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia of immunoglobulin G and the detection of autoantibodies. A liver biopsy is necessary to make the diagnosis. The AIH is histologically characterized in particular by a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in the portal fields. In cases with a relevant disease activity, AIH is typically treated by immunosuppression. The immunosuppressive treatment is associated with a prevention of disease progression to liver cirrhosis and a better survival. The success of treatment is measured by achieving biochemical remission, i.e., normalization of the transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels as a good noninvasive predictor of a histological remission. Another treatment target is an improvement of the symptoms of the patient. The first-line treatment consists of a glucocorticoid, mostly prednisolone or in cases without advanced fibrosis budesonide, and azothioprine. For reduction of steroid-specific treatment side effects the maintenance treatment should be carried out steroid-free whenever possible. In cases of insufficient response to azothioprine or side effects a treatment attempt using antimetabolites, such as 6‑mercaptopurine or mycophenolate mofetil is primarily carried out as second-line treatment. For patients who do not achieve biochemical remission through first-line or second-line treatment, a variety of medications are available for third-line treatment, e.g., rituximab, calcineurin inhibitors or antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) antibodies. Third-line treatment should be carried out in expert centers and registered in the European Reference Network for Rare Liver Diseases in order to improve the currently sparse database for these forms of treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Taubert
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland.
| | - Bastian Engel
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland
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24
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Mihai IR, Rezus C, Burlui MA, Cardoneanu A, Macovei LA, Richter P, Bratoiu I, Rezus E. Autoimmune Liver Diseases and Rheumatoid Arthritis-Is There an Etiopathogenic Link? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3848. [PMID: 38612658 PMCID: PMC11011907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic immune-mediated disease that, in addition to the articular involvement, can have extra-articular manifestations. Even though liver damage in RA is not very common, associated autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) may occur. The most common AILD associated with RA is primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), followed by autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). There are common underlying mechanisms that play a role in the emergence of autoimmunity and inflammation in both rheumatic and autoimmune liver diseases. Genetic studies have revealed the existence of several common disease-associated genes shared between RA and AILDs, and infectious triggers, particularly those associated with recurrent or complicated urinary tract infections, are also speculated to be potential triggers for these conditions. Moreover, these diseases share common serologic patterns characterized by the presence of specific autoantibodies and hyper-gammaglobulinemia. In this study, we focus on reviewing the association between RA and AILDs regarding the prevalence and possible etiopathogenic link.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Ruxandra Mihai
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ciprian Rezus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- “Sfantul Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Maria Alexandra Burlui
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca Cardoneanu
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Luana Andreea Macovei
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Patricia Richter
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioana Bratoiu
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Rezus
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
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25
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Kochhar S, Assis DN, Mack C, Izurieta HS, Muratori L, Munoz A, Nordenberg D, Gidudu JF, Blau EF, Vierling JM. Autoimmune hepatitis: Brighton Collaboration case definition and guidelines for data collection, analysis, and presentation of immunisation safety data. Vaccine 2024; 42:1812-1825. [PMID: 38368225 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
This report introduces a Brighton Collaboration (BC) case definition for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), which has been classified as a priority adverse event of special interest (AESI), as there were possible cases seen following COVID-19 vaccination. The case definition was developed by a group of subject matter and BC process experts to facilitate safety data comparability across pre- and post-licensure clinical trials, as well as pharmacovigilance activities in multiple settings with diverse resources and healthcare access. The usual BC case definition development process was followed in an expedited manner, and took two months to complete, including finalising the manuscript for publication, instead of the usual 1 year development time. It includes a systematic review of the literature and an expert consensus to define levels of diagnostic certainty for AIH, and provides specific guidelines for data collection and analysis. Histology, serological and biochemical tests and exclusion of alternate diagnosis were considered necessary to define the levels of certainty (definitive, probable and possible). AEFI reports of suspected AIH were independently classified by the WG members to test its useability and these classifications were used to finalise the case definition. The document underwent peer review by external AIH experts and a Reference Group of vaccine safety stakeholders in high-, low- and middle-income countries to ensure case definition useability, applicability, and scientific integrity. The expedited process can be replicated for development of other standardised case definitions for priority AESIs for endemics and epidemics. While applicable to cases reported following immunisation, the case definition is independent of lapsed time following vaccination and, as such, can also be used to determine background incidence for vaccinated and unvaccinated control groups in studies of causal association. While use of this case definition is also appropriate for the study of safety of other products including drugs, it is not meant to guide clinical case management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Kochhar
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Global Healthcare Consulting, New Delhi, India.
| | - David N Assis
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Cara Mack
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Wisconsin, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | | | - Luigi Muratori
- DIMEC Università di Bologna and IRCCS Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alma Munoz
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Dale Nordenberg
- Thriive, 250 - 25th Street, West Vancouver, BC V7V 4J1, USA.
| | - Jane F Gidudu
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Erin F Blau
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - John M Vierling
- Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, USA.
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Zhou YJ, Jin QF, Wang C, Zhang XJ, Liu H, Bao J. Onset of acute severe autoimmune hepatitis after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection: a case report. J Int Med Res 2024; 52:3000605241233450. [PMID: 38502002 PMCID: PMC10953009 DOI: 10.1177/03000605241233450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can trigger autoimmune inflammation in the liver, leading to acute autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). We herein report a case involving a 39-year-old woman with a 23-day history of yellow skin and urine. Using the revised original scoring system of the International AIH Group, we definitively diagnosed the patient with acute severe AIH (AS-AIH). She began treatment with 80 mg/day intravenous methylprednisolone, which was gradually reduced and followed by eventual transition to oral methylprednisolone. The patient finally achieved a biochemical response after 30 days of therapy, and liver transplantation was avoided. Clinicians should be aware that the onset of AS-AIH after SARS-CoV-2 infection differs from the onset of conventional AIH with respect to its clinical and pathological features. Early diagnosis and timely glucocorticoid treatment are crucial in improving outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jun Zhou
- Department of Hepatology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qiao-Fei Jin
- Department of Hepatology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jianfeng Bao
- Department of Hepatology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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27
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Lei R, Arain H, Wang D, Arunachalam J, Saxena R, Mohan C. Duplex Vertical-Flow Rapid Tests for Point-of-Care Detection of Anti-dsDNA and Anti-Nuclear Autoantibodies. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:98. [PMID: 38392017 PMCID: PMC10887294 DOI: 10.3390/bios14020098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The goal of this study is to develop a rapid diagnostic test for rheumatic disease and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) screening. A novel rapid vertical flow assay (VFA) was engineered and used to assay anti-nuclear (ANA) and anti-dsDNA (αDNA) autoantibodies from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and healthy controls (HCs). Observer scores and absolute signal intensities from the VFA were validated via ELISA. The rapid point-of-care VFA test that was engineered demonstrated a limit of detection of 0.5 IU/mL for ANA and αDNA autoantibodies in human plasma with an inter-operator CV of 19% for ANA and 12% for αDNA. Storage stability was verified over a three-month period. When testing anti-dsDNA and ANA levels in SLE and HC serum samples, the duplex VFA revealed 95% sensitivity, 72% specificity and an 84% ROC AUC value in discriminating disease groups, comparable to the gold standard, ELISA. The rapid αDNA/ANA duplex VFA can potentially be used in primary care clinics for evaluating patients or at-risk subjects for rheumatic diseases and for planning follow-up testing. Given its low cost, ease, and rapid turnaround, it can also be used to assess SLE prevalence estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongwei Lei
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (R.L.); (H.A.); (J.A.)
| | - Hufsa Arain
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (R.L.); (H.A.); (J.A.)
| | - David Wang
- John Sealy School of Medicine, UT Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Janani Arunachalam
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (R.L.); (H.A.); (J.A.)
| | - Ramesh Saxena
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Chandra Mohan
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (R.L.); (H.A.); (J.A.)
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Mercado LA, Gil-Lopez F, Chirila RM, Harnois DM. Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Overview. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:382. [PMID: 38396421 PMCID: PMC10887775 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14040382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition of the liver of undetermined cause that affects both sexes, all ages, races, and ethnicities. Its clinical presentation can be very broad, from having an asymptomatic and silent course to presenting as acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, and acute liver failure potentially requiring liver transplantation. The diagnosis is based on histological abnormalities (interface hepatitis), characteristic clinical and laboratory findings (increased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and serum IgG concentration), and the presence of one or more characteristic autoantibodies. The large heterogeneity of these clinical, biochemical, and histological findings can sometimes make a timely and proper diagnosis a difficult task. Treatment seeks to achieve remission of the disease and prevent further progression of liver disease. First-line therapy includes high-dose corticosteroids, which are later tapered to decrease side effects, and azathioprine. In the presence of azathioprine intolerance or a poor response to the standard of care, second-line therapy needs to be considered, including mycophenolate mofetil. AIH remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, and a further understanding of the pathophysiological pathways of the disease and the implementation of randomized controlled trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia A. Mercado
- Department of Liver Transplant, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Fernando Gil-Lopez
- Department of Liver Transplant, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Razvan M. Chirila
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
| | - Denise M. Harnois
- Department of Liver Transplant, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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29
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Dimou A, Zachou K, Kostara C, Azariadis K, Giannoulis G, Lyberopoulou A, Bairaktari E, Dalekos GN. NMR-based metabolomic signature: An important tool for the diagnosis and study of pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00730. [PMID: 38305739 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Metabolomics is used to predict, diagnose, and monitor metabolic disorders but altered metabolomic signatures have also been reported in diverse diseases, including autoimmune disorders. However, the metabolomic profile in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has not been investigated in depth. Therefore, we investigated the metabolomic signature of AIH and its significance as a diagnostic and pathogenetic tool. APPROACH AND RESULTS Metabolites in plasma samples from 50 patients with AIH at diagnosis, 43 healthy controls, 72 patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), 26 patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease, and 101 patients with chronic viral hepatitis were determined by 1 H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy. Fifty-two metabolites were quantified, and metabolic pathway analysis was performed. Multivariate analysis revealed that AIH could be differentiated from healthy controls and each of the disease controls ( p <0.001). Fifteen metabolites differentiated AIH from disease controls (PBC+chronic viral hepatitis+metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease) (95% sensitivity and 92% specificity). Ten distinct metabolic pathways were altered in AIH compared to disease controls. The metabolic pathway of branched-chain amino acids (lower valine, leucine, and isoleucine levels and their catabolic intermediates in PBC), methionine (lower methionine, 2-aminobutyrate, and 2-hydroxybutyrate levels in PBC), alanine-aspartate-glutamate (lower metabolites in PBC), and that of metabolites associated with gut microbiota (lower choline, betaine, and dimethylamine levels in PBC) were significantly different between AIH and PBC ( p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS 1 H NMR spectroscopy could be a promising novel tool to diagnose and study AIH pathogenesis as there is no need for much sample handling, is highly reproducible with high sensitivity and specificity, and low cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Dimou
- Department of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Zachou
- 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
| | - Christina Kostara
- Department of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Azariadis
- 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
| | - George Giannoulis
- 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
| | - Aggeliki Lyberopoulou
- 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
| | - Eleni Bairaktari
- Department of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - 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
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30
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Nastasio S, Sciveres M, Francalanci P, Maggiore G. Pediatric Autoimmune Hepatitis. Pediatr Rep 2024; 16:110-113. [PMID: 38390999 PMCID: PMC10885090 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric autoimmune hepatitis (PAIH) is a rare necro-inflammatory disease of the liver of unknown etiology thought to derive from the dysregulation of the immune response upon exposure to environmental triggers in genetically predisposed individuals [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Nastasio
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marco Sciveres
- Pediatric Department and Transplantation, ISMETT, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Francalanci
- Division of Pathology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maggiore
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, and Liver Transplant, ERN RARE LIVER, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
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31
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Shiffman ML. Autoimmune Hepatitis: Epidemiology, Subtypes, and Presentation. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:1-14. [PMID: 37945151 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic immunologic disorder in which the immune system targets the liver. The disease has a genetic basis and this accounts for the epidemiologic variation observed in serologic testing and clinical presentation across different populations. The incidence of AIH increases with age into the 70s and seems to be increasing in prevalence. Most patients test positive for antinuclear antibody, ASMA, or anti-LKM but about 20% of patients do not have these serologic markers. At clinical presentation, patients may be asymptomatic, symptomatic, have acute liver failure, or decompensated cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell L Shiffman
- Bon Secours Liver Institute of Richmond, Bon Secours Mercy Health, 5855 Bremo Road, Suite 509, Richmond, VA 23226, USA; Bon Secours Liver Institute of Hampton Roads, Bon Secours Mercy Health, 12720 Mc Manus Boulevard, Suite 313, Newport News, VA, 23602, USA.
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32
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Flikshteyn B, Amer K, Tafesh Z, Pyrsopoulos NT. Diagnosis of Autoimmune Hepatitis. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:37-50. [PMID: 37945161 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) presents a diagnostic challenge because it is relatively rare and heterogenous in presentation. This article presents the currently adopted approach to AIH diagnosis and explores the challenges with accurately identifying this disease entity. AIH offers no pathognomonic findings, instead relies on clinical presentation, serology, and histology to make the diagnosis. Diagnostic scoring systems support clinical judgment and serve as valuable tools in diagnosis and research. Histological analysis remains the cornerstone of diagnosis and to this day biopsy is essential to make the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Flikshteyn
- Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB H-538, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
| | - Kamal Amer
- Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB H-538, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Zaid Tafesh
- Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB H-538, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Nikolaos T Pyrsopoulos
- Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB H-538, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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33
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Yuming Z, Ruqi T, Gershwin ME, Xiong M. Autoimmune Hepatitis: Pathophysiology. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:15-35. [PMID: 37945156 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association analyses suggest that HLA genes including HLA-DRB*0301, HLA-DRB*0401, and HLA-B*3501 as well as non-HLA genes including CD28/CTLA4/ICOS and SYNPR increased AIH susceptibility. The destruction of hepatocytes is the result of the imbalance between proinflammatory cells and immunosuppressive cells, especially the imbalance between Tregs and Th17 cells. The microbiome in patients with AIH is decreased in diversity with a specific decline in Bifidobacterium and enrichment in Veillonella and Faecalibacterium. Recent evidence has demonstrated the pathogenic role of E. gallinarum and L.reuteri in inducing autoimmunity in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Yuming
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Tang Ruqi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Merrill Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Suite 6510, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Ma Xiong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, China; Institute of Aging & Tissue Regeneration, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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34
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Sakhuja P, Goyal S. Autoimmune Hepatitis: From Evolution to Current Status-A Pathologist's Perspective. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:210. [PMID: 38248086 PMCID: PMC10814110 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic, relapsing and remitting, immune-mediated liver disease that progresses to cirrhosis if left untreated. A significant number of patients may present with acute hepatitis or acute liver failure, which are often misdiagnosed as toxic liver injury. AIH shows a preponderance in young women but may be seen in children and the elderly. Diagnosis requires the integration of clinical, biochemical, and serologic parameters, along with supportive liver histology and exclusion of other causes of liver disease. Liver biopsy is a prerequisite for diagnosis of AIH, to assess severity and stage of disease, exclude other entities, and recognize any concurrent morbidities. No single biomarker or histologic feature is pathognomonic for AIH. The diagnostic and histologic criteria have undergone several modifications since the original scoring system was proposed by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) in 1993. Recently, the IAIHG has proposed consensus recommendations for histologic criteria, relevant for both acute and chronic AIH. This review article will describe the evolving diagnostic criteria for AIH, with their limitations and utility, and with an emphasis on the role of liver histology in the diagnosis and management of AIH.
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35
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Stoelinga AEC, Tushuizen ME, van den Hout WB, Girondo MDMR, de Vries ES, Levens AD, Moes DJAR, Gevers TJG, van der Meer S, Brouwer HT, de Jonge HJM, de Boer YS, Beuers UHW, van der Meer AJ, van den Berg AP, Guichelaar MMJ, Drenth JPH, van Hoek B. Tacrolimus versus mycophenolate for AutoImmune hepatitis patients with incompLete response On first-line therapy (TAILOR study): a study protocol for a phase III, open-label, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Trials 2024; 25:61. [PMID: 38233878 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07832-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare, chronic inflammatory disease of the liver. The treatment goal is reaching complete biochemical response (CR), defined as the normalisation of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and immunoglobulin gamma. Ongoing AIH activity can lead to fibrosis and (decompensated) cirrhosis. Incomplete biochemical response is the most important risk factor for liver transplantation or liver-related mortality. First-line treatment consists of a combination of azathioprine and prednisolone. If CR is not reached, tacrolimus (TAC) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) can be used as second-line therapy. Both products are registered for the prevention of graft rejection in solid organ transplant recipients. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of TAC and MMF as second-line treatment for AIH. METHODS The TAILOR study is a phase IIIB, multicentre, open-label, parallel-group, randomised (1:1) controlled trial performed in large teaching and university hospitals in the Netherlands. We will enrol 86 patients with AIH who have not reached CR after at least 6 months of treatment with first-line therapy. Patients are randomised to TAC (0.07 mg/kg/day initially and adjusted by trough levels) or MMF (max 2000 mg/day), stratified by the presence of cirrhosis at inclusion. The primary endpoint is the difference in the proportion of patients reaching CR after 12 months. Secondary endpoints include the difference in the proportion of patients reaching CR after 6 months, adverse effects, difference in fibrogenesis, quality of life and cost-effectiveness. DISCUSSION This is the first randomised controlled trial comparing two second-line therapies for AIH. Currently, second-line treatment is based on retrospective cohort studies. The rarity of AIH is the main issue in clinical research for alternative treatment options. The results of this trial can be implemented in existing international clinical guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05221411 . Retrospectively registered on 3 February 2022; EudraCT number 2021-003420-33. Prospectively registered on 16 June 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E C Stoelinga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Maarten E Tushuizen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wilbert B van den Hout
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Elsemieke S de Vries
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Amar D Levens
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk-Jan A R Moes
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom J G Gevers
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Suzanne van der Meer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans T Brouwer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik J M de Jonge
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 'S-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Ynte S de Boer
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich H W Beuers
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan J van der Meer
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aad P van den Berg
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maureen M J Guichelaar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Joost P H Drenth
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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36
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Yang Z, Su Y, Liu M, Sun L, Zhang F, Lin W. A rare concomitance of Wilson's disease and systemic lupus erythematosus in a teenage girl: a case report and literature review. Front Pediatr 2024; 11:1296426. [PMID: 38259603 PMCID: PMC10800781 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1296426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Wilson's disease (WD) is an inherited disorder characterized by impaired biliary excretion of copper and excessive copper accumulation in multiple organs, primarily leading to hepatic, neurological, and psychiatric manifestations. The coexistence of WD and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has rarely been reported, posing challenges in accurately diagnosing these two conditions because of overlapping clinical symptoms. Case presentation We presented the case of a 17-year-old girl initially suspected of having SLE due to positive anti-nuclear antibodies and lupus anticoagulants, decreased platelet count, hypocomplementemia, and pleural effusion. However, the patient also exhibited an unusual manifestation of decompensated liver cirrhosis, which is not typical of SLE. Further investigation revealed low serum ceruloplasmin levels, high 24-h urine copper levels, the presence of Kayser-Fleischer rings, and a compound heterozygous mutation in the ATP7B gene, confirming the diagnosis of WD. Conclusion The co-occurrence of WD and SLE poses a significant diagnostic challenge, often leading to misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. Therefore, in patients with well-controlled SLE presenting with unexplained liver fibrosis, neurological involvement, or psychiatric symptoms, it is crucial to consider the possibility of WD. However, further studies are required to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zigui Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Department of Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yashuang Su
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Meilu Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Lijun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Fengxiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Cazzagon N, Sarcognato S, Catanzaro E, Bonaiuto E, Peviani M, Pezzato F, Motta R. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Diagnostic Criteria. Tomography 2024; 10:47-65. [PMID: 38250951 PMCID: PMC10820917 DOI: 10.3390/tomography10010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of intra- and/or extrahepatic bile ducts leading to the formation of multifocal strictures alternated to bile duct dilatations. The diagnosis of the most common subtype of the disease, the large duct PSC, is based on the presence of elevation of cholestatic indices, the association of typical cholangiographic findings assessed by magnetic resonance cholangiography and the exclusion of causes of secondary sclerosing cholangitis. Liver biopsy is not routinely applied for the diagnosis of large duct PSC but is mandatory in the case of suspicion of small duct PSC or overlap with autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Cazzagon
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy (F.P.)
- Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale—Università Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Samantha Sarcognato
- Department of Pathology, Azienda ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Elisa Catanzaro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy (F.P.)
- Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale—Università Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Emanuela Bonaiuto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy (F.P.)
| | - Matteo Peviani
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy (F.P.)
- Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale—Università Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Pezzato
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy (F.P.)
- Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale—Università Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaella Motta
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health—DCTV, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
- Radiology Unit, Azienda Ospedale—Università Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
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Wang X, Liu H, Wang P, Wang Y, Yi Y, Li X. A nomogram for analyzing risk factors of poor treatment response in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 36:113-119. [PMID: 37942733 PMCID: PMC10695339 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002661] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify biochemical and clinical predictors of poor response (including incomplete response and non-response) to standard treatment in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients. METHODS This study retrospectively collected clinical data from 297 patients who were first diagnosed with AIH in Beijing Ditan Hospital from 2010 to 2019. Finally, 149 patients were screened out. Risk factors were screened by univariate and multifactorial logistic regression. Then they were used to establish the nomogram. The ROC curve, calibration curve, decision curves analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curves (CIC) were used to evaluate the nomogram. RESULTS 149 patients were divided into two groups: the response group (n = 120, 80%) and the poor response group (n = 29, 20%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that IgG > 26.5 g/L (OR: 22.016; 95% CI: 4.677-103.640) in AIH patients increased the risk. In contrast, treatment response status was better in women (OR: 0.085; 95% CI: 0.015-0.497) aged >60 years (OR: 0.159; 95% CI: 0.045-0.564) with AST > 4.49 × ULN (OR: 0.066; 95% CI: 0.009-0.494). The C index (0.853) and the calibration curve show that the nomogram is well differentiated and calibrated; the DCA and CIC indicate that the model has good clinical benefits and implications. CONCLUSION The study found that male patients aged ≤ 60 years with IgG > 26.5 g/L and elevated AST ≤ 4.49 × ULN were more likely to have a non-response/incomplete response to standard treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital
| | - Hui Liu
- Center of Infectious Disease, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University
| | - Yuqi Wang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University
| | - Yunyun Yi
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University
| | - Xin Li
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University
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Ahn S, Jeong SH, Cho EJ, Lee K, Kim G, Kim H. Comparison of four histological scoring systems for autoimmune hepatitis to improve diagnostic sensitivity. Clin Mol Hepatol 2024; 30:37-48. [PMID: 37953068 PMCID: PMC10776291 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2023.0325] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The histological criteria in the 1999 and 2008 scoring systems proposed by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) have their inherent limitations in diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). In this study, we evaluated the histology components of four scoring systems (1. revised original scoring system ["1999 IAIHG"], 2. simplified scoring system ["2008 IAIHG"], 3. modified histologic criteria ["2017 UCSF"], and 4. a new histologic criteria proposed by the International AIH Pathology Group ["2022 IAHPG"]) in AIH patients. METHODS Medical records and liver biopsies were retrospectively reviewed for 68 patients from two independent medical institutions, diagnosed with AIH based on the 1999 IAIHG system between 2006 and 2016. The histological features were reviewed in detail, and the four histological scoring systems were compared. RESULTS Out of the 68 patients, 56 (82.4%) patients met the "probable" or "definite" AIH criteria of the 2008 IAIHG system, and the proportion of histologic score 2 (maximum) was 40/68 (58.8%). By applying the 2017 UCSF criteria, the number of histology score 2 increased to 60/68 (88.2%), and "probable" or "definite" AIH cases increased to 61/68 (89.7%). Finally, applying the 2022 IAHPG histology score resulted in the highest number of cases with histologic score 2 (64/68; 94.1%) and with a diagnosis of "probable" or "definite" AIH (62/68; 91.2%). CONCLUSION The recently proposed UCSF/IAHPG histological criteria increased the histology score of AIH. Substituting the histology component of the 2008 IAIHG system with the 2022 IAHPG criteria increased the sensitivity for diagnosing AIH (≥"Probable AIH") from 82.4% to 91.2%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soomin Ahn
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sook-Hyang Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Eun Ju Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoungbun Lee
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gilhyang Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Pathology, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Haeryoung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Wu HY, Su TH, Liu CJ, Yang HC, Tsai JH, Wei MH, Chen CC, Tung CC, Kao JH, Chen PJ. Hepatitis B reactivation: A possible cause of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine induced hepatitis. J Formos Med Assoc 2024; 123:88-97. [PMID: 37349170 PMCID: PMC10281508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines were rapidly implemented globally and vaccine-associated immune-related hepatitis was recently reported. We aim to investigate its impact in regions endemic of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS We retrospectively collected patients who developed hepatitis within 90 days after COVID-19 vaccination in Taiwan. The mechanisms of hepatitis included vaccine induced liver injury (VILI) and immune-related hepatitis, which are direct liver injuries defined as aspartate or alanine aminotransferase (AST or ALT) increased ≥ 5-fold upper limit of normal (ULN) and/or AST or ALT ≥ 3-fold of ULN with concurrent total bilirubin ≥ 2-fold of ULN. Indirect liver injury due to HBV reactivation was defined as HBsAg reverse seroconversion or significant rise in HBV DNA level. The demographics, clinical data, and course of hepatitis were compared statistically. RESULTS Twenty-five patients were included with a median age of 54. The culprit vaccines were ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (n = 9), mRNA-1273 (n = 12), and BNT162b2 (n = 4). The characteristics of hepatitis were comparable regardless of vaccine subtypes. The median onset of hepatitis was 25 days post vaccination, with a peak of 10-fold ALT-increase. The etiologies included HBV reactivation (n = 10), VILI (n = 10), and immune-related hepatitis (n = 5). HBV reactivation accounts for 90% of vaccine-induced hepatitis in patients of CHB (n = 10), and two patients died. Patients with initial AST levels >500 U/L increased 27-fold risks of liver injury greater than moderate severity compared with those without. CONCLUSION COVID-19 vaccine induced hepatitis is a clinical significant complication, and HBV reactivation may account for a possible mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yun Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Huei Tsai
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Han Wei
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, BioMedical Park Hospital, HsinChu, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Chang Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chih Tung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Wang L, Hu YF, Yang AY, Du ZX, Liu HL, Zhu P, Li LQ, Zhong YD, Xu ZY, Wang SS, Yang YF. Development and validation of a noninvasive prediction model of autoimmune hepatitis in patients with liver diseases. Scand J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:62-69. [PMID: 37649307 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2023.2249571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS There is no golden standard for the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis which still dependent on liver biopsy currently. So, we developed a noninvasive prediction model to help optimize the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. METHODS From January 2017 to December 2019, 1739 patients who had undergone liver biopsy were seen in the second hospital of Nanjing, of which 128 were here for consultation. Clinical, laboratory, and histologic data were obtained retrospectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to create a nomogram model that predicting the risk of autoimmune hepatitis. Internal and external validation was both performed to evaluate the model. RESULTS A total of 1288 patients with liver biopsy were enrolled (1184 from the second hospital of Nanjing, the remaining 104 from other centers). After the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, nine variables including ALT, IgG, ALP/AST, ALB, ANA, AMA, HBsAg, age, and gender were selected to establish the noninvasive prediction model. The nomogram model exhibits good prediction in diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis with AUROC of 0.967 (95% CI: 0.776-0.891) in internal validation and 0.835 (95% CI: 0.752-0.919) in external validation. CONCLUSIONS ALT, IgG, ALP/AST, ALB, ANA, AMA, HBsAg, age, and gender are predictive factors for the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis in patients with unexplained liver diseases. The predictive nomogram model built by the nine predictors achieved good prediction for diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Teaching Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi-Fan Hu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - An-Yin Yang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Xiang Du
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Ping Zhu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Li-Qiu Li
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan-Dan Zhong
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Teaching Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | | | | | - Yong-Feng Yang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Teaching Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Varadarajan A, Rastogi A, Maiwall R, Bihari C, Thomas S, Sood V, Shasthry SM. Prevalence and clinicopathological Spectrum of Auto-Immune Liver Diseases & Overlap syndrome. INDIAN J PATHOL MICR 2024; 67:107-114. [PMID: 38358198 DOI: 10.4103/ijpm.ijpm_72_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) represent a spectrum of related yet distinct immune-mediated disorders. The literature on the prevalence of these AILDs in Indian population is scarce. This study aims to assess the prevalence and clinicopathological spectrum of various AILDs especially the overlap syndrome. Materials and Methods A 10-year (2011-2020) cross-sectional, retrospective observational study of histological proven cases of AILD was conducted. Clinical, demographic, and laboratory parameters were retrieved. Two pathologists independently reviewed the liver biopsies and reassessed 18 histopathological parameters. Results During the study period, 17664 liver biopsies were received, out of which 1060 (6%) biopsies of AILD were identified. After exclusion, we had 721 cases which revealed a distribution of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)-64.7%, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)-14.8%, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)-7.6%, overlap AIH-PBC 11%, and overlap AIH-PSC 1.7%. AIH patients had significantly higher prevalence for severe lobular inflammation (27%, P ≤ 0.001), several lobular plasma cells (37%, P ≤ 0.001), central perivenulitis (30%, P ≤ 0.001), hepatic rosettes (51%, P ≤ 0.001), and necrosis (35.5%, P ≤ 0.001), while PBC patients had significantly higher frequency of florid duct lesions (11.2%, P ≤ 0.001), duct loss (83.17%, P ≤ 0.001), bile duct damage (76.6%, P ≤ 0.001), and periportal copper deposits (19.6%, P ≤ 0.001). Overlap AIH-PBC group had the highest proportion of severe portal inflammation (27.5%, P ≤ 0.001), prominent portal plasma cells (75%, P ≤ 0.001), moderate interface activity (53.7%, P ≤ 0.001), Mallory-Denk bodies (27.5%, P ≤ 0.001), and periportal cholate stasis (25%, P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion Prevalence of biopsy-proven AILDs in our study cohort is 6%. AIH (64.7%) is the most common AILD followed by PBC (14.8%). Overlap syndrome (AIH-PBC) showed prevalence of 11%.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Archana Rastogi
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakhi Maiwall
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Chhagan Bihari
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sherin Thomas
- Department of Paediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vikrant Sood
- Department of Paediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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García-Cortés M, Pinazo-Bandera JM, Lucena MI, Andrade RJ. Drug-induced autoimmune-like hepatitis. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0172. [PMID: 38872768 PMCID: PMC11168853 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Miren García-Cortés
- Service of Gastroenterology and Clinical Pharmacology, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga. IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, University Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBEREHD, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M. Pinazo-Bandera
- Service of Gastroenterology and Clinical Pharmacology, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga. IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, University Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBEREHD, Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Isabel Lucena
- Service of Gastroenterology and Clinical Pharmacology, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga. IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, University Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBEREHD, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl J. Andrade
- Service of Gastroenterology and Clinical Pharmacology, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga. IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, University Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBEREHD, Madrid, Spain
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Strzepka J, Schwartz BA, Ritz EM, Aloman C, Reau N. Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Characteristics, Treatment, and Outcomes. J Clin Gastroenterol 2024; 58:91-97. [PMID: 36729430 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
GOAL The objective of this study was to characterize an autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)/nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) overlap cohort, determine if they received standard of care treatment, and delineate their outcomes in comparison with patients with AIH or NAFLD alone. BACKGROUND AIH is a relatively rare and heterogeneously presenting liver disease of unknown etiology. NAFLD is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. AIH treatment includes steroids, which have adverse metabolic effects that can worsen NAFLD. No treatment guidelines are available to mitigate this side on AIH/NAFLD overlap patients. Few studies to date have examined these patients' characteristics, management practices, and outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single-center, retrospective chart review study examining biopsy-proven AIH/NAFLD, AIH, and NAFLD patients. Characteristics, treatment, and 1- and 3-year outcomes (all-cause mortality, need for liver transplantation, or decompensated cirrhosis) were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 72 patients (36.1% AIH/NAFLD, 34.7% AIH, and 29.2% NAFLD) were included. AIH/NAFLD patients were found to be more often Hispanic/Latino, female, and with lower liver aminotransaminases, immunoglobulin G, and anti-smooth muscle antibody positivity. AIH/NAFLD patients were less likely to receive standard of care treatment. No significant differences in outcomes were seen between AIH/NAFLD and either AIH or NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that AIH/NAFLD patients have unique characteristics and are less likely to receive standard of care treatment compared with patients with AIH alone. Despite this, no difference in outcomes (all-cause mortality, need for liver transplantation, or decompensated cirrhosis) was seen. Given NAFLD's rising prevalence, AIH/NAFLD cases will likely increase, and may benefit from alternative treatment guidelines to prevent worsening of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Strzepka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Benjamin A Schwartz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Ethan M Ritz
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Costica Aloman
- Department of Hepatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Hepatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Nancy Reau
- Department of Hepatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Hepatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
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Romano-Munive AF, Moctezuma-Velázquez C, Sauma-Rodríguez J, Ramos-Martínez P, Torre-Delgadillo A. CD138 immunohistochemistry identifies more plasma cells compared with hematoxylin and eosin staining in autoimmune hepatitis. An observational study. REVISTA DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA DE MEXICO (ENGLISH) 2024; 89:52-56. [PMID: 36973120 DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmxen.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is associated with periportal infiltration by plasma cells. Plasma cell detection is routinely performed through hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The present study aimed to assess the utility of CD138, an immunohistochemical plasma cell marker, in the evaluation of AIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study was conducted, in which cases consistent with AIH, within the time frame of 2001 and 2011, were collected. Routine H&E-stained sections were used for evaluation. CD138 immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect plasma cells. RESULTS Sixty biopsies were included. In the H&E group, the median and interquartile range (IQR) was 6 (4-9) plasma cells/high power field (HPF) and was 10 (IQR 6-20) plasma cells/HPF in the CD138 group (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the number of plasma cells determined by H&E and CD138 (p = 0.31, p = 0.01). No significant correlation was found between the number of plasma cells determined by CD138 and IgG level (p = 0.21, p = 0.09) or stage of fibrosis (p = 0.12, p = 0.35), or between IgG level and stage of fibrosis (p = 0.17, p = 0.17). No significant correlation was found between the treatment response and the number of plasma cells determined by H&E (p = 0.11, p = 0.38), CD138 (p = 0.07, p = 0.55), or stage of fibrosis (p = 0.16, p = 0.20). CD138 expression was different between the treatment response groups (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION CD138 increased the detection of plasma cells in liver biopsies of patients with AIH, when compared with routine H&E staining. However, there was no correlation between the number of plasma cells determined by CD138 and serum IgG levels, stage of fibrosis, or response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Romano-Munive
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán (INCMNSZ), Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - C Moctezuma-Velázquez
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán (INCMNSZ), Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - P Ramos-Martínez
- Departamento de Patología, INCMNSZ, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - A Torre-Delgadillo
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán (INCMNSZ), Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
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Punn NS, Patel B, Banerjee I. Liver fibrosis classification from ultrasound using machine learning: a systematic literature review. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2024; 49:69-80. [PMID: 37950068 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-023-04081-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Liver biopsy was considered the gold standard for diagnosing liver fibrosis; however, with advancements in medical technology and increasing awareness of potential complications, the reliance on liver biopsy has diminished. Ultrasound is gaining popularity due to its wider availability and cost-effectiveness. This study examined the machine learning / deep learning (ML/DL) models for non-invasive liver fibrosis classification from ultrasound. METHODS Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol, we searched five academic databases using the query. We defined population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study design (PICOS) framework for the inclusion. Furthermore, Joana Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies is used for quality assessment. RESULTS Among the 188 screened studies, 17 studies are selected. The methods are categorized as off-the-shelf (OTS), attention, generative, and ensemble classifiers. Most studies used OTS classifiers that combined pre-trained ML/DL methods with radiomics features to determine fibrosis staging. Although machine learning shows potential for fibrosis classification, there are limited external comparisons of interventions and prospective clinical trials, which limits their applicability. CONCLUSION With the recent success of ML/DL toward biomedical image analysis, automated solutions using ultrasound are developed for predicting liver diseases. However, their applicability is bounded by the limited and imbalanced retrospective studies having high heterogeneity. This challenge could be addressed by generating a standard protocol for study design by selecting appropriate population, interventions, outcomes, and comparison.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bhavik Patel
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Imon Banerjee
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Khalifa A, Rockey DC. The Value of Liver Biopsy and Histology in Liver Disease Diagnosis and Patient Care-a Pragmatic Prospective Clinical Practice Study. J Clin Gastroenterol 2023:00004836-990000000-00241. [PMID: 38047588 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
GOALS We aimed to examine the correlation of pre-biopsy clinical diagnosis with hepatic histopathology. BACKGROUND Liver biopsy provides histologic information and informs physicians about the underlying clinical disease. We hypothesized that expert physicians' pre-biopsy clinical diagnoses may obviate the need for histopathological diagnosis. STUDY METHODS Patients undergoing liver biopsy to investigate a liver diagnosis were prospectively identified. In the 80 patients included, an anonymous validated questionnaire inquiring about the most likely clinical diagnosis and liver disease stage was completed prospectively by hepatologists before biopsy performance. RESULTS The most common pre-biopsy diagnoses were alcoholic liver disease (19 diagnoses), followed by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis (18 each). Overall, the predicted histologic diagnosis was the same as the histologic diagnosis in 51/80 patients (64%), and thus a new liver disease diagnosis was made in 36% of patients. The diagnosis with the greatest pre-biopsy and post-biopsy diagnosis discrepancy was autoimmune hepatitis, with the correct diagnosis being predicted in 6/18 (33%) of patients (other diagnoses included the following: non-alcoholic steatohepatitis/non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (4), alcoholic liver disease (3), drug-induced liver injury (3), others (2)). For fibrosis staging, when grouped as no fibrosis (F0), fibrosis (F1-F3), or cirrhosis (F4), the fibrosis stage was correctly predicted in 68% of patients (54/80). Notably, 7 patients (9%) who were initially thought to have no or early-stage fibrosis had F4 fibrosis, and 6/80 (8%) patients who were considered to have a liver disease diagnosis before their biopsy had normal histology. CONCLUSIONS Although hepatology experts often predict the correct underlying liver disease diagnosis, histopathological diagnoses different from expected are common.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Khalifa
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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48
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D'Amato D, Carbone M. Prognostic models and autoimmune liver diseases. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2023; 67:101878. [PMID: 38103932 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2023.101878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) are complex diseases with unknown causes and immune-mediated pathophysiology. In primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) disease modifying drugs are available which improve patient quality and quantity of life. In primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) no medical therapy is available and the only accepted treatment is liver transplantation (LT). PBC, PSC and AIH possess features that describe the archetype of patients within each disorder. On the other hand, the classical disorders are not homogeneous, and patients within each diagnosis may present with a range of clinical, biochemical, serological, and histological findings. Singularly, they are considered rare diseases, but together, they account for approximately 20% of LTs in Europe and USA. Management of these patients is complex, as AILDs are relatively uncommon in clinical practice with challenges in developing expertise, disease presentation can be sneaky, clinical phenotypes and disease course are heterogeneous. Prognostic models are key tools for clinicians to assess patients' risk and to provide personalized care to patients. Aim of this review is to discuss challenges of the management of AILDs and how the available prognostic models can help. We will discuss the prognostic models developed in AILDs, with a special focus on the prognostic models that can support the clinical management of patients with AILDs: in PBC models based on ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) response and markers of liver fibrosis; in PSC several markers including biochemistry, disease stage and radiological semiquantitative markers; and finally in AIH, markers of disease stage and disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne D'Amato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
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Barreira-Díaz A, Salcedo-Allende MT, Martínez-Valle F, Orozco-Gálvez O, Buti M, Riveiro-Barciela M. The significant IgG4 infiltrate in autoimmune hepatitis is associated with a greater ductular reaction and more advanced liver disease. Dig Liver Dis 2023; 55:1673-1678. [PMID: 37263810 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sclerosing cholangitis is the typical IgG4-related disease digestive involvement. However, the role of the IgG4 liver expression in autoimmune hepatitis remains unknown. AIMS to assess whether the expression of IgG4 plasma cells in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was associated with different outcomes. METHODS Retrospective study including patients diagnosed with AIH by biopsy from January-2009 to June-2021. At least mild IgG4 expression (>10 IgG4+-plasma cells per field) was considered as significant. RESULTS 85 patients with AIH were included. Overall, 58.8% were women, mean age 54 years. Nine (10.6%) presented cirrhosis at diagnosis. Fifteen (17.6%) had significant IgG4 liver expression. Patients with IgG4 infiltrate were older (p = 0.021), presented liver cirrhosis more frequently (33.3% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.007), greater IgG plasma values (p = 0.008) and atypical ANCAs (p = 0.086); ductular reaction was also more common (p = 0.009). Complete remission rate was similar regardless of the IgG4 infiltrate. Time to corticosteroids discontinuation was longer in subjects with IgG4 infiltrate (p = 0.068), but second-line therapy tended to be less frequent (p = 0.187). CONCLUSION Significant IgG4 liver infiltrate in patients with autoimmune hepatitis is associated with more advanced liver disease. The greater ductular reaction mediated by the IgG4 infiltrate may be the cause for this finding, though this finding should be prospectively assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Barreira-Díaz
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus. Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERehd, Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Fernando Martínez-Valle
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain; Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital UniversitariValld'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olimpia Orozco-Gálvez
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain; Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital UniversitariValld'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Buti
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus. Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERehd, Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Riveiro-Barciela
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus. Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERehd, Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.
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Lynch K, Mega A, Daves M, Sadiq A, Fogarty H, Piccin A. Liver Disease and Sickle Cell Disease: Auto-Immune Hepatitis more than a Coincidence; A Systematic Review of the Literature. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2023; 15:e2023060. [PMID: 38028400 PMCID: PMC10631714 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2023.060] [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] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with SCD, chronic liver damage is a common manifestation. More than 50% of SCD patients have elevated liver enzymes. Common underlying aetiologies include sickle cell hepatic crisis, viral hepatitis, sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis and hepatic sequestration in the acute setting, and cholelithiasis and iron overload in the chronic setting. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare disease that appears to occur more commonly in the sickle cell disease (SCD) population than in the general population. There are many schools of thought as to why this is the case, including the phosphatidylserine hypothesis, the heme inflammatory hypothesis, the complement generation hypothesis, and the transfusion alloimmunization hypothesis. Due to the natural history of the two illnesses, SCD is almost always diagnosed first in cases of dual pathology. Symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain are common in SCD, as are abnormal liver function tests (LFTs). These abnormalities, attributed to the other more frequent liver involvements in SCD, can lead to delays in AIH diagnosis in this population. Corticosteroids, sometimes with other immunosuppressive agents, such as azathioprine, are the cornerstone of acute AIH treatment. However, corticosteroid use in the SCD population has been shown to carry an increased risk of vaso-occlusive crises, providing a treatment dilemma. The following is a review of AIH in the SCD population, where we explore the pathophysiology behind the association between the two disorders, discuss an approach to investigating abnormal LFTs in SCD, and examine treatment options in this population with co-existing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin Lynch
- Dept of Gastroenterology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Andrea Mega
- Dept of Gastroenterology, Provincial Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Bolzano, Italy
| | - Massimo Daves
- Dept of Laboratory Medicine, Provincial Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Bolzano, Italy
| | - Asma Sadiq
- Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service, Belfast, UK
| | - Helen Fogarty
- Department of Haematology, Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin
| | - Andrea Piccin
- Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service, Belfast, UK
- Dept of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Dept of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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