1
|
Şimşek C, Wahlin S, Efe C. Autoimmune hepatitis: Mycophenolate mofetil vs. azathioprine as first-line therapy. J Hepatol 2024; 81:e41-e42. [PMID: 38458322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Cem Şimşek
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Staffan Wahlin
- Hepatology Division, Department of Upper GI Diseases, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alric L. Should MMF treatment be the first-line therapy in autoimmune hepatitis? J Hepatol 2024; 81:e40. [PMID: 38403032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Alric
- Internal Medicine- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rangueil Hospital, Toulouse 3 University, Toulouse, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Snijders RJALM, Stoelinga AEC, van Hoek B, Drenth JPH. Reply to: Comments on "An open-label randomised-controlled trial of azathioprine vs. mycophenolate mofetil for the induction of remission in treatment-naive autoimmune hepatitis". J Hepatol 2024; 81:e43-e44. [PMID: 38554845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Romée J A L M Snijders
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany.
| | - Anna E C Stoelinga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joost P H Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stoelinga AE, Biewenga M, Drenth JP, Verhelst X, van der Meer AJ, de Boer YS, Bouma G, de Vries ES, Verdonk RC, van der Berg AP, Brouwer JT, Vanwolleghem T, Lammers W, Beuers U, Sarasqueta AF, Verheij J, Roskams T, Crobach S, Tushuizen ME, van Hoek B. Diagnostic criteria and long-term outcomes in AIH-PBC variant syndrome under combination therapy. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101088. [PMID: 38974367 PMCID: PMC11225825 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) can co-exist in AIH-PBC, requiring combined treatment with immunosuppression and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The Paris criteria are commonly used to identify these patients; however, the optimal diagnostic criteria are unknown. We aimed to evaluate the use and clinical relevance of both Paris and Zhang criteria. Methods Eighty-three patients with a clinical suspicion of AIH-PBC who were treated with combination therapy were included. Histology was re-evaluated. Characteristics and long-term outcomes were retrospectively compared to patients with AIH and PBC. Results Seventeen (24%) patients treated with combination therapy fulfilled the Paris criteria. Fifty-two patients (70%) fulfilled the Zhang criteria. Patients who met Paris and Zhang criteria more often had inflammation and fibrosis on histology compared to patients only meeting the Zhang criteria. Ten-year liver transplant (LT)-free survival was 87.3% (95% CI 78.9-95.7%) in patients with AIH-PBC. This did not differ in patients in or outside the Paris or Zhang criteria (p = 0.46 and p = 0.40, respectively) or from AIH (p = 0.086). LT-free survival was significantly lower in patients with PBC and severe hepatic inflammation - not receiving immunosuppression - compared to those with AIH-PBC (65%; 95% CI 52.2-77.8% vs. 87%; 95% CI 83.2-90.8%; hazard ratio 0.52; p = 0.043). Conclusions In this study, patients with AIH-PBC outside Paris or Zhang criteria were frequently labeled as having AIH-PBC and were successfully treated with combination therapy with similar outcomes. LT-free survival was worse in patients with PBC and hepatic inflammation than in those treated as having AIH-PBC. More patients may benefit from combination therapy. Impact and implications This study demonstrated that patients with AIH-PBC variant syndrome treated with combined therapy consisting of immunosuppressants and ursodeoxycholic acid often do not fulfill the Paris criteria. They do however have comparable response to therapy and long-term outcomes as patients who do fulfill the diagnostic criteria. Additionally, patients with PBC and additional signs of hepatic inflammation have poorer long-term outcomes compared to patients treated as having AIH-PBC. These results implicate that a larger group of patients with features of both AIH and PBC may benefit from combined treatment. With our results, we call for improved consensus among experts in the field on the diagnosis and management of AIH-PBC variant syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna E.C. Stoelinga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike Biewenga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Joost P.H. Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre – location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UZ Gent, Gent, Belgium
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Adriaan J.P. van der Meer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Ynto S. de Boer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre – location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Gerd Bouma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre – location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Elsemieke S. de Vries
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Isala clinics, Zwolle, the Netherlands
| | - Robert C. Verdonk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sint Antonius hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Aad P. van der Berg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Johannes T. Brouwer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UZ Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Belgium
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Wim Lammers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Ulrich Beuers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre – location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Arantza Farina Sarasqueta
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre – location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joanne Verheij
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre – location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Stijn Crobach
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten E. Tushuizen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ali FEM, Abdel-Reheim MA, Hassanein EHM, Abd El-Aziz MK, Althagafy HS, Badran KSA. Exploring the potential of drug repurposing for liver diseases: A comprehensive study. Life Sci 2024; 347:122642. [PMID: 38641047 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122642] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Drug repurposing involves the investigation of existing drugs for new indications. It offers a great opportunity to quickly identify a new drug candidate at a lower cost than novel discovery and development. Despite the importance and potential role of drug repurposing, there is no specific definition that healthcare providers and the World Health Organization credit. Unfortunately, many similar and interchangeable concepts are being used in the literature, making it difficult to collect and analyze uniform data on repurposed drugs. This research was conducted based on understanding general criteria for drug repurposing, concentrating on liver diseases. Many drugs have been investigated for their effect on liver diseases even though they were originally approved (or on their way to being approved) for other diseases. Some of the hypotheses for drug repurposing were first captured from the literature and then processed further to test the hypothesis. Recently, with the revolution in bioinformatics techniques, scientists have started to use drug libraries and computer systems that can analyze hundreds of drugs to give a short list of candidates to be analyzed pharmacologically. However, this study revealed that drug repurposing is a potential aid that may help deal with liver diseases. It provides available or under-investigated drugs that could help treat hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, Wilson disease, liver cancer, and fatty liver. However, many further studies are needed to ensure the efficacy of these drugs on a large scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt; Michael Sayegh, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aqaba University of Technology, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Mustafa Ahmed Abdel-Reheim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62521, Egypt.
| | - Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt.
| | - Mostafa K Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Hanan S Althagafy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S A Badran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Reau NS, Lammert CS, Weinberg EM. Autoimmune hepatitis: Current and future therapies. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0458. [PMID: 38836863 PMCID: PMC11155538 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. AIH can present in all ages, races, and ethnicities, but it predominantly affects women. As a heterogeneous disease, AIH presents variably in different patients, making diagnosis and treatment a challenge. Currently, the standard treatment for AIH comprises immunosuppressants; however, their long-term use is associated with adverse effects. The pathogenesis of AIH is complex, involving T cells, macrophages, and plasma cells that invade the periportal parenchyma and lead to an inflammatory cascade that can result in liver damage. Due to the complexity of AIH pathogenesis, treatment targets several inflammatory pathways. However, unlike other autoimmune diseases in which targeted treatments have been approved, there has been little progress made in advancing the treatment paradigm for AIH. Major obstacles to progress include challenges in conducting clinical trials, particularly patient recruitment and ensuring a diverse range of backgrounds; poorly defined outcomes to assess treatment response and improved quality of life; and a lack of study designs that account for the stage of disease and variations in treatment. A focus on individualized and steroid-free treatment approaches is needed to improve AIH prognosis and minimize steroid-associated adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy S. Reau
- Section of Hepatology, Hepatology Services, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Craig S. Lammert
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ethan M. Weinberg
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pedersen MR, Mayo MJ. Advances in the evaluation and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2024; 40:126-133. [PMID: 38363233 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000001014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The primary therapy of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been established for over three decades. This review focuses on updates in the evaluation and management of patients with AIH. RECENT FINDINGS The evaluation of patients has recently been updated to include more definitive screening for other autoimmune diseases, including thyroid disease and celiac disease. Antibody detection by ELISA, an easier and more commonly available method, has been incorporated into the latest iteration of the AIH scoring system. Corticosteroids and AZA remain the backbone of AIH treatment, but there is growing evidence for mycophenolate mofetil as both first-line and second-line therapy, and growing inquiry into calcineurin inhibitors. Noninvasive markers of liver disease have now been validated in AIH, with the strongest evidence for VCTE in patients with minimal hepatic inflammation. SUMMARY Recent research of alternative immunosuppressant therapies, noninvasive markers of fibrosis, and updated society guidelines, have improved our ability to evaluate, treat, and follow patients with AIH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M R Pedersen
- Division of Digestive and Liver Disease, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Riveiro-Barciela M, Carballal S, Díaz-González Á, Mañosa M, Gallego-Plazas J, Cubiella J, Jiménez-Fonseca P, Varela M, Menchén L, Sangro B, Fernández-Montes A, Mesonero F, Rodríguez-Gandía MÁ, Rivera F, Londoño MC. Management of liver and gastrointestinal toxicity induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: Position statement of the AEEH-AEG-SEPD-SEOM-GETECCU. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2024; 47:401-432. [PMID: 38228461 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2023.10.009] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The development of the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is one of the most remarkable achievements in cancer therapy in recent years. However, their exponential use has led to an increase in immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Gastrointestinal and liver events encompass hepatitis, colitis and upper digestive tract symptoms accounting for the most common irAEs, with incidence rates varying from 2% to 40%, the latter in patients undergoing combined ICIs therapy. Based on the current scientific evidence derived from both randomized clinical trials and real-world studies, this statement document provides recommendations on the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the gastrointestinal and hepatic ICI-induced adverse events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mar Riveiro-Barciela
- 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; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Department of Medicine, Spain.
| | - Sabela Carballal
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Spain; Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Díaz-González
- Gastroenterology Department, Grupo de Investigación Clínica y Traslacional en Enfermedades Digestivas, Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Míriam Mañosa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | | | - Joaquín Cubiella
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Universitario de Ourense, Grupo de Investigación en Oncología Digestiva-Ourense, Spain
| | - Paula Jiménez-Fonseca
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - María Varela
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, IUOPA, ISPA, FINBA, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Luis Menchén
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo - CEIMI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio, Marañón, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bruno Sangro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Liver Unit, Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona-Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Fernández-Montes
- Medical Oncology Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Ourense, Spain
| | - Francisco Mesonero
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Rodríguez-Gandía
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRyCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Rivera
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - María-Carlota Londoño
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hirschfield GM, Lohse AW. Treating autoimmune hepatitis - More science, more progress, better therapy. J Hepatol 2024; 80:534-536. [PMID: 38309440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.021] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Gideon M Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- Division of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Snijders RJALM, Stoelinga AEC, Gevers TJG, Pape S, Biewenga M, Tushuizen ME, Verdonk RC, de Jonge HJM, Vrolijk JM, Bakker SF, Vanwolleghem T, de Boer YS, Baven Pronk MAMC, Beuers U, van der Meer AJ, Gerven NMFV, Sijtsma MGM, van Eijck BC, van IJzendoorn MC, van Herwaarden M, van den Brand FF, Korkmaz KS, van den Berg AP, Guichelaar MMJ, Levens AD, van Hoek B, Drenth JPH. An open-label randomised-controlled trial of azathioprine vs. mycophenolate mofetil for the induction of remission in treatment-naive autoimmune hepatitis. J Hepatol 2024; 80:576-585. [PMID: 38101756 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) almost invariably require lifelong immunosuppressive treatment. There is genuine concern about the efficacy and tolerability of the current standard combination therapy of prednisolone and azathioprine. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has emerged as an alternative option. The aim of this study was to compare MMF to azathioprine as induction therapy for AIH. METHODS In this 24-week, prospective, randomised, open-label, multicentre superiority trial, 70 patients with treatment-naive AIH received either MMF or azathioprine, both in combination with prednisolone. The primary endpoint was biochemical remission defined as normalisation of serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and IgG after 24 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints included safety and tolerability. RESULTS Seventy patients (mean 57.9 years [SD 14.0]; 72.9% female) were randomly assigned to the MMF plus prednisolone (n = 39) or azathioprine plus prednisolone (n = 31) group. The primary endpoint was met in 56.4% and 29.0% of patients assigned to the MMF group and the azathioprine group, respectively (difference, 27.4 percentage points; 95% CI 4.0 to 46.7; p = 0.022). The MMF group exhibited higher complete biochemical response rates at 6 months (72.2% vs. 32.3%; p = 0.004). No serious adverse events occurred in patients who received MMF (0%) but serious adverse events were reported in four patients who received azathioprine (12.9%) (p = 0.034). Two patients in the MMF group (5.1%) and eight patients in the azathioprine group (25.8%) discontinued treatment owing to adverse events or serious adverse events (p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS In patients with treatment-naive AIH, MMF with prednisolone led to a significantly higher rate of biochemical remission at 24 weeks compared to azathioprine combined with prednisolone. Azathioprine use was associated with more (serious) adverse events leading to cessation of treatment, suggesting superior tolerability of MMF. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS This randomised-controlled trial directly compares azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil, both in combination with prednisolone, for the induction of biochemical remission in treatment-naive patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Achieving complete remission is desirable to prevent disease progression. Patients assigned to the mycophenolate mofetil group reached biochemical remission more often and experienced fewer adverse events. The findings in this trial may contribute to the re-evaluation of international guidelines for the standard of care in treatment-naive patients with autoimmune hepatitis. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER #NCT02900443.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romée J A L M Snijders
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Anna E C Stoelinga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom J G Gevers
- Nutrim School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Simon Pape
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Maaike Biewenga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten E Tushuizen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert C Verdonk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik J M de Jonge
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Maarten Vrolijk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd F Bakker
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Ynto S de Boer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, location VU Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Beuers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, location Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Adriaan J van der Meer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole M F van Gerven
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rode Kruis Hospital, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn G M Sijtsma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St. Jansdal Hospital, Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Brechje C van Eijck
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, The Netherlands
| | - Manon C van IJzendoorn
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Bernhoven, Uden, The Netherlands
| | - Margot van Herwaarden
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Deventer Hospital, Deventer, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kerem Sebib Korkmaz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, IJselland Hospital, Capelle aan den Ijssel, the Netherlands
| | - Aad P van den Berg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Maureen M J Guichelaar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Amar D Levens
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joost P H Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gigi E, Lagopoulos V, Liakos A. Management of autoimmune hepatitis induced by hepatitis delta virus. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:799-805. [PMID: 38516234 PMCID: PMC10950643 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i8.799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 12-72 million people worldwide are co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV). This concurrent infection can lead to several severe outcomes with hepatic disease, such as cirrhosis, fulminant hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, being the most common. Over the past few decades, a correlation between viral hepatitis and autoimmune diseases has been reported. Furthermore, autoantibodies have been detected in the serum of patients co-infected with HBV/HDV, and autoimmune features have been reported. However, to date, very few cases of clinically significant autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have been reported in patients with HDV infection, mainly in those who have received treatment with pegylated interferon. Interestingly, there are some patients with HBV infection and AIH in whom HDV infection is unearthed after receiving treatment with immunosuppressants. Consequently, several questions remain unanswered with the challenge to distinguish whether it is autoimmune or "autoimmune-like" hepatitis being the most crucial. Second, it remains uncertain whether autoimmunity is induced by HBV or delta virus. Finally, we investigated whether the cause of AIH lies in the previous treatment of HDV with pegylated interferon. These pressing issues should be elucidated to clarify whether new antiviral treatments for HDV, such as Bulevirtide or immu-nosuppressive drugs, are more appropriate for the management of patients with HDV and AIH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Gigi
- Hepatology Unit, The Second Internal Medicine Department, Aristotle University Medical School, Hippokrateio General Hospital, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Vasileios Lagopoulos
- Department of Surgical, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54636, Greece
| | - Aris Liakos
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Second Medical Department, Hippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mucenic M. Advancements in autoimmune hepatitis management: Perspectives for future guidelines. World J Hepatol 2024; 16:135-139. [PMID: 38495280 PMCID: PMC10941753 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i2.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The first-line treatment for autoimmune hepatitis involves the use of prednisone or prednisolone either as monotherapy or in combination with azathioprine (AZA). Budesonide has shown promise in inducing a complete biochemical response (CBR) with fewer adverse effects and is considered an optional first-line treatment, particularly for patients without cirrhosis; however, it is worth noting that the design of that study favored budesonide. A recent real-life study revealed higher CBR rates with prednisone when equivalent initial doses were administered. Current guidelines recommend mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for patients who are intolerant to AZA. It is important to mention that the evidence supporting this recommendation is weak, primarily consisting of case series. Nevertheless, MMF has demonstrated superiority to AZA in the context of renal transplant. Recent comparative studies have shown higher CBR rates, lower therapeutic failure rates, and reduced intolerance in the MMF group. These findings may influence future guidelines, potentially leading to a significant modification in the first-line treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Until recently, the only alternative to corticosteroids was lifelong maintenance treatment with AZA, which comes with notable risks, such as skin cancer and lymphoma. Prospective trials are essential for a more comprehensive assessment of treatment suspension strategies, whether relying on histological criteria, strict biochemical criteria, or a combination of both. Single-center studies using chloroquine diphosphate have shown promising results in significantly reducing relapse rates compared to placebo. However, these interesting findings have yet to be replicated by other research groups. Additionally, second-line drugs, such as tacrolimus, rituximab, and infliximab, should be subjected to controlled trials for further evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Mucenic
- Liver Transplantation Group, Santa Casa de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-070, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Altamimi E, Al Omari D, Obeidat H, Barham K. Retrospective, single-center analysis of autoimmune hepatitis in Jordanian children: clinical features, treatments, and outcomes. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:102. [PMID: 38331749 PMCID: PMC10851525 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04590-9] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study describes clinical, biochemical, and histological features and long-term outcomes in pediatric patients diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) at King Abdullah University Hospital, Jordan. DESIGN Retrospective, single-center study. SETTING King Abdullah University Hospital, Jordan. PARTICIPANTS Inclusion of all pediatric patients with AIH diagnosed at our hospital from 2015 to 2023. Exclusion criteria was patients aged over 18 at time of diagnosis and those diagnosed elsewhere. OUTCOME MEASURES Understanding clinical, biochemical, and histological AIH features in children, evaluating treatment responses, and reporting short- and long-term complications, including mortality. RESULTS Sixteen pediatric cases were diagnosed, with an average age of 9.84 ± 4.13 years. Females comprised 75% of patients, and 31.3% presented with acute liver failure. Jaundice was the most common symptom, and hepatosplenomegaly was observed in 18% of cases. Most patients had elevated transaminase levels, along with positive anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA) and antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Common hematological abnormalities included anemia (56.3%) and thrombocytopenia (37.5%). All patients underwent liver biopsy, with interface hepatitis present in 81.3% of cases. Treatment mainly involved prednisone and azathioprine. Three patients died, one discontinued therapy, two patients were lost to follow-up, and 10 remained on treatment. CONCLUSION Autoimmune hepatitis affects Jordanian children, primarily female children. Jaundice is the most common presenting symptoms. Only Type I AIH occurred in our cohort. Although of good response to conventional treatment with steroids and immunosuppression, mortality reached 18.8%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eyad Altamimi
- Pediatric and Neonatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
| | - Dana Al Omari
- Pediatric and Neonatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hanadi Obeidat
- Pediatric and Neonatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Kamleh Barham
- Pediatric and Neonatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Riveiro-Barciela M, Carballal S, Díaz-González Á, Mañosa M, Gallgo-Plazas J, Cubiella J, Jiménez-Fonseca P, Varela M, Menchén L, Sangro B, Fernández-Montes A, Mesonero F, Rodríguez-Gandía MÁ, Rivera F, Londoño MC. Management of liver and gastrointestinal toxicity induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: Position statement of the AEEH-AEG-SEPD-SEOM-GETECCU. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2024; 116:83-113. [PMID: 38226597 DOI: 10.17235/reed.2024.10250/2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The development of the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is one of the most remarkable achievements in cancer therapy in recent years. However, their exponential use has led to an increase in immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Gastrointestinal and liver events encompass hepatitis, colitis and upper digestive tract symptoms accounting for the most common irAEs, with incidence rates varying from 2 % to 40 %, the latter in patients undergoing combined ICIs therapy. Based on the current scientific evidence derived from both randomized clinical trials and real-world studies, this statement document provides recommendations on the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the gastrointestinal and hepatic ICI-induced adverse events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Miriam Mañosa
- Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol
| | | | | | | | - María Varela
- Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias
| | - Luis Menchén
- Digestive Diseases, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón
| | | | | | | | | | - Fernando Rivera
- Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Medical Oncology
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
The goal of autoimmune hepatitis treatment is to achieve clinical and biochemical remission, which is associated with significantly improved outcomes. Induction treatment with corticosteroids and the subsequent addition of steroid-sparing therapy with gradual tapering of corticosteroids remains the standard of care. Several alternatives to azathioprine and second-line agents, such as mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, sirolimus, or rituximab, have been evaluated in those with intolerance or inadequate response to standard-of-care therapy. Treatment withdrawal is achievable in less than 20% of patients after 2 years of sustained remission. Liver transplantation should be considered in those with progressive liver disease or those with complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Goel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94043, USA.
| | - Paul Kwo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94043, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gordon H, Burisch J, Ellul P, Karmiris K, Katsanos K, Allocca M, Bamias G, Barreiro-de Acosta M, Braithwaite T, Greuter T, Harwood C, Juillerat P, Lobaton T, Müller-Ladner U, Noor N, Pellino G, Savarino E, Schramm C, Soriano A, Michael Stein J, Uzzan M, van Rheenen PF, Vavricka SR, Vecchi M, Zuily S, Kucharzik T. ECCO Guidelines on Extraintestinal Manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Crohns Colitis 2024; 18:1-37. [PMID: 37351850 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjad108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Gordon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Barts & The London Medical School, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Johan Burisch
- Gastrounit, medical division, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children, Adolescents and Adults, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pierre Ellul
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | | | - Konstantinos Katsanos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Division of Internal Medicine, University and Medical School of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Mariangela Allocca
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgos Bamias
- GI Unit, 3rd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Manuel Barreiro-de Acosta
- University Hospital Santiago De Compostela CHUS, Department of Gastroenterology - IBD Unit, Santiago De Compostela, Spain
| | - Tasanee Braithwaite
- School of Immunology and Microbiology, King's College London, The Medical Eye Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Thomas Greuter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, GZO - Zurich Regional Health Center, Wetzikon, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Lausanne - CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Catherine Harwood
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London; Department of Dermatology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Pascal Juillerat
- Gastroenterology, Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland; Crohn and Colitis Center, Gastro-entérologie Beaulieu SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Triana Lobaton
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent; Department of Gastroenterology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ulf Müller-Ladner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Campus Kerckhoff, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Nurulamin Noor
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gianluca Pellino
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona UAB, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Edoardo Savarino
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Christoph Schramm
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Martin Zeitz Center for Rare Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alessandra Soriano
- Gastroenterology Division and IBD Center, Internal Medicine Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Jürgen Michael Stein
- Interdisciplinary Crohn Colitis Centre Rhein-Main, Frankfurt/Main, Department of Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition, DGD Clinics Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Mathieu Uzzan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, APHP, Créteil, France
| | - Patrick F van Rheenen
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stephan R Vavricka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Vecchi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stephane Zuily
- Vascular Medicine Division and French Referral Center for Rare Auto-Immune Diseases, Université de Lorraine, INSERM, DCAC and CHRU-Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Torsten Kucharzik
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lüneburg Hospital, University of Münster, Lüneburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Jensen ASH, Ytting H, Winther-Sørensen M, Burisch J, Bergquist A, Gluud LL, Wewer Albrechtsen NJ. Autoimmune liver diseases and diabetes. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:938-947. [PMID: 37505973 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. They are chronic, heterogenous diseases affecting the liver which is a key metabolic organ that ensures glucose homeostasis. It is well known that patients with other chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) display glucose disturbances like insulin resistance and have an increased risk of diabetes. Previous evidence on glucose disturbances in patients with autoimmune liver disease is scarce but does point towards a potentially increased risk of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The underlying mechanisms are unknown but may reflect genetic predisposition, concurrent NAFLD and or cirrhosis development, and treatment (steroid) related impairment of glucose homeostasis. Therefore, increased awareness and surveillance of diabetes development in patients with autoimmune liver disease may be important. Overall, detection and treatment of diabetes generally follow the usual diabetes guidelines; however, in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis, HbA1c may not be a reliable marker of average glucose levels, and treatment with insulin is generally recommended. In addition, it has recently been suggested that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors may be beneficial in treating refractory ascites. Further research on diabetes risk in autoimmune liver disease is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sofie H Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen
- Gastro Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre
| | - Henriette Ytting
- Gastro Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Rigshospitalet
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen
| | - Marie Winther-Sørensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen
| | - Johan Burisch
- Gastro Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre
| | - Annika Bergquist
- Gastro Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre
- Department of Upper GI Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Gastro Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen
| | - Nicolai J Wewer Albrechtsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
KASL clinical practice guidelines for management of autoimmune hepatitis 2022. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:542-592. [PMID: 37137334 PMCID: PMC10366804 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2023.0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
|
22
|
Buechter M, Dorn D, Möhlendick B, Siffert W, Baba HA, Gerken G, Kahraman A. Characteristics and Long-Term Outcome of 535 Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis-The 20-Year Experience of a High-Volume Tertiary Center. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4192. [PMID: 37445225 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134192] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a complex and progressive inflammatory liver disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of the liver parenchyma, hypergammaglobulinemia, the presence of circulating autoantibodies, and good response to immunosuppressive therapy. Since the prevalence of AIH is relatively rare, data on the clinical course and the long-term outcome are scarce. Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 535 well-documented AIH patients treated at the University Hospital Essen between 2000 and 2020. Results: The majority of patients were middle-aged females (75% women, mean age 45 years) with AIH type 1 (97%). Approximately 32% of patients were diagnosed with cirrhosis due to AIH, 29% had concomitant autoimmune (predominantly autoimmune thyroiditis), and 10% had psychiatric diseases, respectively. Skin tumors were the most common malignant diseases (47% of all tumors), while hepatocellular carcinoma rarely occurred (only six cases). Overall long-term mortality and liver-associated mortality were 9.16% and 4.67%, respectively. However, long-term survival was strongly associated with disease remission. Conclusions: Although AIH is a silent disease and cirrhosis is present in many cases, a favorable long-term prognosis can be achieved by consequent immunosuppressive therapy. The incidence of (liver-associated) complications seems to be lower in comparison to other etiologies, such as viral hepatitis or NASH, and mainly depends on the long-term side effects of immunosuppressive therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Buechter
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinic of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Elisabeth Hospital, 58638 Iserlohn, Germany
| | - Dominik Dorn
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinic of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Birte Möhlendick
- Institute of Pharmacogenetics, University Clinic of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Winfried Siffert
- Institute of Pharmacogenetics, University Clinic of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Hideo A Baba
- Institute of Pathology, University Clinic of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Guido Gerken
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinic of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Helios Clinic, 42549 Velbert, Germany
| | - Alisan Kahraman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinic of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Max Grundig Clinic, 77815 Bühl, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Weltzsch JP, Ziegler A, Lohse A. [Autoimmune hepatitis : From autoantibodies to cirrhosis]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023:10.1007/s00108-023-01519-9. [PMID: 37306752 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-023-01519-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated liver disease of unknown origin. Its clinical presentation is heterogeneous and ranges from asymptomatic courses over several years to acute forms with acute liver failure. Accordingly, the diagnosis is only made at the stage of cirrhosis in about one third of affected individuals. Early diagnosis and a consistent, adequate, individualized, immunosuppressive therapy are crucial for the prognosis, which is excellent when treated properly. AIH is rare in the general population and can be easily overlooked due to its variable clinical picture and sometimes difficult diagnosis. AIH should be considered as a differential diagnosis in any unclear acute or chronic hepatopathy. The therapy initially consists of remission induction and subsequently maintenance therapy with (often lifelong) immunosuppressants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Weltzsch
- I. Med. Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland.
| | - Annerose Ziegler
- I. Med. Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Ansgar Lohse
- I. Med. Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Steinmann S, Lohse AW. Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis: Budesonide does not solve our problems. Hepatology 2023; 77:1071-1073. [PMID: 36929765 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Silja Steinmann
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Díaz-González Á, Hernández-Guerra M, Pérez-Medrano I, Sapena V, Riveiro-Barciela M, Barreira-Díaz A, Gómez E, Morillas RM, Del Barrio M, Escudé L, Mateos B, Horta D, Gómez J, Conde I, Ferre-Aracil C, El Hajra I, Arencibía A, Zamora J, Fernández A, Salcedo M, Molina E, Soria A, Estévez P, López C, Álvarez-Navascúes C, García-Retortillo M, Crespo J, Londoño MC. Budesonide as first-line treatment in patients with autoimmune hepatitis seems inferior to standard predniso(lo)ne administration. Hepatology 2023; 77:1095-1105. [PMID: 36626622 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In patients with non-severe acute or chronic autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) without cirrhosis, clinical practice guidelines recommend indistinct use of prednisone or budesonide. However, budesonide is infrequently used in clinical practice. We aimed to describe its use and compare its efficacy and safety with prednisone as first-line options. APPROACH AND RESULTS This was a retrospective, multicenter study of 105 naive AIH patients treated with budesonide as the first-line drug. The control group included 276 patients treated with prednisone. Efficacy was assessed using logistic regression and validated using inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity score. The median time to biochemical response (BR) was 3.1 months in patients treated with budesonide and 4.9 months in those with prednisone. The BR rate was significantly higher in patients treated with prednisone (87% vs. 49% of patients with budesonide, p < 0.001). The probability of achieving BR, assessed using the inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity score, was significantly lower in the budesonide group (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.11-0.38) at any time during follow-up, and at 6 (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.29-0.89) and 12 months after starting treatment (0.41; 95% CI: 0.23-0.73). In patients with transaminases <2 × upper limit of normal, BR was similar in both treatment groups. Prednisone treatment was significantly associated with a higher risk of adverse events (24.2% vs. 15.9%, p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS In the real-life setting, the use of budesonide as first-line treatment is low, and it is generally prescribed to patients with perceived less disease activity. Budesonide was inferior to prednisone as a first-line drug but was associated with fewer side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Díaz-González
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Clinical and Translational Research in Digestive Diseases Group, Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander, Spain
| | | | - Indhira Pérez-Medrano
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Pontevedra, Pontevedra, España
| | - Víctor Sapena
- Medical Statistics Core Facility, Institut D'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Riveiro-Barciela
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spainand CIBERehd
| | - Ana Barreira-Díaz
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spainand CIBERehd
| | - Elena Gómez
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, España
| | - Rosa M Morillas
- Hepatology Department, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol and Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, IGTP, Badalona, Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Centro de investigación biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBERehd
| | - María Del Barrio
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Clinical and Translational Research in Digestive Diseases Group, Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander, Spain
| | - Laia Escudé
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN-Liver), Institut D'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de investigación biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | - Beatriz Mateos
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, CIBERehd, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Horta
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitari Mutua de Terrassa, Terrassa, España
| | - Judith Gómez
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Burgos, Burgos, España
| | - Isabel Conde
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, España
| | - Carlos Ferre-Aracil
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, España
| | - Ismael El Hajra
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, España
| | - Ana Arencibía
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, España
| | - Javier Zamora
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, España
| | - Ainhoa Fernández
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España
| | - Magdalena Salcedo
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España
| | - Esther Molina
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, España
| | - Anna Soria
- Unidad de Hepatología, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, España
| | - Pamela Estévez
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Álvaro Cunqueiro, Vigo, España
| | - Carmen López
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitari Josep Trueta, Girona, España
| | | | | | - Javier Crespo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Clinical and Translational Research in Digestive Diseases Group, Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander, Spain
| | - María-Carlota Londoño
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN-Liver), Institut D'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de investigación biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Autoimmune Hepatitis and Fibrosis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12051979. [PMID: 36902767 PMCID: PMC10004701 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic immune-inflammatory disease of the liver, generally considered a rare condition. The clinical manifestation is extremely varied and can range from paucisymptomatic forms to severe hepatitis. Chronic liver damage causes activation of hepatic and inflammatory cells leading to inflammation and oxidative stress through the production of mediators. This results in increased collagen production and extracellular matrix deposition leading to fibrosis and even cirrhosis. The gold standard for the diagnosis of fibrosis is liver biopsy; however, there are serum biomarkers, scoring systems, and radiological methods useful for diagnosis and staging. The goal of AIH treatment is to suppress fibrotic and inflammatory activities in the liver to prevent disease progression and achieve complete remission. Therapy involves the use of classic steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants, but in recent years scientific research has focused on several new alternative drugs for AIH that will be discussed in the review.
Collapse
|
27
|
Gerussi A, Halliday N, Carbone M, Invernizzi P, Thorburn D. Open challenges in the management of autoimmune hepatitis. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2023; 69:61-83. [PMID: 33267568 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5895.20.02805-6] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare autoimmune disease of the liver with many open questions as regards its etiopathogenesis, natural history and clinical management. The classical picture of AIH is chronic hepatitis with fluctuating elevation of serum transaminases and Immunoglobulin G levels, the presence of circulating autoantibodies and typical histological features. However, atypical presentations do occur and are not well captured by current diagnostic scores, with important consequences in terms of missed diagnoses and delayed treatments. AIH is treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs but up to 40% of patients do not achieve full biochemical response and are at risk of progressing to cirrhosis and liver failure. Moreover, standard therapies are associated by significant side-effects which may impair the quality of life of patients living with AIH. However, advances in the understanding of the underlying immunology of AIH is raising the prospect of novel therapies and optimization of existing therapeutic approaches to reduce side-effect burdens and potentially restore immunological tolerance. In this review we outlined the clinical characteristics, etiopathogenesis and management of AIH and current challenges in the diagnosis and management of AIH and provided evidence underlying the evolution of diagnostic and clinical management protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gerussi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy - .,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy - .,Ancient DNA Lab Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Biohistory Research, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel -
| | - Neil Halliday
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kim JK. [Treatment of Autoimmune Hepatitis]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = TAEHAN SOHWAGI HAKHOE CHI 2023; 81:72-85. [PMID: 36824035 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2023.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease, characterized by elevated levels of transaminases, immunoglobulin G, and positive autoantibodies. The disease course is dynamic and presents heterogeneous disease manifestations at diagnosis. This review summarizes the issues regarding the treatment and monitoring of AIH in adult patients. Glucocorticoids and azathioprine are the first line of treatment. Alternative first-line treatments include budesonide or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Although no randomized controlled trials have been performed, MMF, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, allopurinol, sirolimus, everolimus, infliximab, or rituximab have been attempted in patients not responding to or intolerant to first-line treatments. Most patients require life-long special monitoring, with or without maintenance treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ja Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver of unknown cause that may progress to liver cirrhosis and end stage liver failure if diagnosis is overlooked and treatment delayed. The clinical presentation is often that of acute hepatitis, sometimes very severe; less frequently, it can be insidious or completely asymptomatic. The disease can affect people of any age and is more common in women; its incidence and prevalence seem to be on the rise worldwide. An abnormal immune response targeting liver autoantigens and inducing persistent and self-perpetuating liver inflammation is the pathogenic mechanism of the disease. A specific set of autoantibodies, increased IgG concentrations, and histological demonstration of interface hepatitis and periportal necrosis are the diagnostic hallmarks of autoimmune hepatitis. Prompt response to treatment with corticosteroids and other immunomodulatory drugs is almost universal and supports the diagnosis. The aims of treatment are to induce and maintain long term remission of liver inflammation. Treatment can often even reverse liver fibrosis, thus preventing progression to advanced cirrhosis and its complications. Most patients need lifelong maintenance therapy, and repeated follow-up in experienced hands improves the quality of care and quality of life for affected patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Muratori
- DIMEC, Università di Bologna and IRCCS Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy
- European Reference Network for Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Reference Network for Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Marco Lenzi
- DIMEC, Università di Bologna and IRCCS Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy
- European Reference Network for Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Harsini S, Rezaei N. Autoimmune diseases. Clin Immunol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-818006-8.00001-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
|
31
|
Lloyd C, Leighton J, Wong LL, Goulding A, Brownlee A, Gray P, Culver E, Halliday N, Thorburn D, Heneghan MA, Jones DEJ, Exley C, Dyson JK. Patient Priorities in Autoimmune Hepatitis: The Need for Better Treatments, More Education and Challenging Stigma. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:87-97. [PMID: 35579795 PMCID: PMC9112273 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07525-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data show that patients with autoimmune hepatitis have significantly reduced quality-of-life and that corticosteroids carry marked side effects. AIMS This study explored patients' experiences of autoimmune hepatitis and its treatments; key aspects for developing safe and effective new approaches to therapy. METHODS An anonymised, internet-based survey collected data including patient demographics, treatments, side-effects, impact on day-to-day life, sources of support and attitudes towards autoimmune hepatitis between December 2019-January 2020. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 patients to further explore their support networks, treatment experiences and health priorities. Descriptive and quantitative analyses were undertaken using R and free text responses were subject to thematic analysis. RESULTS In total, 270 survey responses were received (median age 55 years and 94% female). Perceived medication side-effects were reported by 66% (169/257) and 73% responded negatively about their experience of corticosteroids. The majority (62·3% [(109/175]) would 'definitely' or 'probably' consider clinical trial participation to improve their care. Only 18·7% (31/166) reported access to a specialist liver nurse and nearly half were involved in support groups. Interview and survey data suggested that major issues were stigma, loss of control and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights into the realities of living with autoimmune hepatitis with clear issues around lack of support networks, need for patient empowerment and stigma surrounding liver disease. Patient priorities are better therapies to slow disease progression, avoiding corticosteroids and minimising side-effects. Patient willingness to participate in trials suggests that they are achievable provided they have the right design and clinical endpoints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lloyd
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jessica Leighton
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN UK
| | | | - Anna Goulding
- School of Medical Education, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | | | - Neil Halliday
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London and Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Doug Thorburn
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London and Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - David E. J. Jones
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN UK
| | - Catherine Exley
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jessica K. Dyson
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Baven-Pronk MAMC, Hew JM, Biewenga M, Tushuizen ME, van den Berg AP, Bouma G, Brouwer JT, van Hoek B. Calcineurin Inhibitors in the Treatment of Adult Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Systematic Review. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2022; 10:1155-1166. [PMID: 36381101 PMCID: PMC9634779 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS A considerable number of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients completely or partially fail on first-line treatment. Several studies on the use of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) in the treatment of AIH have been published without focusing on indication. The aim was to assess the efficacy of CNIs in the treatment of adult AIH patients, specifically focusing on indication: first-line intolerant and with first-line insufficient response (failure to achieve or maintain remission), and with second versus third-line treatment. METHODS A literature search included studies on the use of CNIs in adult AIH. Patients with past or present use of CNIs from the Dutch AIH group cohort were added. The primary endpoint was biochemical remission while using CNIs. Secondary endpoints were biochemical response, treatment failure, and adverse effects. RESULTS Twenty studies from the literature and nine Dutch patients were included describing the use of cyclosporine in 59 and tacrolimus in 219 adult AIH patients. The CNI remission rate was 53% in patients with insufficient response to first-line treatment and 67% in patients intolerant to first-line treatment. CNIs were used as second-line treatment in 73% with a remission rate of 52% and as third-line treatment in 22% with a remission rate of 26%. Cyclosporine was discontinued in 13% and tacrolimus in 11% of patients because of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS CNIs as rescue treatment in adult AIH patients are reasonably effective and safe both with insufficient response or intolerance to previous treatment. Prospective studies are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martine AMC Baven-Pronk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groene Hart Hospital, Gouda, Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Joffre M. Hew
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Maaike Biewenga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Maarten E. Tushuizen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Aad P. van den Berg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Gerd Bouma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VU, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Correspondence to: Bart van Hoek, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. C4-P Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 ZC Leiden, Netherlands. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6527-764X. Tel: +31-71-5269111, E-mail:
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Snijders RJALM, Stoelinga AEC, Gevers TJG, Pape S, Biewenga M, Verdonk RC, de Jonge HJM, Vrolijk JM, Bakker SF, Vanwolleghem T, de Boer YS, Pronk MAMCB, Beuers UHW, van der Meer AJ, van Gerven NMF, Sijtsma MGM, Verwer BJ, Gisbertz IAM, Bartelink M, van den Brand FF, Sebib Korkmaz K, van den Berg AP, Guichelaar MMJ, Soufidi K, Levens AD, van Hoek B, Drenth JPH. Assessing the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil versus azathioprine in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (CAMARO trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:1012. [PMID: 36514163 PMCID: PMC9745715 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06890-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, the standard therapy for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) consists of a combination of prednisolone and azathioprine. However, 15% of patients are intolerant to azathioprine which necessitates cessation of azathioprine or changes in therapy. In addition, not all patients achieve complete biochemical response (CR). Uncontrolled data indicate that mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) can induce CR in a majority of patients. Better understanding of first-line treatment and robust evidence from randomised clinical trials are needed. The aim of this study was to explore the potential benefits of MMF as compared to azathioprine, both combined with prednisolone, as induction therapy in a randomised controlled trial in patients with treatment-naive AIH. METHODS CAMARO is a randomised (1:1), open-label, parallel-group, multicentre superiority trial. All patients with AIH are screened for eligibility. Seventy adult patients with AIH from fourteen centres in the Netherlands and Belgium will be randomised to receive MMF or azathioprine. Both treatment arms will start with prednisolone as induction therapy. The primary outcome is biochemical remission, defined as serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and immunoglobulin G below the upper limit of normal. Secondary outcomes include safety and tolerability of MMF and azathioprine, time to remission, changes in Model For End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)-score, adverse events, and aspects of quality of life. The study period will last for 24 weeks. DISCUSSION The CAMARO trial investigates whether treatment with MMF and prednisolone increases the proportion of patients in remission compared with azathioprine and prednisolone as the current standard treatment strategy. In addition, we reflect on the challenges of conducting a randomized trial in rare diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT 2016-001038-91 . Prospectively registered on 18 April 2016.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romée J. A. L. M. Snijders
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna E. C. Stoelinga
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom J. G. Gevers
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.412966.e0000 0004 0480 1382Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands ,grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Nutrim School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Pape
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maaike Biewenga
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert C. Verdonk
- grid.415960.f0000 0004 0622 1269Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik J. M. de Jonge
- grid.413508.b0000 0004 0501 9798Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, ‘s Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Maarten Vrolijk
- grid.415930.aDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd F. Bakker
- grid.416373.40000 0004 0472 8381Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- grid.411414.50000 0004 0626 3418Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Ynto S. de Boer
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martine A. M. C. Baven Pronk
- grid.413370.20000 0004 0405 8883Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groene Hart Hospital, Gouda, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich H. W. Beuers
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan J. van der Meer
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole M. F. van Gerven
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rode Kruis Hospital, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn G. M. Sijtsma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St. Jansdal Hospital, Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J. Verwer
- grid.416219.90000 0004 0568 6419Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid A. M. Gisbertz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Bernhoven, Uden, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje Bartelink
- grid.413649.d0000 0004 0396 5908Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Deventer Hospital, Deventer, The Netherlands
| | - Floris F. van den Brand
- grid.440209.b0000 0004 0501 8269Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, OLVG Oost, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kerem Sebib Korkmaz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, IJselland Hospital, Capelle aan den Ijssel, The Netherlands
| | - Aad P. van den Berg
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maureen M. J. Guichelaar
- grid.415214.70000 0004 0399 8347Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Khalida Soufidi
- grid.416905.fDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zuyderland, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Amar D. Levens
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van Hoek
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joost P. H. Drenth
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jalal MI, Brahmbhatt M, Green K, Weinberg EM, Lammert C, Bittermann T. Autoimmune hepatitis and metabolic syndrome-associated disease development: a U.S. cohort study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 56:1183-1193. [PMID: 35971856 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) may coexist with metabolic syndrome-associated diseases (MSADs) given patients' inherent need for corticosteroid therapy, as well as general population trends. AIM To examine the impact of MSAD risk factors on AIH or its treatment, and vice versa METHODS: This was a multi-centre retrospective cohort study of 552 patients with AIH diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2019. Data relating to demographic factors, laboratory values, AIH medications and MSADs were collected at diagnosis and at 1- and 3-year follow-up. Statistical relationships were analysed and reported. RESULTS We included 552 patients in the study cohort (median age 50 years, 76.1% female). All MSADs, including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and a gain of BMI ≥3 kg/m2 , increased within the AIH cohort over time. Initial treatment regimen impacted de novo diabetes but not other MSAD development. AIH biochemical remission was less frequent at 3 years post-diagnosis among patients with ≥1 MSAD. The incidence of new MSADs could be predicted by baseline factors in certain cases. CONCLUSION In the largest US-based cohort of patients newly diagnosed with AIH, there was a considerable burden of pre-existing and de novo MSADs that may affect AIH treatment outcomes. Identifying those at highest risk of co-morbid MSADs allows for an individualised approach to management to reduce its long-term sequelae in patients with AIH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mihir Brahmbhatt
- Larkin Community Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, South Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Kelsey Green
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ethan M Weinberg
- University of Pennsylvania, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Craig Lammert
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Therese Bittermann
- University of Pennsylvania, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Eleftheriotis G, Skopelitis E. Immune-checkpoint inhibitor-associated grade 3 hepatotoxicity managed with enteric-coated budesonide monotherapy: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29473. [PMID: 35945730 PMCID: PMC9351916 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE The introduction of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICPI) in recent years has changed the natural course of many neoplasms. However, patients receiving these medications may present immune-mediated adverse events; management includes temporary or permanent cessation of treatment and corticosteroids, occasionally combined with other immunomodulators. Such immunosuppression, however, also has numerous adverse events and even if it is effective in controlling toxicity, it delays immunotherapy reinitiation, as current evidence requires dose tapering to ≤10 mg prednisolone equivalent before rechallenge. Enteric-coated budesonide is a corticosteroid formulation acting primarily to the intestine and liver, as a result of its extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism. PATIENT CONCERNS A 76-year-old woman treated with ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea for at least the previous 4 days. Laboratory tests, among others, revealed elevated aminotransferases and C-reactive protein. During hospitalization, the patient also developed fever. DIAGNOSIS The patient, after excluding alternative causes of aminotransferase elevation, was diagnosed with grade 3 ipilimumab-associated hepatotoxicity. INTERVENTIONS Budesonide monotherapy was administered; initial daily dose was 12 mg. OUTCOMES Fever subsided after the first dose of budesonide. Aminotransferases returned to normal-near normal approximately 1 month after the first dose of budesonide. After this point, daily dose was reduced by 3 mg every 2 weeks, with no clinical or biochemical relapse. CONCLUSIONS This case of ICPI hepatitis is, to our knowledge, the first in the literature managed with budesonide monotherapy. Therefore, budesonide may be a potentially attractive option for the management of ICPI-associated liver injury in cases where corticosteroid treatment is necessary due to its safety profile and the potential advantage of faster immunotherapy rechallenge in selected patients without requiring dose tapering, in contrast to systemically acting corticosteroids. Clinical trials should be conducted in the future in order to validate or refute these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerasimos Eleftheriotis
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Nikaia-Piraeus “Agios Panteleimon,” Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Skopelitis
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Nikaia-Piraeus “Agios Panteleimon,” Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Olivas I, Rodríguez-Tajes S, Londoño MC. Hepatitis autoinmune: retos y novedades. Med Clin (Barc) 2022; 159:289-298. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
37
|
Vogelbacher L, Thimme R, Böttler T. [Autoimmune Hepatitis - What is important for clinical practice?]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2022; 147:470-480. [PMID: 35405751 DOI: 10.1055/a-1520-4214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare but chronic autoimmune-mediated liver disease. Key features are elevated transaminases, hypergammaglobulinemia, presence of specific autoantibodies and typical histological features. Diagnostic scores are helpful in establishing the diagnosis. Immunosuppressive therapy should be initiated in every patient with inflammatory activity. First-line therapy includes steroids and azathioprine and results in biochemical and histological remission in the majority of patients. In most cases, lifelong therapy is required. Every patient should receive regular follow-up surveillance including biochemical parameters as well as sonography and elastography.
Collapse
|
38
|
Duclos-Vallée JC, Debray D, De Martin E, Beux EL, Louvet A. Best practice guidelines for France regarding the diagnosis and management of autoimmune hepatitis. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2022; 46:101871. [PMID: 35108657 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2022.101871] [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: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Charles Duclos-Vallée
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm Unité 1193, Université Paris-Saclay, FHU Hépatinov, Centre de Référence Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires et Hépatites Auto-Immunes, Villejuif, France.
| | - Dominique Debray
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University de Paris, Pediatric Liver Unit, Necker Hospital, Expert Center for Bile Duct Inflammatory Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis (FilFoie)
| | - Eleonora De Martin
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm Unité 1193, Université Paris-Saclay, FHU Hépatinov, Centre de Référence Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires et Hépatites Auto-Immunes, Villejuif, France
| | - Emilie Le Beux
- Centre de Référence Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires et Hépatites Auto-Immunes, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Louvet
- Service des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Hôpital Claude-Huriez, Lille University Hospital, France, Centre de Référence Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires et Hépatites Auto-Immunes (FilFoie)
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pape S, Snijders RJALM, Gevers TJG, Chazouilleres O, Dalekos GN, Hirschfield GM, Lenzi M, Trauner M, Manns MP, Vierling JM, Montano-Loza AJ, Lohse AW, Schramm C, Drenth JPH, Heneghan MA, Alvarez F, Andrade R, Arikan C, Assis D, Bardou-Jacquet E, Biewenga M, Cancado E, Cazzagon N, Chazouillères O, Colloredo G, Cuarterolo M, Dalekos G, Debray D, Robles-Díaz M, Drenth J, Dyson J, Efe C, Engel B, Ferri S, Fontana R, Gatselis N, Gerussi A, Halilbasic E, Halliday N, Heneghan M, Hirschfield G, van Hoek B, Hørby Jørgensen M, Indolfini G, Iorio R, Jeong S, Jones D, Kelly D, Kerkar N, Lacaille F, Lammert C, Leggett B, Lenzi M, Levy C, Liberal R, Lleo A, Lohse A, Ines Lopez S, de Martin E, McLin V, Mieli-Vergani G, Milkiewicz P, Mohan N, Muratori L, Nebbia G, van Nieuwkerk C, Oo Y, Ortega A, Páres A, Pop T, Pratt D, Purnak T, Ranucci G, Rushbrook S, Schramm C, Stättermayer A, Swain M, Tanaka A, Taubert R, Terrabuio D, Terziroli B, Trauner M, Valentino P, van den Brand F, Villamil A, Wahlin S, Ytting H, Zachou K, Zeniya M. Systematic review of response criteria and endpoints in autoimmune hepatitis by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group. J Hepatol 2022; 76:841-849. [PMID: 35066089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been well characterised and codified through the development of diagnostic criteria. These criteria have been adapted and simplified and are widely used in clinical practice. However, there is a need to update and precisely define the criteria for both treatment response and treatment. METHODS A systematic review was performed and a modified Delphi consensus process was used to identify and redefine the response criteria in autoimmune hepatitis. RESULTS The consensus process initiated by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group proposes that the term 'complete biochemical response' defined as 'normalization of serum transaminases and IgG below the upper limit of normal' be adopted to include a time point at 6 months after initiation of treatment. An insufficient response by 6 months was a failure to meet the above definition. Non-response was defined as '<50% decrease of serum transaminases within 4 weeks after initiation of treatment'. Remission is defined as liver histology with a Hepatitis Activity Index <4/18. Intolerance to treatment was agreed to stand for 'any adverse event possibly related to treatment leading to potential drug discontinuation'. CONCLUSIONS These definitions provide a simple and reproducible framework to define treatment response and non-response, irrespective of the therapeutic intervention. A consensus on endpoints is urgently required to set a global standard for the reporting of study results and to enable inter-study comparisons. Future prospective database studies are needed to validate these endpoints. LAY SUMMARY Consensus among international experts on response criteria and endpoints in autoimmune hepatitis is lacking. A consensus on endpoints is urgently required to set a global standard for the reporting of study results and to enable the comparison of results between clinical trials. Therefore, the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) herein presents a statement on 5 agreed response criteria and endpoints: complete biochemical response, insufficient response, non-response, remission, and intolerance to treatment, which can be used to guide future reporting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Pape
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Romée J A L M Snijders
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Tom J G Gevers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht 6229HX, The Netherlands; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Oliver Chazouilleres
- Hepatology Department, Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, Saint-Antoine Hospital Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University of Thessaly Medical School, Larissa, Greece
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marco Lenzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - John M Vierling
- Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aldo J Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- 1(st) Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Christoph Schramm
- 1(st) Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Martin Zeitz Centre for Rare Diseases, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Joost P H Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Gordon V, Adhikary R, Appleby V, Das D, Day J, Delahooke T, Dixon S, Elphick D, Hardie C, Heneghan MA, Hoeroldt B, Hooper P, Hutchinson J, Jones R, Khan F, Aithal GP, Metcalf J, Nkhoma A, Pelitari S, Prince M, Prosser A, Sathyanarayana V, Saksena S, Vani D, Yeoman A, Abouda G, Nelson A, Gleeson D. Treatment and Outcome of Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH): Audit of 28 UK centres. Liver Int 2022; 42:1571-1584. [PMID: 35286013 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With few data regarding treatment and outcome of patients with AIH outside of large centres we present such a study of patients with AIH in 28 UK hospitals of varying size and facilities. METHODS Patients with AIH were identified in 14 University and 14 District General hospitals; incident cases during 2007-2015 and prevalent cases, presenting 2000-2015. Treatment and outcomes were analysed. RESULTS In 1267 patients with AIH, followed-up for 3.8(0-15) years, 5- and 10-year death/transplant rates were 7.1+0.8% and 10.1+1.3% (all-cause) and 4.0+0.6% and 5.9+1% (liver-related) respectively. Baseline parameters independently associated with death/transplantation for all-causes were: older age, vascular/respiratory co-morbidity, cirrhosis, decompensation, platelet count, attending transplant centre and for liver-related: the last four of these and peak bilirubin All-cause and liver-related death/transplantation was independently associated with: non-treatment with corticosteroids, non-treatment with a steroid-sparing agent (SSA), non-treatment of asymptomatic or non-cirrhotic patients and initial dose of Prednisolone >35mg/0.5mg/kg/day (all-cause only), but not with type of steroid (Prednisolone versus Budesonide) or steroid duration beyond 12-months. Subsequent all-cause and liver-death/transplant rates showed independent associations with smaller percentage fall in serum ALT after 1 and 3-months, but not with failure to normalise levels over 12-months. CONCLUSIONS We observed higher death/transplant rates in patients with AIH who were untreated with steroids (including asymptomatic or non-cirrhotic sub-groups), those receiving higher Prednisolone doses and those who did not receive an SSA. Similar death/transplant rates were seen in those receiving Prednisolone or Budesonide, those continuing steroids after 12-months and patients attaining normal ALT within 12-months versus not.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Guruprasad P Aithal
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases centre and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Chung YY, Rahim MN, Heneghan MA. Autoimmune hepatitis and pregnancy: considerations for the clinician. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:325-333. [PMID: 35179437 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2044307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune mediated inflammatory disease of the liver which affects females of reproductive age. AIH poses unique challenges in pregnancy and historically was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. AREAS COVERED This report aims to review the current evidence for AIH pregnancy outcomes and the use of medical therapies in pregnancy. The disease course of AIH in pregnancy including loss of biochemical response (LOBR) and hepatic decompensation is also reviewed. The importance of preconception counselling and continued monitoring into the post-partum phase are reinforced. EXPERT OPINION The lack of prognostic markers and targeted immunosuppression are some of the areas for future development, as this will aid the move towards individualised risk stratification and personalised care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Y Chung
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - M N Rahim
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK.,School of Transplantation, Immunology and Mucosal Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - M A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK.,School of Transplantation, Immunology and Mucosal Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. Autoimmmune hepatitis. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:158-176. [PMID: 34580437 PMCID: PMC8475398 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a T-cell mediated, inflammatory liver disease affecting all ages and characterized by female preponderance, elevated serum transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels, positive circulating autoantibodies, and presence of interface hepatitis at liver histology. AIH type 1, affecting both adults and children, is defined by positive anti-nuclear and/or anti-smooth muscle antibodies, while type 2 AIH, affecting mostly children, is defined by positive anti-liver-kidney microsomal type 1 and/or anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibody. While the autoantigens of type 2 AIH are well defined, being the cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) and the formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase (FTCD), in type 1 AIH they remain to be identified. AIH-1 predisposition is conferred by possession of the MHC class II HLA DRB1*03 at all ages, while DRB1*04 predisposes to late onset disease; AIH-2 is associated with possession of DRB1*07 and DRB1*03. The majority of patients responds well to standard immunosuppressive treatment, based on steroid and azathioprine; second- and third-line drugs should be considered in case of intolerance or insufficient response. This review offers a comprehensive overview of pathophysiological and clinical aspects of AIH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli
- Epatocentro Ticino & Facoltà di Scienze Biomediche, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Diego Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Liu M, Zhang H, Zhang L, Liu X, Zhou S, Wang X, Zhong W, Zhang J, Wang B, Zhao J, Zhou L. RIP3 blockade prevents immune-mediated hepatitis through a myeloid-derived suppressor cell dependent mechanism. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:199-213. [PMID: 34975327 PMCID: PMC8692153 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.65402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory liver disease, and its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Our previous study discovered that receptor interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) is correlated with serum transaminase levels in AIH patients. However, its role and underlying mechanism in AIH are poorly understood. Here, we detected the increased expression and activation of RIP3 in livers of patients and animal models with AIH. The inhibition of RIP3 kinase by GSK872 prevented concanavalin A (ConA)-induced immune-mediated hepatitis (IMH) by reduced hepatic proinflammatory cytokines and immune cells including Th17 cells and macrophages. Further experiments revealed that RIP3 inhibition resulted in an increase in CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) with immunoregulatory properties in the liver, spleen, and peripheral blood. Moreover, the depletion of Gr-1+ MDSCs abrogated the protective effect and immune suppression function of GSK872 in ConA-induced IMH. Altogether, our data demonstrate that RIP3 blockade prevents ConA-induced IMH through promoting MDSCs infiltration. Inhibition of RIP3 kinase may be a novel therapeutic avenue for AIH treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Man Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Simin Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Weilong Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bangmao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingwen Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, People's Hospital of Hetian District, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Olivas I, Cobreros M, Londoño MC, Díaz-González Á. Budesonide in the first line treatment of patients with autoimmune hepatitis. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2021; 45:561-570. [PMID: 34923033 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2021.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Budesonide is a glucocorticoid characterized by its local action, with a low systemic bioavailability. Since the original trial comparing budesonide with prednisone in 2010, it is recommended as an effective alternative for the treatment of non-severe acute or chronic autoimmune hepatitis. In this document, we review the general pharmacologic properties of glucocorticoids, the available evidence for the use of budesonide as first line option for autoimmune hepatitis as well as the safety profile of the drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi Olivas
- Liver Unit. Hospital Clínic of Barcelona. Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS). CIBERehd. Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Cobreros
- Digestive Diseases Department. Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital. Instituto de investigación sanitaria Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - María-Carlota Londoño
- Liver Unit. Hospital Clínic of Barcelona. Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS). CIBERehd. Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Díaz-González
- Digestive Diseases Department. Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital. Instituto de investigación sanitaria Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kuebler JF, Madadi-Sanjani O, Pfister ED, Baumann U, Fortmann D, Leonhardt J, Ure BM, Manns MP, Taubert R, Petersen C. Adjuvant Therapy with Budesonide Post-Kasai Reduces the Need for Liver Transplantation in Biliary Atresia. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10245758. [PMID: 34945055 PMCID: PMC8704494 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on the hypothesis that autoimmunological factors coregulate the pathomechanism in biliary atresia (BA), adjuvant therapy with steroids has become routine, although its efficacy has never been proven. In 2010, a study on the advantages of budesonide compared to prednisolone in autoimmune hepatitis gave rise to experimental therapy using budesonide as an adjuvant BA treatment. Ninety-five BA patients prospectively received a budesonide 2 mg/dose rectal foam daily for three months (SG). A case-matched control group (CG: 81) was retrospectively recruited. The outcome measures were survival with native liver (SNL), determined at six months and two years after the Kasai procedure. The follow-up rate was 100%. At six months, SNL was statistically not different but became so after two years (SG: 54%; CG: 32%; p < 0.001). No steroid-related side effects were observed, except for eight patients with finally caught-up growth retardation. This study demonstrates for the first time a significantly longer survival with native liver in patients with BA after adjuvant therapy. However, indication, dosage, and duration of any budesonide application is not given in neonates with BA. Hence, we suggest extending the postoperative use of budesonide in a multicenter observational study with a clearly defined follow-up protocol, particularly in terms of potentially underestimated side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joachim F. Kuebler
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.F.K.); (O.M.-S.); (D.F.); (B.M.U.)
| | - Omid Madadi-Sanjani
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.F.K.); (O.M.-S.); (D.F.); (B.M.U.)
| | - Eva D. Pfister
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (E.D.P.); (U.B.)
| | - Ulrich Baumann
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (E.D.P.); (U.B.)
| | - David Fortmann
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.F.K.); (O.M.-S.); (D.F.); (B.M.U.)
| | - Johannes Leonhardt
- Clinic for Pediatric Surgery, Klinikum Braunschweig, 38118 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Benno M. Ure
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.F.K.); (O.M.-S.); (D.F.); (B.M.U.)
| | - Michael P. Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (M.P.M.); (R.T.)
| | - Richard Taubert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (M.P.M.); (R.T.)
| | - Claus Petersen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.F.K.); (O.M.-S.); (D.F.); (B.M.U.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-511-532-9047; Fax: +49-511-532-9059
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Vergani D, Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mieli-Vergani G. A reasoned approach to the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Dig Liver Dis 2021; 53:1381-1393. [PMID: 34162505 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease affecting all ages, characterised by elevated transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels, positive autoantibodies, interface hepatitis on histology and good response to immunosuppressive treatment. If untreated, it has a poor prognosis. The aim of this review is to analyse AIH therapeutic interventions with reference to our knowledge of the pathogenesis of AIH. Standard treatment, based on steroids and azathioprine, leads to disease remission in 80-90% of patients. Alternative first-line treatment with budesonide is effective in adults, but less so in the juvenile form of AIH; first-line treatment with ciclosporin does not provide convincing advantages compared to standard treatment. Second-line treatments are needed for patients not responding or intolerant to first-line standard management. Mycophenolate mofetil is the most widely used second-line drug, and has good efficacy particularly for patients intolerant to azathioprine, but is teratogenic. Only few and heterogeneous data on calcineurin inhibitors and m-TOR inhibitors are available. Biologicals, including anti-tumour necrosis factor- α and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, have given ambivalent results and may have severe side-effects. Clinical trials with new therapeutic options aiming at targeting B lymphocytes and proinflammatory cytokines, or expanding regulatory T cells to restore tolerance are ongoing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK; Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK; Epatocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK; Epatocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Switzerland
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK; Epatocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland; Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Madhu D, Sharma S, Agarwal A, Saraya A. Special Considerations in the Management of Autoimmune Hepatitis in COVID-19 Hotspots: A Review. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:568-575. [PMID: 34447687 PMCID: PMC8369025 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated special considerations in the management of diseases. The way presence of pre-existing diseases or treatment for it predisposes to, alters course of, and changes the management of COVID-19, is of relevance and is being extensively studied. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is unique in that it is an autoimmune disease mandating treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, as well as a liver disease with potential for varying degrees of underlying fibrosis. The use of immunosuppressive drugs could alter the risk of acquiring COVID-19, the clinical course and severity of COVID-19 and the degree of underlying liver fibrosis could alter the clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19. In this review, we try to summarize key areas relevant in understanding and improving the clinical care of patients with AIH in the current pandemic. Special considerations required in the management of patients with AIH in COVID-19 hotspots have been outlined based on the current evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Madhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Aster MIMS Calicut, Kerala, India
- Department of Gastroenterology, Caritas Hospital, Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - Sanchit Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashish Agarwal
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Anoop Saraya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
- Correspondence to: Anoop Saraya, Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar; New Delhi 110029, India. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3921-6752. Tel: +91-9868397203, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Lee HY, Lee SW, Kim HC, Ihm SH, Park SH, Kim TH. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Hypertension Screening in the Korea National Health Screening Program. Korean Circ J 2021; 51:610-622. [PMID: 34085434 PMCID: PMC8263297 DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2021.0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of routine hypertension (HTN) screening as a part of the national health-screening program. Compared with no screening, the costs per quality adjusted life years of the following screening strategies were below the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio threshold (approximately Korean won 30.5 million in Korea): first screening examination with the second confirmatory examination in adults aged 40 years or older every 3 years, every 2 years, or annually. The most cost-effective HTN screening strategy was the first screening examination with the second confirmatory examination in aged 40 years or older every 3 years. Background and Objectives To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of routine hypertension (HTN) screening as a part of the national health-screening program. Methods Two aspects of cost-effectiveness were examined using the national general health-screening program. First, the cost of case-finding was computed for 5-year interval age groups. Second, the cost per quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained were estimated for 12 different scenarios varying examination starting age, pattern and interval compared with no screening. Results The cost of finding one new HTN case was low as 26,284 Korean won (KRW) (approximately [approx.] United States Dollar 21) for 70–79 years old to as high as 70,552 KRW for 40–44 years old. Compared with no screening, the costs per QALYs of the following screening strategies were below the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio threshold (approx. KRW 30.5 million): first screening examination with the second confirmatory examination in adults aged ≥40 years every 3 years (KRW 10.2 million), every 2 years (KRW 13.2 million), or annually (KRW 19.9 million). One-way sensitivity analyses suggest that the results were mostly influenced by the sensitivity of the first screening examination, followed by the examination rate of the second confirmatory examination. Conclusions HTN screening as a part of routine national health screening program was cost-effective for adults aged 40 years or older. The most cost-effective HTN screening strategy was the first screening examination with the second confirmatory examination in aged 40 years or older every 3 years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hae Young Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Won Lee
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeon Chang Kim
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Ihm
- Division of Cardiology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Ha Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Hyun Kim
- Department of Healthcare Management, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Krstić MN, Mijač D, Tomašević RS, Lukić S, Stojković Lalošević M, Krstić JM, Milosavljević T. Abnormal Liver Blood Tests: Hepatologist Approach. Dig Dis 2021; 40:206-214. [PMID: 33971644 DOI: 10.1159/000517110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Available data suggest that the prevalence of chronic liver disease (CLD) and primary liver cancer is rising in Europe and represents a major public health problem. Predictions are showing that these trends will continue to rise in the upcoming years. SUMMARY Alcohol-related liver disease, nonalcohol fatty liver disease, and viral hepatitis B and hepatitis C are the leading causes of liver cirrhosis and primary liver cancer in Europe. Drug-induced liver injury represents a major cause of acute hepatitis, while liver transplantation is the second most common solid organ transplantation in the world. Patients with CLD have increasing rates of hospitalization, longer hospital stays, and more adverse outcomes compared to the other chronic conditions. Direct targeting of risk factors can prevent complications of advanced liver disease and improve outcome. Patients with CLD should be referred to a hepatologist for assessment of the stage of liver disease, for specific treatment and screening for hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, patients with unknown etiology of abnormal liver blood tests should be referred to a hepatologist for assessment of liver disease, as well as for prevention and treatment of complications of cirrhosis and/or portal hypertension. Key Messages: CLD is amenable to prevention and treatment, while disease management strategies need to improve in order to reduce the burden of liver disease and deaths due to end-stage liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miodrag N Krstić
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Medical School, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Mijač
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Medical School, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ratko S Tomašević
- Zemun Medical Center, Gastroenterology Department, Medical School, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Snežana Lukić
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Medical School, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Stojković Lalošević
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Medical School, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovan M Krstić
- Clinic for Digestive Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Medical School, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wang G, Tanaka A, Zhao H, Jia J, Ma X, Harada K, Wang FS, Wei L, Wang Q, Sun Y, Hong Y, Rao H, Efe C, Lau G, Payawal D, Gani R, Lindor K, Jafri W, Omata M, Sarin SK. The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver clinical practice guidance: the diagnosis and management of patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:223-257. [PMID: 33942203 PMCID: PMC8144150 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10170-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guiqiang Wang
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China. .,Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | | | - Hong Zhao
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jidong Jia
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine Kanazawa, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lai Wei
- Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qixia Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Hong
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huiying Rao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - George Lau
- Humanity and Health Medical Group, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Diana Payawal
- Department of Hepatology, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Manila, Philippines
| | - Rino Gani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Keith Lindor
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Masao Omata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamanashi Prefectural Central Hospital, Kofu-City, Yamanashi, Japan.,The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|