Autoimmune hepatitis in the Indian subcontinent: 7 years experience

Spectrum of Autoimmune Liver Disease and Real-World Treatment Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background and aims

Autoimmune liver disease (AILD) comprises of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) with a spectrum of overlap amongst the three. We analyzed the spectrum and treatment outcomes of patients with AILD presenting to a tertiary care center in India.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of AILD patients from June 2008 to April 2021 was performed. The diagnosis was based on clinical, biochemical, imaging, serological, and histological characteristics. Eligible patients received treatment depending on the disease stage. Biochemical response to treatment was defined as normalization of AST, ALT, bilirubin, and immunoglobulin G levels at 6 months in AIH, normalization of total bilirubin and/or albumin at 1 year in PBC and decrease in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels by 40% in PSC.

Results

Two hundred seventy-five patients were analyzed. AIH (58.54%) was most common, followed by an overlap of AIH-PBC (24%) and AIH-PSC (6.54%), PSC (6.18%), and PBC (4.72%). Most patients presented in 3rd or 4th decade, except PBC which occurred predominantly in 5th decade. The majority of patients were females (72.72%). Jaundice was the most common presentation seen in 60% of patients. Cirrhosis was present in 57.47% of patients. Patients with overlap had more pruritus (54.76 vs 6.83%), fatigue (63.1% vs 49.7%), hepatomegaly (52.4% vs 25.5%), and higher ALP (80.9% vs 37.7%) than patients with AIH alone. Acute presentation was seen in 33 patients (13.5%) with most having AIH flare. Five patients had acute liver failure (ALF) and 9 had acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). ALF was associated with 80% mortality while 55.56% of patients with ACLF had a complete biochemical response to immunosuppression. Among patients with AIH and/or overlap who received immunosuppression, a complete biochemical response to immunosuppression was seen in 60.69% of patients. High ALT (OR 1.001 [1.000-1.003], P = 0.034), high albumin (OR 1.91 [1.05-3.48], P = 0.034) and low fibrosis on biopsy (OR 0.54 [0.33-0.91], P = 0.020) predicted complete response.

Conclusion

AIH is the most common AILD followed by overlap syndromes, PSC and PBC in our cohort. Biochemical response to immunosuppression is seen in 60% of patients with AIH & low fibrosis score on histopathology predicts a complete response.

Pediatric liver transplantation for autoimmune liver disease: Ten-year experience from a liver transplant center in India

Liver transplantation (LT) has emerged as the best therapeutic modality for end-stage liver disease in pediatric autoimmune liver disease (AILD). We aimed to describe our experience of pediatric living donor liver transplantation for AILD from India over a period of 10 years. We did a retrospective analysis of 244 liver transplants at our center over the last 10 years to identify children with AILD (18 years or younger). We aimed to describe the demographic features, clinical profile, graft survival, patient outcome, and predictors of mortality in our cohort. Between July 2010 and May 2020, 13 liver transplants were performed for AILD out of total 244 children transplanted over the last 10 years at our center. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age at LT was 12 (± 3.84) years. Leading indications for LT were decompensated liver disease (61.5%), acute-on-chronic liver failure (23.1%), acute liver failure (ALF) (7.7%), and recurrent cholangitis and growth failure (7.7%). Mean Pediatric End-stage Liver Disease (PELD) score/model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and international normalized ratio (INR) (SD) at presentation were 24 (± 12.81) and 2.48 (± 1.54), respectively. Median discharge duration was 23 days (interquartile range [IQR] 21-36 days). 30.7% (4/13) of the subjects had no postoperative complications. Diarrhea (15.3%), pneumonia (7.7%), jejunostomy site bleed (7.7%), tacrolimus toxicity (7.7%), and vascular complications (7.7%) were seen, which resolved with satisfactory graft function. Three subjects died post-LT; causes of death included sepsis (n=3), renal dysfunction (n=1), and pneumonia (n=1). Others have been well on follow-up with no graft rejection or need for re-transplantation. Overall, 1-year and 5-year patient survival rates were 76.9% and 70%, respectively. Lower platelet count, autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) 2, and PELD/MELD score were found to be significant predictors of mortality on univariate analysis, which were not significant on multivariate modelling. The complications, graft and patient survival rates in our experience were quite encouraging, and are comparable with the best centers worldwide. After instituting appropriate treatment, early referral of such patients to an equipped center should be facilitated.

Assessment of ideal serum dilution for screening of antinuclear antibodies by an indirect immunofluorescence method in diagnosis of autoimmune disorders

BACKGROUND

Time and cost constraints lead to majority of clinical laboratories deviating away from an ideal practice of checking for antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) at multiple dilutions. Usage of screening dilution of 1:40 recommended by most manufacturers of commercial ANA kits results in numerous false positive-tests and misdiagnosis of connective tissue disorders (CTDs). We sought to study the ideal screening dilution for ANA by IIF for a diagnosis of ANA-related CTDs.

METHODS

Serum samples of patients with ANA-related conditions (n = 233) and healthy controls (n = 154) were evaluated by IIF using Immuno Concepts Hep-2000 ® ANA kits at dilutions from 1:40 to 1:640. Accuracy for diagnosis of CTDs for each serum dilution was assessed by receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) positivity was observed in 19.5%, 10.4%, 4.55%, 0.65%, and 0% of healthy controls at dilutions of 1:40, 1:80, 1:160, 1:320, and 1:640, respectively. ANA positivity at 1:40 dilution was observed among 26.4% cases with mimics of CTDs. Prevalence of ANA positivity in ANA-related CTDs was 97.3%, 96.4%, 89.3%, 83.9%, and 71.4% at dilutions of 1:40, 1:80, 1:160, 1:320, and 1:640, respectively. ROC analysis revealed best test performance for distinction between healthy and ANA-related CTD populations at a serum dilution of 1 in 80.

CONCLUSIONS

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) positivity at low titers (1:40) is highly prevalent in healthy population (19.5%) as well as amongst mimics of CTD (26.4%). Our study suggests a higher screening dilution of 1:80 for ANA by IIF for diagnosis of CTD maybe better. Combination of 1:80 and 1:160 dilutions provides optimum sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of ANA-related disorders.

Inflammatory bowel disease: An Indian perspective

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in recent times is causing a significant healthcare burden as both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (CD) require lifelong therapy and constant monitoring. The current review highlights the concerns in a country like India with special reference to the changing trends of IBD, risk attribution and the financial issues. Indian immigrants behave like residential Indians, whereas their children show IBD prevalence similar to the West, highlighting the role of environmental triggers. However, the environmental and genetic factors in Indians with IBD are not well understood. Men appear to be more frequently affected than women in India. The disease severity is milder in the patients, both males and females, but the risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) is similar to the West. The incidence of paediatric IBD is on the rise. The major burden of IBD in the Indian subcontinent at present is in children, adolescents and teens. Cost towards the management of complications, non-adherence to treatment, differentiating tuberculosis from CD and finally screening for CRC in patients with IBD are the points to ponder in the Indian scenario.

Presence and type of decompensation affects outcomes in autoimmune hepatitis upon treatment with corticosteroids

Background and Aims

Decompensated cirrhosis in autoimmune hepatitis has poor prognosis. Besides liver transplant, treatment for this entity is undefined. We explored the outcomes of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)‐related decompensated cirrhosis with active disease on treatment with steroids.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, clinical data, laboratory parameters, and prognostic scores, such as baseline model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) scores, were compared among patients of AIH with decompensated cirrhosis with mild/no ascites (n = 38), gross ascites (n = 24), and compensated cirrhosis (n = 32) when administered steroids. The primary outcome was transplant‐free survival at 12 months. Biochemical remission rates and other adverse events were also assessed and compared between these groups.

Results

Steroids were initiated at lower doses (25 mg/day‐mild/no ascites, 20 mg/day‐gross ascites) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and at 40 mg/day in those with compensated cirrhosis. Transplant‐free survival was 25.4%, 74.6%, and 96.9% (P = 0.001), and biochemical remission occurred in 5.1%, 49.0%, and 64.1% (P = 0.001) at 12 months in patients with gross ascites, mild/no ascites, and compensated cirrhosis, respectively. Infections were seen more frequently in decompensated cirrhosis, while other adverse events were comparable. Among decompensated cirrhosis, those with mild/no ascites had better prognostic scores, fewer posttreatment infections, and more frequent biochemical remission than those with gross ascites, achieving rates comparable to compensated cirrhosis. On multivariate analysis, the MELD score (subdistributional hazards ratio [sHR]; 95% confidence interval: 1.153 [1.07–1.24]; P = 0.001) and ascites (sHR: 2.556 [1.565–5.65]; P = 0.020) predicted survival.

Conclusion

Type and severity of decompensation affect outcomes in patients with AIH‐related cirrhosis. Those with mild/no ascites have comparable outcomes to those with compensated cirrhosis upon treatment with low‐dose steroids.

Flare of Autoimmune Hepatitis Causing Acute on Chronic Liver Failure: Diagnosis and Response to Corticosteroid Therapy

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is considered less common in the Asia Pacific region. Due to this, AIH flare as a cause of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is often overlooked and treatment delayed. We aimed at the defining clinical and histopathological spectrum and role of steroid therapy in AIH-ACLF. Patients with AIH-ACLF, prospectively recruited and followed between 2012 and 2017, were analyzed from the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver ACLF Research Consortium (AARC) data base. Diagnosis of AIH was confirmed using International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group score or simplified AIH score with histopathological evidence. Of 2,825 ACLF patients, 82 (2.9%) fulfilled criteria of AIH (age 42.1 ± 18.1 years, 70% female). At baseline, mean bilirubin was 18.6 ± 8.2 mg/dL, Child-Turcotte-Pugh score was 11.7 ± 1.4, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 27.6 ± 6.5. Mean immunoglobulin G was 21.61 ± 7.32 g/dL, and this was elevated ≥1.1 times in 97% of cases; 49% were seronegative. Liver histology was available in 90%, with median histological activity index of 10 (interquartile range, 7-12); 90% with moderate to severe interface activity; 56% showing significant parenchymal necrosis (bridging and confluent necrosis); and cirrhosis in 42%. Twenty-eight (34%) patients received steroid therapy and showed shorter intensive care unit (ICU) stay (median 1.5 versus 4 days, P < 0.001) and improved 90-day survival (75% versus 48.1%, P = 0.02) with comparable incidence of sepsis (P = 0.32) compared to those who did not. Patients of advanced age, more severe liver disease (MELD >27; 83.3% sensitivity, 78.9% specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.86), presence of hepatic encephalopathy, and fibrosis grade ≥F3 had an unfavorable response to corticosteroid therapy. Conclusion: AIH presenting as ACLF is not uncommon in Asian patients; a low threshold for liver biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis as nearly half the patients are seronegative; early stratification to steroid therapy or liver transplantation (MELD >27, hepatic encephalopathy in ≥F3) would reduce ICU stay and improve outcomes.

Autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a severe liver disease that affects children and adults worldwide. The diagnosis of AIH relies on increased serum transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels, presence of autoantibodies and interface hepatitis on liver histology. AIH arises in genetically predisposed individuals when a trigger, such as exposure to a virus, leads to a T cell-mediated autoimmune response directed against liver autoantigens; this immune response is permitted by inadequate regulatory immune control leading to a loss of tolerance. AIH responds favourably to immunosuppressive treatment, which should be started as soon as the diagnosis is made. Standard regimens include fairly high initial doses of corticosteroids (prednisone or prednisolone), which are tapered gradually as azathioprine is introduced. For those patients who do not respond to standard treatment, second-line drugs should be considered, including mycophenolate mofetil, calcineurin inhibitors, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors and biologic agents, which should be administered only in specialized hepatology centres. Liver transplantation is a life-saving option for those who progress to end-stage liver disease, although AIH can recur or develop de novo after transplantation. In-depth investigation of immune pathways and analysis of changes to the intestinal microbiota should advance our knowledge of the pathogenesis of AIH and lead to novel, tailored and better tolerated therapies.

Acute Exacerbation to Autoimmune Hepatitis Mimicking Acute Viral Hepatitis-A Case Series and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Acute exacerbation of Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) poses a significant challenge for diagnosis as it can mimic acute viral hepatitis especially in absence of autoantibodies and hypergammaglobulinemia.

AIM

To determine the clinical, laboratory, histopathological characteristics and response to treatment in AIH patients with acute exacerbation.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 16 patients with acute exacerbation of AIH diagnosed over a period of eight years (2008-2016).

RESULTS

Out of the 111 patients diagnosed with AIH, acute exacerbation of AIH was diagnosed in 16 (14.4%) patients. All patients were females with median age of 35 years. Nine patients (56%) had Type 1 AIH and seven (44%) patients were diagnosed with seronegative AIH. All 16 (100%) patients had acute viral hepatitis like illness at presentation. The median bilirubin was 4.2 mg/dl (range, 2.2-20), aspartate transaminase was 568 IU/L (range, 390-908), alanine transaminase was 430 IU/L (range, 257-1026) and serum alkaline phosphatase was 395 IU/L (range, 112-890) during symptomatic period. The histopathological examination showed underlying chronic hepatitis in 10 (71.4%) patients, only fibrosis in 2 (14.2) patients and cirrhosis with activity in 2 (14.2%). All 16 (100%) patients were treated with a combination of steroids and azathioprine. Thirteen (81%) patients achieved complete biochemical remission and three (19%) patients achieved partial remission out of which one (6%) patient succumbed to illness because of the complications of cirrhosis.

CONCLUSION

A suspicion of acute exacerbation of AIH should be considered in patients with unexplained acute hepatitis mimicking acute viral hepatitis in the absence of positive viral markers. Through evaluation with immunoserological markers and liver biopsy can clinch the diagnosis of acute exacerbation of AIH in such cases.

Epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in India: The Great Shift East

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), once considered to be a Western disease, is increasingly being reported from India and other Asian countries. The present review summarizes epidemiology and disease characteristics of IBD in India with reference to other Asian countries and the West.

SUMMARY

India is projected to have one of the highest disease burden of IBD across the globe. The overall genetic risk and microbial signature in Indian IBD patients are similar to those of patients in the West as demonstrated by the similar incidence of IBD in second-generation Indian immigrants and matching perturbations in the structural and functional component of gut microbiota in Indian studies. The concept of the hygiene hypothesis continues to remain controversial with Indian studies demonstrating contradictory findings. The disease characteristics, long-term outcomes including the risk of colorectal cancer, and the effect of pregnancy on IBD and vice versa in Indian patients with IBD are in general similar with few differences. Unlike patients in the West, very few Indian patients have a positive family history.

KEY MESSAGE

The Indian disease pattern is going through a phase of epidemiological transition with a surge in the incidence of IBD. The epidemiology and disease characteristics of IBD mirror the patterns observed in the West.

Global Disparities and Their Implications in the Occurrence and Outcome of Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis has a variable occurrence, clinical phenotype, and outcome, and the factors contributing to this variability are uncertain. The goals of this review are to examine the global disparities in the occurrence and outcome of autoimmune hepatitis, suggest bases for these disparities, and encourage investigations that extend beyond single-center experiences. Disparities in the incidence and prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis in different age groups, genders, ethnicities, and geographical regions suggest that factors other than genetic predisposition are involved. Age- and gender-related antigen exposures from the external (infections, toxins, and medications) and internal (intestinal microbiome) environment may affect the incidence of the disease, and the timeliness and nature of treatment may influence its prevalence. The increasing incidence of autoimmune hepatitis in Spain, Denmark, and the Netherlands suggests that a new etiological trigger has been introduced or that the susceptible population has changed. Variations in mortality between Western and Asian-Pacific countries may result from differences in disease detection or management, and variations in gender predilection, peak age of onset, frequency of concurrent immune diseases, and serological profile may reflect gender-biased and age-related antigen exposures and genetic predispositions. Global collaborations, population-based epidemiological studies that identify case clustering, and controlled interview-based surveys are mechanisms by which to understand these disparities and improve management. In conclusion, autoimmune hepatitis has a rising incidence in some countries and variable occurrence, phenotype, and outcome between countries and subgroups within countries. These disparities suggest that unrecognized population-based environmental, infectious, or socioeconomic factors are affecting its character.

Natural History and Treatment Outcomes of Severe Autoimmune Hepatitis

GOALS

The aim of this study was to analyze the natural history and treatment outcomes of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) variants presenting with severe-AIH.

BACKGROUND

Severe acute presentation is an uncommon manifestation of AIH, and it remains poorly characterized.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 101 patients with AIH from January 2011 to December 2015. Patients were classified as seropositive-AIH and seronegative-AIH. Patients with acute liver failure, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and severe acute hepatitis were defined as severe-AIH patients. Patient characteristics and treatment outcomes with follow-up until 12 months were analyzed between the different groups.

RESULTS

Out of 101 cases, 24 (23.76%) had severe AIH. Of them 9 (37.5%) had severe acute hepatitis, 3 (12.5%) had acute liver failure, and 12 (50%) had acute-on-chronic liver failure. Seronegative-AIH patients presented with severe-AIH significantly more frequently compared with seropositive-AIH patients (50% vs. 20.27%, P=0.022). Severe-AIH had 50% complete responders, 25% partial responders, and 25% treatment failures. Jaundice (88.88% vs. 68.7%, P=0.048), encephalopathy (55.55% vs. 6.66%, P=0.014), and higher international normalized ratio values (2.17±0.60 vs. 1.82±0.14, P=0.038) were factors associated with nonresponse rather than the presence or absence of autoantibodies in severe-AIH. The hazard ratio for predicting remission in the non-severe AIH group as compared with the severe-AIH group was 1.502, which was statistically not significant (95% CI, 0.799-2.827; P=0.205).

CONCLUSION

Approximately 24% of patients with AIH have severe-AIH. Conventional autoantibodies are often absent in severe-AIH; however, it does not alter the outcome. Immunosuppressants should be given expediently in patients with severe-AIH.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Autoimmune Liver Diseases in a Tertiary Referral Center in Cuba

Background

Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) comprise a set of entities characterized by tissue damage as a result of the loss of self-tolerance. There are few reports of AILD from Caribbean countries.

Objectives

The aim of our study was to investigate the clinical patterns, laboratory findings, and immunologic features, treatment responses, and prognoses of AILD in adult patients at a Cuban tertiary referral center.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted at the National Institute of Gastroenterology in Havana, Cuba, from May 2012 to April 2016. Clinical, immunologic, and histologic features of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis, AIH/primary biliary cirrhosis overlap syndrome, autoimmune cholangiopathy, and primary sclerosing cholangitis were recorded. Response to therapy was assessed by serum alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin levels at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment initiation.

Results

Of the 106 patients included in the study, 85.5% were women. The median age at presentation was 47 years. AIH was the most common AILD and was diagnosed in 60 patients (56.6%), 55 of whom had type 1 AIH. Primary biliary cirrhosis was diagnosed in 22 patients (20.7%), overlap syndrome in 16 patients (15%), autoimmune cholangiopathy in 5 patients (4.71%), and PSC in 3 patients (2.8%). Most patients were symptomatic; 48 patients (45.2%) presented with liver cirrhosis, 14.5% of whom had decompensated cirrhosis. Follow-up of treatment was between 6 and 24 months. Prednisone monotherapy was used in 22 AIH patients (36.6%) and a combination of prednisone and azathioprine was used in 28 (46.6%) AIH patients. Response to treatment was seen in 41 AIH patients (68.3%), 33 of whom (55%) had a complete response and 8 of whom (24.2%) relapsed after 12 months of maintenance therapy. No or incomplete response to treatment was seen in 18 patients (30%). In 46 patients with autoimmune cholestasis, ursodeoxycholic acid was used as monotherapy in 25 patients (54.3%).

Conclusions

The clinical profile of AILD in a sample of the Cuban population is similar to that reported in South areas (Developing countries). AIH was more frequent than PBC, and usually presented with advanced liver disease that responded poorly to treatment.

Similarities and Differences in Autoimmune Hepatitis Epidemiology between East and West: Autoimmune Hepatitis in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia

Background

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare disease that can develop regardless of age or ethnicity. However, its clinical features differ between eastern and western populations due to several heterogeneous genetic and environmental factors. We herein report the clinical characteristics of AIH patients in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia.

Summary and Key Messages

The prevalence of AIH in eastern countries is considered to be lower than in western countries. Although a few young patients with type 2 AIH have been observed in South Asia, most patients in Asia are middle-aged women with type 1 AIH who respond well to steroid-based immunosuppressive therapy. Human leukocyte antigen DR4 is suggested to be an influential factor in the genetic background of AIH patients in Asia, particularly in East Asia. Notably, AIH may be induced by some societal- or culture-associated medicines, including herbal medicines. The IAIHG (International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group) scoring systems are generally accepted as the standard diagnostic methods for AIH in Asian countries. The results of repeated nationwide surveys in Japan suggest that the clinical features of AIH patients in East Asia are changing, with IgG levels and rates of anti-nuclear antibody positivity decreasing.

Extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal tuberculosis: Frequency and relation with disease phenotype

BACKGROUND

Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), as well as intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) from Asia, are underreported. We, therefore, describe the prevalence of EIMs in Indian IBD and ITB patients and study their relationship with disease extent and severity in IBD.

METHODS

This retrospective single-center study included all IBD and ITB patients evaluated from January 2005 to July 2012. Disease profile and frequencies of arthropathies (peripheral and central) and ocular (episcleritis, iritis/uveitis), oral (aphthous stomatitis), skin (erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, psoriasis), hepatobiliary (primary sclerosing cholangitis), and thromboembolic manifestations were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 1,652 patients (1146 UC, 303 CD, 203 ITB), frequency of any EIM was 33.2 %, 38.3 %, and 14.3 % in UC, CD, and ITB patients, respectively. Thromboembolism was more common among UC patients with pancolitis than proctitis (p < 0.001) and left-sided colitis (p = 0.02). Primary sclerosing cholangitis was seen in 0.4 % UC patients. Steroid-dependent UC patients had higher frequency of any EIM, peripheral arthropathy, or thromboembolism than patients with no or infrequent steroid requirement (p < 0.05). Peripheral arthropathy (p = 0.02), erythema nodosum (p = 0.01), and aphthous stomatitis (p = 0.004) were more common with CD than with UC patients. Patients with colonic CD had higher frequency of peripheral arthropathy, any EIM, and multiple EIMs than ileal or ileocolonic disease (p < 0.05). Relative to ITB, CD patients had higher frequencies of peripheral arthropathy (p < 0.001), aphthous stomatitis (p = 0.01), any EIM (p < 0.001), and multiple EIMs (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In Indian IBD and ITB patients, EIMs appear to be related to disease severity in UC and disease location in CD and are significantly more common in CD than in ITB. Overall prevalence of EIMs in these patients is similar to that of the West.

Meta-analysis: diagnostic accuracy of antinuclear antibodies, smooth muscle antibodies and antibodies to a soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas in autoimmune hepatitis

Background

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA), smooth muscle antibodies (SMA) and antibodies to a soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas (anti-SLA/LP) are useful markers that can help clinicians to diagnose and classify autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

Objectives

To determine whether ANA, SMA and anti-SLA/LP help to accurately diagnose patients with AIH.

Search strategy

The PubMed, CNKI, WANFANG, and SinoMed databases were accessed to retrieve studies published in English and Chinese. Studies published up to October 2013 were reviewed.

Selection criteria

Studies on the diagnostic value of ANA, SMA or anti-SLA/LP in the diagnosis of known or suspected AIH were included.

Data collection and analysis

Two authors evaluated studies independently and rated their methodological quality using quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS) tools; relevant data were abstracted. The random-effects method was used to summarize sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) from all 29 studies.

Results

The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and DOR for ANA were 0.650 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.619 to 0.680), 0.751 (95%CI, 0.737 to 0.764), 3.030 (95%CI, 2.349 to 3.910), 0.464 (95%CI, 0.356 to 0.604), and 7.380 (95%CI, 4.344 to 12.539), respectively. For SMA, the values were 0.593 (95%CI, 0.564 to 0.621), 0.926 (95%CI, 0.917 to 0.934), 11.740 (95%CI, 7.379 to 18.678), 0.449 (95%CI, 0.367 to 0.549), and 31.553 (95%CI, 17.147 to 58.060), respectively. Finally, for anti-SLA/LP, the values were 0.194 (95%CI, 0.168 to 0.222), 0.989 (95%CI, 0.985 to 0.993), 11.089 (95%CI, 7.601 to 16.177), 0.839 (95%CI, 0.777 to 0.905), and 16.867 (95%CI, 10.956 to 25.967), respectively.

Authors’ conclusions

ANA provided moderate sensitivity and specificity, while SMA gave moderate sensitivity and high specificity, and anti-SLA/LP exhibited low sensitivity and high specificity. All three antibodies were limited by their unsatisfactory sensitivities and lack of consistency.

Review article: the management of autoimmune hepatitis beyond consensus guidelines

BACKGROUND

Consensus guidelines aid in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune hepatitis, but they are frequently based on low-quality clinical evidence, conflicting experiences and divergent opinions. Recommendations may be weak, discrepant or non-existent at critical decision points.

AIMS

To identify the decision points where guidelines are weak or non-existent and review the evidence essential in the decision process.

METHODS

Full-text articles published in English using the keyword 'autoimmune hepatitis' were identified by PubMed from 1972 to 2013. Personal experience and investigations in autoimmune hepatitis also identified important contributions.

RESULTS

Seventy per cent of the guidelines developed by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and 48% of those proposed by the British Society of Gastroenterology are based on low-quality evidence, conflicting experiences or divergent opinions. The key uncertainties in diagnosis relate to the timing of liver biopsy, recognising acute severe (fulminant) disease, interpreting coincidental nonclassical histological changes, accommodating atypical or deficient features in non-White patients, differentiating drug-induced from classical disease and identifying overlap syndromes. The key uncertainties in management relate to pre-treatment testing for thiopurine methyltransferase activity, treating asymptomatic mild disease, determining treatment end points, managing suboptimal responses, incorporating nonstandard medications as front-line and salvage agents, using azathioprine in pregnancy and instituting surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Consensus guidelines are fraught with uncertainties in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune hepatitis. Each decision point must counterbalance the current available evidence and tailor the application of this evidence to the individual patient.

Role of international criteria in the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis

AIM: To study the clinical and laboratory characteristics of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and compare them with International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAHG) criteria.

METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients with AIH attended the University Clinic at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran for a 12 mo period and were assessed in a case series study. Serological and biochemical evaluations were carried out in all patients. Autoantibodies, such as antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA), anti-liver-kidney microsomal antibody (ALKM-1) type 1, and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (P-ANCA) were evaluated in these patients. A liver biopsy was performed after diagnosis of the disease. Patients were evaluated in terms of their signs and symptoms, and laboratory results and the degree to which they corresponded with the diagnostic criteria of IAHG. In this study, both a comprehensive diagnostic scoring system and a simplified diagnostic scoring system were employed for AIH.

RESULTS: Sixty patients, 20 male, 40 female, mean age 39.45 ± 17.50 years, participated in the study. Treatment began immediately after enrolment into the study. The percent distribution of the study population into definite and probable did not change after the treatment. The most common symptoms in descending order were fatigue (100%), icter (66.7%), abdominal discomfort (33.3%), abdominal distension (28.3%), dark urine (23.3%), edema (23.3%), hematemesis (20.0%), pruritus (20.0%), melena (11.7%) and pale stool (10.0%). At the physical examination, splenomegaly, ascites, hepatomegaly, epigastric tenderness and an abdominal mass were found in 50.0%, 16.7%, 13.3%, 5.0% and 3.3% of patients, respectively. Hypergammaglobulinemia was detected in 95.0% of cases. ALKM-1, P-ANCA, ANA and ASMA were positive in 71.4%, 66.7%, 42.4% and 19.4% of cases, respectively. Portal hypertensive gastropathy (45.0%), esophageal varices (41.7%) and cirrhosis (40.0%) were the most prevalent complications of AIH, and there was no evidence of primary sclerosing cholangitis, ulcerative colitis and overlap syndrome in these patients. According to IAHG criteria, 80.0% of cases had a definite diagnosis, 15.0% had a probable diagnosis and 5.0% had no AIH. The percent distribution of the study population into definite, probable and no AIH did not change after using the simplified diagnostic scoring system for AIH.

CONCLUSION: This research showed that the majority of cases in our study were appropriately diagnosed according to the IAHG criteria and simplified scoring system. Thus, these criteria are very useful.

Autoimmune hepatitis in diverse ethnic populations and geographical regions

Autoimmune hepatitis has diverse clinical phenotypes and outcomes in ethnic groups within a country and between countries, and these differences may reflect genetic predispositions, indigenous etiological agents, pharmacogenomic mechanisms and socioeconomic reasons. In the USA, African-American patients have cirrhosis more commonly, treatment failure more frequently and higher mortality than white American patients. Survival is poorest in Asian-American patients. Autoimmune hepatitis in other countries is frequently associated with genetic predispositions that may favor susceptibility to indigenous etiological agents. Cholestatic features influence treatment response; acute-on-chronic liver disease increases mortality and socioeconomic and cultural factors affect prognosis. Ethnic-based deviations from classical phenotypes and the frequency of late-stage disease can complicate the diagnosis and management of autoimmune hepatitis in non-white populations.

Epidemiology and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the liver that occurs worldwide with a low and probably underestimated prevalence. Although it typically affects young and middle-aged women, it can occur in both sexes and across all age groups. AIH runs a fluctuating course, but can present as severe and even fulminant hepatic failure or at a stage of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Prognosis of severe AIH is poor if untreated. The pathogenesis is complex, combining environmental factors (external chemical or infectious triggers) and host genetic susceptibility. The diagnosis is based, after exclusion of other etiologies of chronic liver disease, on a combination of different elements, including the presence of elevated transaminases, elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, the presence and pattern of typical autoantibodies, and a liver biopsy showing interface hepatitis and other characteristic features. No single test can be used to make the diagnosis. Response to treatment can also help to establish the diagnosis. Simplified criteria can be used to make a bedside diagnosis with relatively high accuracy. Treatment consists of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive regimens according to the severity of the disease, the response to the treatment, and the tolerance to therapy, with liver transplantation as an ultimate remedy in treatment-resistant cases with liver decompensation.

Characteristics of autoimmune hepatitis in the Asia-Pacific Region: historical review

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been considered a relatively rare disease in Asia, including Japan, where there is a high frequency of infection with hepatitis viruses.

METHOD

We reviewd the ethnic differences of clinical features of autoimmume hepatitis by reported paper.

RESULT

Immunogenetic predisposition, especially differences in human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), has been pointed out as one of the factors for the occurrence of AIH. In other words, HLA-DR3, which is the first disease-susceptibility gene for AIH discovered in UK and the USA, is extremely rare in Asia including Japan. Moreover, HLA-DR4, which is more frequent than HLA-DR3 in Asia, is associated with a favorable response to treatment and improved prognosis. This also explains why diagnosis and treatment of AIH have not drawn as much attention as viral hepatitis. However, as a survey conducted in Japan shows, the number of patients diagnosed with AIH is increasing. However, the number of elderly patients positive for HLA-DR4 is also increasing in UK and the USA.

CONCLUSION

In the era of genome-wide association studies, further progress of studies on AIH, a typical disease model for immunological liver cell damage, is expected.

Clinical features of autoimmune liver disease

AIM: To investigate the clinical features of autoimmune liver disease (ALD).

METHODS: A total of 91 patients with ALD were enrolled in this study, including 68 cases of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and 23 cases of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Another 41 HBsAg-positive patients with cirrhosis were used as controls. Clinical manifestations, liver function parameters and serum immunoglobulins were compared among these patients.

RESULTS: The median onset age for patients with AIH and PBC was 51.2 ± 13.4 and 52.8 ± 10.3 years, respectively. Females were more likely to suffer from AIH and PBC than males. AIH patients had significantly higher levels of ALT, ALP, GGT, TP, and TBIL (all P < 0.05) than patients with chronic hepatitis B-related cirrhosis. Compared to patients with AIH, those with PBC had much higher levels of TBIL (P < 0.05) which were mainly caused by the increase in DBIL. All patients had decreased levels of ALB, especially those with chronic hepatitis B-related cirrhosis. Patients with AIH and those with PBC had nearly the same positive rate of autoantibodies (63.2% vs 78.3%), while all patients with chronic hepatitis B-related cirrhosis were negative for autoantibodies. Patients with AIH had higher positive rates of ANA and anti-dsDNA but a lower positive rate of AMA than patients with PBC (all P < 0.05). Autoantibody-negative AIH patients had significantly higher levels of ALT and AST, while autoantibody-negative PBC patients had lower levels of ALT, AST, ALP and GGT than autoantibody-positive ones.

CONCLUSION: ALD lacks typical clinical features. Perimenopausal women who display fatigue and jaundice and have elevated γ-globulin level and negative viral markers should be highly suspected of having ALD. The presence of autoantibodies may confirm the diagnosis. Patients with AIH often have abnormal transmainase levels, while high levels of transaminases activities (ALT, AST) and significantly increased biliary enzymes (ALP, GGT) and direct bilirubin levels may suggest PBC.

Idiopathic non-cirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension: common cause of cryptogenic intrahepatic portal hypertension in a Southern Indian tertiary hospital

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Patients with intrahepatic portal hypertension and negative etiological work-up for liver disease are often labeled as having cryptogenic cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate causes of liver disease in patients with unexplained intrahepatic portal hypertension.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed cause of liver disease in all patients with cryptogenic intrahepatic portal hypertension who underwent liver biopsies between June 2005 to June 2007 in our center.

RESULTS

Five hundred and seventeen patients underwent liver biopsies of whom 227 had portal hypertension. Of these, the cause of liver disease could not be detected prior to liver biopsy in 62 patients. Causes of liver disease identified after liver biopsy in these 62 patients were: idiopathic non-cirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension (NCIPH) (30 patients, 48%), cirrhosis (14), fatty liver disease (7) and other causes (11). Initial presentations in idiopathic NCIPH patients were splenomegaly and anemia (18 patients), variceal bleed (9) and ascites (3). Median age (range) of patients at first presentation was 32 (15-57) years, and 19 were male. Majority (90%) were in Child's class A. Hepatic vein pressure gradient was <5 mmHg in 2 of 7 NCIPH patients tested.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified 30 patients with idiopathic NCIPH at our center over the 2 year study period. The clinical presentation and investigations of NCIPH closely mimic cryptogenic cirrhosis. Idiopathic NCIPH should be considered as a differential diagnosis of cryptogenic cirrhosis in India.

Spectrum of autoimmune liver diseases in western India

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The prevalence and spectrum of autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) in India are rarely reported in comparison to the West.

METHOD

During a study period of 7 years, all patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs) were evaluated for the presence of AILDs on the basis of clinical, biochemical, imaging, serological, and histological characteristics.

RESULTS

Of a total of 1760 CLD patients (38.1% females), 102 patients (5.7%) had an AILD. A total of 75 (11.2%) female patients had an AILD. Among males, 27 (2.4%) had an AILD. The prevalence of AILDs in women increased from 11.2% to 45.7% and in men from 2.4% to 10.3%, after excluding alcohol, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus as a cause of CLD. Of the AILDs, autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was present in 79 patients (77.4%), followed in descending order by primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) in 10 patients (9.8%), PBC/AIH true overlap syndrome in six patients (5.8%), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in five patients (4.9%), and PBC/AIH switchover syndrome in two patients (1.9%). None had PSC/AIH or PBC/PSC overlap syndrome. Associated known autoimmune diseases were found in 40 (39.2%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

AILDs are not uncommon in India. They should be suspected in all cases of CLDs, especially in middle-aged women who do not have problems with alcoholism and who are without viral etiology, as well as in all patients with known autoimmune diseases.

Retrospective review of pediatric and adult autoimmune hepatitis in two quaternary care centres in British Columbia: increased prevalence seen in British Columbia's First Nations community

BACKGROUND

It has been previously reported that British Columbia's (BC's) First Nations (Aboriginal) community has an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatological conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus) and primary biliary cirrhosis. The researchers hypothesized that this community may also be at increased risk for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

METHODS

Independent, retrospective reviews of the databases of two separate tertiary/quaternary British Columbia university-affiliated health care institutions, the Adult Liver Transplant Program of the BC Transplant Society and the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, BC Children's Hospital (Vancouver, BC), were performed. All patients referred with a diagnosis of probable or definite AIH who identified themselves as being of First Nations descent from 1988 to 2004 were reviewed. The liver transplant database records all adult patients in the province referred for transplant assessment. The pediatric database records all children referred to the BC Children's Hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 68 adult patients with a definite or probable diagnosis of AIH were referred to the liver transplant program. Twelve patients (17.6%) were Aboriginal, 11 of which were female. Similarly, a total of 30 children with probable or definite AIH were identified from the pediatric database. Six of these cases (20%) were identified in Aboriginal children.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest an increased prevalence of AIH among BC's First Nations community. A disproportionate First Nations representation was found on independent review of two databases. Future studies are needed to determine the true prevalence of AIH in this community, and to uncover the genetic predisposition and the environmental triggers explaining this phenomenon.

Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis in Taiwan: diagnosis using the revised criteria of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is rare in Asian countries compared to the West, and an exceptionally low prevalence was noted previously in Taiwan. Using the revised criteria of the IAIHG, 48 cases of AIH patients were diagnosed. All patients were consecutively diagnosed over a period of 5 years. Detailed medical histories including disease onset, hepatitis B and C, alcohol, drugs, blood transfusion, and family history of autoimmune disease were recorded. Clinical manifestations, result of steroid therapy, outcome, and survival rate were investigated and analyzed. Clinical data on AIH patients with cirrhosis and without cirrhosis were compared and analyzed for their outcome. The statistical methods used were Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Kaplan-Meier curve. Forty-eight patients were diagnosed as AIH type 1, with a median age of 58 years and a female:male ratio of 37:11. The most common clinical features at presentation were fatigue, jaundice, and anorexia. Ninety-eight percent of patients were ANA positive, and most of the patients showed elevated values of AST, ALT, serum globulin, and bilirubin. A substantial proportion of patients presented with poor liver function at entry and 35% of patients had liver cirrhosis, with relatively prolonged PT (P=0.001) and poorer outcome (P=0.005) compared to the noncirrhotics. As a whole there was a favorable treatment response and the overall survival rate was 85%. We conclude that the incidence of AIH in Taiwan is much higher than previously presumed and AIH type 1 is the predominant type of the disease. Although a substantial proportion of AIH patients presented with poor hepatic function at entry, as a whole there was a favorable clinical outcome.

Autoimmune hepatitis in India: profile of an uncommon disease

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been reported to show considerable geographical variation in frequency and clinical manifestations. It is considered a rare cause of liver disease in India. The present study was undertaken to determine the incidence, clinical, biochemical and histological profile of AIH in this part of the world.

METHODS

Patients presenting with acute or chronic liver disease between January 1999 and June 2002 were evaluated prospectively. AIH was diagnosed using the international autoimmune hepatitis group criteria. Workup included clinical, biochemical, USG, viral markers, UGI endoscopy, AI markers (ANA, SMA, Anti-LKM, AMA, RF, p-ANCA) using indirect immunofluorescence and liver biopsy if possible.

RESULTS

Forty-one of 2401 (1.70%) patients were diagnosed to have autoimmune liver disease. Out of these, 38 had autoimmune hepatitis and the rest 3 had primary biliary cirrhosis. The mean age of the patients of autoimmune hepatitis was 36.2 (15.9) years, 34 (89.4%) were females, and the duration of symptoms was 20.3 (20.5) months. Nineteen (50%) of them presented with chronic hepatitis, 13 (34.2%) as cirrhosis, 5 (13.1%) with acute hepatitis and 1 (2.6%) with cholestatic hepatitis. The presentations were jaundice in 21 (55.2%), pedal edema and hepatomegaly in 17 (44.7%), splenomegaly in 13 (34.2%), encephalopathy, abdominal pain in 9 (23.6%) and fever in 8 (21%). Twelve had esophageal varices and 3 had bled. Biochemical parameters were ALT 187 (360) U/L, AST 157 (193) U/L, ALP 246 (254) U/L, globulin 4.1 (1.6) g/dL, albumin 2.8 (0.9) g/dL, bilirubin 5.2 (7.4) mg/dL, prothrombin time 17 (7) sec and ESR 47 (17) sec. The autoimmune markers were SMA (24), ANA (15), both SMA and ANA (4), AMA (1), rheumatoid factor (2), pANCA (1), and Anti-LKM in none. Thirty (79%) patients had definite AIH and eight (21%) had probable AI hepatitis. Associated autoimmune diseases was seen in 15/38 (39.4%), diabetes 4, hypothyroidism 3, vitiligo 2, thrombocytopenia 2, rheumatoid arthritis 2, Sjogren's syndrome 1 and autoimmune polyglandular syndrome III in 1. Viral markers were positive in two patients, one presenting as acute hepatitis and HEV-IgM positive and another anti-HCV positive.

CONCLUSION

In India, autoimmune hepatitis is uncommon and usually presents with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, acute hepatitis being less common. Age at presentation was earlier but clinical parameters and associated autoimmune diseases were similar to that reported from the west. Primary biliary cirrhosis is rare. Type II AIH was not observed.

Epidemiology of autoimmune liver disease

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are chronic liver diseases that likely have an autoimmune basis to their pathogenesis. Although significant strides have been made in the clinical management of these conditions, their pathogenesis remains obscure. Understanding of various epidemiological factors may shed light on predisposing or causative factors for these diseases. Most is known about the epidemiology of PBC, with only minimal information on that of PSC and AIH. In this review, the current data on the epidemiology of PBC, AIH and PSC are summarized and suggestions are made for future work in this important area.