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Portincasa P, Bonfrate L, Di Ciaula A. AMA-positivity in AIH-patients with bile duct lesions running in between. Novel findings and perspectives. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 116:36-37. [PMID: 37558587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.07.035] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Piero Portincasa
- Division of Internal Medicine Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Preventive and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePrev-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
| | - Leonilde Bonfrate
- Division of Internal Medicine Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Preventive and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePrev-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Agostino Di Ciaula
- Division of Internal Medicine Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Preventive and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePrev-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Gatselis NK, Zachou K, Loza AJM, Cançado ELR, Arinaga-Hino T, Muratori P, Efe C, Floreani A, Invernizzi P, Takahashi A, Takaki A, Beretta-Piccoli BT, van Hoek B, Lytvyak E, Guedes LV, Purnak T, Cazzagon N, Lygoura V, Arvaniti P, Rigopoulou EI, Muratori L, Dalekos GN. Prevalence and significance of antimitochondrial antibodies in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH): Results from a large multicentre study of the International AIH Group. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 116:43-50. [PMID: 37302951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) are specific markers for the diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) but can also be found occasionally in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The present large multicentre cohort study assessed the prevalence and significance of AMA in AIH-patients. METHODS 123 AMA-positive AIH-patients were investigated and compared with 711 age-matched AMA-negative AIH-patients and 69 patients with AIH/PBC variant. RESULTS AMA prevalence in AIH-patients was 5.1% (range: 1.2%-11.8%). AMA-positivity was associated with female sex (p = 0.031) in AMA-positive AIH-patients but not with liver biochemistry, bile duct injury on liver biopsy, disease severity at baseline and response to treatment compared to AMA-negative AIH-patients. Comparing AMA-positive AIH-patients to those with AIH/PBC variant, there was no difference in disease severity. Regarding liver histology, AIH/PBC variant patients were characterized by the presence of at least one feature of bile duct damage (p<0.001). Response to immunosuppressive treatment was similar among groups. From AMA-positive AIH patients only those with evidence of non-specific bile duct injury had higher risk to progress to cirrhosis (HR=4.314, 95%CI: 2.348-7.928; p<0.001). During follow-up, AMA-positive AIH-patients had higher risk to develop histological bile duct injury (HR 4.654, 95%CI 1.829-11.840; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AMA presence is relatively common among AIH-patients, but their clinical significance seems important only when they co-exist with non-specific bile duct injury at the histological level. Therefore, a careful evaluation of liver biopsy seems of utmost importance in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Aldo J Montano Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Teruko Arinaga-Hino
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Paolo Muratori
- Division of Internal Medicine, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì 47100, Department of Science for the Quality of Life, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gazi Yaşargil Education and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Annarosa Floreani
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Centre for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Athushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine Fukushima, Japan
| | - Akinobu Takaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | | | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ellina Lytvyak
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Laura Vilar Guedes
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tugrul Purnak
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nora Cazzagon
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Vasiliki Lygoura
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Arvaniti
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Eirini I Rigopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Luigi Muratori
- Division of Internal Medicine, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì 47100, Department of Science for the Quality of Life, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.
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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.
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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)
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Dalekos GN, Gatselis NK. Autoimmune serology testing in clinical practice: An updated roadmap for the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 108:9-17. [PMID: 36400668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is in most cases challenging for clinicians as there is not a single specific laboratory or histological marker to diagnose or exclude the presence of the disease. The clinical spectrum of AIH varies from completely asymptomatic to acute-severe or even rarely fulminant hepatic failure, while everybody can be affected irrespective of age, gender, and ethnicity. The old revised and the newer simplified diagnostic scores have been established by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) in 1999 and 2008, respectively, which are based on several clinical, laboratory and histological parameters. Additionally, a thorough differential diagnosis from other diseases mimicking AIH is absolutely indicated. In this context, autoantibodies detection in patients with suspected AIH is mandatory -even though not pathognomonic- not only for AIH diagnosis but furthermore, for AIH classification (AIH-type 1 and AIH-type 2). Although autoimmune serology can be supportive of AIH diagnosis in ≥95% of cases if testing has been performed according to the IAIHG guidelines, this is not the case under real-life circumstances in routine clinical laboratories. Clinicians should be careful both for the importance of the required testing and how to interpret the results and therefore, they should communicate and discuss with the laboratory personnel to achieve the maximum benefit for the patient. Herein, a detailed and updated review of the diagnostic work-up for AIH diagnosis under real-life conditions is given to minimize the underestimation and misdiagnosis of AIH which can result in progression of the disease and unfavourable outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
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Duan W, Chen S, Li S, Lv T, Li B, Wang X, Wang Y, Zhao X, Ma H, Ou X, You H, Jia J. The future risk of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is low among patients with incidental anti-mitochondrial antibodies but without baseline PBC. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:3112-3119. [PMID: 35998274 PMCID: PMC9592779 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies (AMAs) are highly specific for the diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) but are also occasionally found in other diseases. In the present study, we evaluated the incidence of and predictors for PBC development in AMA-positive patients with other liver or non-liver diseases at baseline. In this retrospective study, we screened patients who tested positive for AMA and/or anti-mitochondrial M2 antibody (AMA-M2) at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, from October 2005 to January 2017. They were categorized by their diagnosis at the baseline as patients with PBC or non-PBC cases. We followed up on the non-PBC cases through telephone interviews and reviewing of medical records to obtain laboratory results and clinical outcomes. In total, 139 patients were AMA-positive but did not fulfill the diagnostic criteria of PBC at baseline, including 51 patients with non-PBC liver diseases and 88 cases with non-liver diseases. The titers of AMA-M2, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and immunoglobulin M were significantly higher in patients with PBC compared to those with non-PBC liver diseases and non-liver diseases. After a median follow-up of 4.6 (interquartile range: 2.4-7.6) years, 4.3% (6 of 139) developed PBC, with an accumulative 5-year incidence rate of 4.2%. None of the patients with non-PBC liver diseases developed PBC, whereas the 5-year incidence rate of PBC was 7.8% among 88 patients with non-liver diseases. Lower alanine aminotransferase and higher immunoglobulin M were independent predictors for developing PBC. Conclusion: Our results suggest a low risk of developing PBC over time in AMA-positive patients with other liver and non-liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Duan
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesLiver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Sha Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesLiver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shuxiang Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesLiver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Tingting Lv
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesLiver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Buer Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesLiver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesLiver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yu Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesLiver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xinyan Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesLiver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Hong Ma
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesLiver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaojuan Ou
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesLiver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Hong You
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesLiver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jidong Jia
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesLiver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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Lammert C, Zhu C, Lian Y, Raman I, Eckert G, Li Q, Chalasani N. Exploratory Study of Autoantibody Profiling in Drug-Induced Liver Injury with an Autoimmune Phenotype. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:1651-1663. [PMID: 33163835 PMCID: PMC7603536 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) sometimes presents with an autoimmune hepatitis-like phenotype (AI-DILI), and it is challenging to distinguish it from de novo autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). We conducted a study to identify autoantibodies unique to AI-DILI by profiling serum autoantibodies. Autoantibodies were quantified using an autoantigen array containing 94 autoantigens from four groups: AI-DILI (n = 65), DILI controls (n = 67), de novo AIH (n = 17), and healthy controls (HCs; n = 30). In 37 patients with AI-DILI, samples were also collected 6 months after presentation. AI-DILI and de novo AIH had similar anti-neutrophil antibody and anti-smooth muscle antibody prevalence. Compared to HCs, de novo AIH had an increase in many immunoglobulin G (IgG; 35 [46.1%]) and IgM (51 [70%]) autoantibodies, whereas AI-DILI had an increase of IgM (40 [54.8%]) but not IgG autoantibodies. DILI controls had a similar IgG and IgM profile compared to HCs. Comparing de novo AIH to AI-DILI identified 18 (23.7%) elevated IgG but only one (1.4%) IgM autoantibodies, indicating the unique IgG autoantibody profile in de novo AIH. Compared to DILI and HCs, increased IgM autoantibodies in AI-DILI and de novo AIH were common; however, AI-DILI induced by different drugs showed different frequencies of IgM autoantibodies, with nitrofurantoin-related AI-DILI showing a higher number of increased IgM autoantibodies. AI-DILI autoantibody levels at diagnosis and at 6 months showed a significant decline in 37 IgM autoantibodies. A model with highly correlated IgG and IgM was fitted into multivariate logistic regression and revealed an area under the curve of 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.95) to distinguish de novo AIH from AI-DILI. Conclusion: The unique IgG and IgM autoantibody signature appears to be a promising biomarker for distinguishing AI-DILI from de novo AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Lammert
- Department of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Chengsong Zhu
- Department of Immunology and Internal MedicineGenomics and Microarray CoreUniversity of Texas SouthwesternDallasTXUSA
| | - Yun Lian
- Department of Immunology and Internal MedicineGenomics and Microarray CoreUniversity of Texas SouthwesternDallasTXUSA
| | - Indu Raman
- Department of Immunology and Internal MedicineGenomics and Microarray CoreUniversity of Texas SouthwesternDallasTXUSA
| | - George Eckert
- Department of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Quan‐Zhen Li
- Department of Immunology and Internal MedicineGenomics and Microarray CoreUniversity of Texas SouthwesternDallasTXUSA
| | - Naga Chalasani
- Department of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
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7
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Calise SJ, Zheng B, Hasegawa T, Satoh M, Isailovic N, Ceribelli A, Andrade LEC, Boylan K, Cavazzana I, Fritzler MJ, de la Torre IG, Hiepe F, Kohl K, Selmi C, Shoenfeld Y, Tincani A, Chan EKL. Reference standards for the detection of anti-mitochondrial and anti-rods/rings autoantibodies. Clin Chem Lab Med 2019; 56:1789-1798. [PMID: 29478040 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2017-1152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) are found in >90% of primary biliary cholangitis patients. Anti-rods/rings antibodies (anti-RR) are most commonly associated with interferon-α and ribavirin treatment in hepatitis C patients. Clinical laboratories routinely screen for AMA and anti-RR using indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells (HEp-2-IFA). Therefore, we sought to establish reference materials for use in AMA and anti-RR testing.
Methods:
AMA-positive and anti-RR-positive human plasma samples (AMA-REF and RR-REF), identified as potential reference materials based on preliminary data, were further validated by multiple laboratories using HEp-2-IFA, immunoprecipitation (IP), western blotting, IP-western, line immunoassay (LIA), addressable laser bead immunoassay (ALBIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:
AMA-REF showed a strong positive cytoplasmic reticular/AMA staining pattern by HEp-2-IFA to ≥1:1280 dilution and positive signal on rodent kidney/stomach/liver tissue. AMA-REF reacted with E2/E3, E3BP, E1α and E1β subunits of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex by IP and western blotting and was positive for AMA antigens by LIA, ALBIA and ELISA. RR-REF showed a strong positive rods and rings staining pattern by HEp-2-IFA to ≥1:1280 dilution. RR-REF reacted with inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase by IP, IP-western and ALBIA. RR-REF also produced a nuclear homogenous staining pattern by HEp-2-IFA, immunoprecipitated proteins associated with anti-U1RNP antibody and reacted weakly with histones, nucleosomes, Sm and nRNP/Sm by LIA.
Conclusions:
AMA-REF and RR-REF are useful reference materials for academic or commercial clinical laboratories to calibrate and establish internal reference standards for immunodiagnostic assays. AMA-REF and RR-REF are now available for free distribution to qualified laboratories through Plasma Services Group.
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Affiliation(s)
- S John Calise
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bing Zheng
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Tomoko Hasegawa
- Department of Clinical Nursing, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Minoru Satoh
- Department of Clinical Nursing, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Natasa Isailovic
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Metabolism, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Ceribelli
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Metabolism, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luis E C Andrade
- Division of Rheumatology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Immunology Division, Fleury Medicine and Health Laboratories, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katherine Boylan
- Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Plasma Services Group, Inc., Huntingdon Valley, PA, USA
| | - Ilaria Cavazzana
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Science, University of Brescia and ASST-Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marvin J Fritzler
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Ignacio Garcia de la Torre
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Hospital General de Occidente and University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Falk Hiepe
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Deutsches Rheumaforschungszentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathryn Kohl
- Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Plasma Services Group, Inc., Huntingdon Valley, PA, USA
| | - Carlo Selmi
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Metabolism, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,BIOMETRA Department, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Angela Tincani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Science, University of Brescia and ASST-Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Edward K L Chan
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Dalekos GN, Gatselis NK. Variant and Specific Forms of Autoimmune Cholestatic Liver Diseases. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2019; 67:197-211. [PMID: 31165900 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-019-00550-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are the main autoimmune cholestatic liver diseases. IgG4-associated sclerosing cholangitis is another distinct immune-mediated cholestatic disorder of unknown aetiology that is frequently associated with autoimmune pancreatitis or other IgG4-related diseases. Although the majority of PBC and PSC patients have a typical presentation, there are common and uncommon important variants or specific subgroups that observed in everyday routine clinical practice. In this updated review, we summarize the published data giving also our own experience on the variants and specific groups of autoimmune cholestatic liver diseases. Actually, we give in detail the underlining difficulties and the rising dilemmas concerning the diagnosis and management of these special conditions in the clinical spectrum of autoimmune cholestatic liver diseases including the IgG4-associated sclerosing cholangitis highlighting also the uncertainties and the potential new eras of the research agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece.
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110, Larissa, Greece
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Dyson JK, De Martin E, Dalekos GN, Drenth JPH, Herkel J, Hubscher SG, Kelly D, Lenzi M, Milkiewicz P, Oo YH, Heneghan MA, Lohse AW. Review article: unanswered clinical and research questions in autoimmune hepatitis-conclusions of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group Research Workshop. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2019; 49:528-536. [PMID: 30671977 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease that results in substantial morbidity and mortality with many unanswered clinical and research questions. Improved understanding of disease pathogenesis, including the extra-hepatic manifestations of AIH, may allow targeted treatments with greater efficacy and fewer associated adverse events. AIM To identify the spectrum of unanswered clinical and research questions facing care providers in the management of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). METHODS The International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group initiated a series of research workshops to start to address these questions. Key issues were discussed in small group sessions with collation of all discussions to be summarised in this manuscript. RESULTS Key issues were identified as: the need for better understanding of disease pathogenesis, standardisation of the methods and assays used to evaluate autoantibodies in AIH, refinement of the histopathological criteria for "typical" or "compatible" AIH, focus on the interaction with non-alcohol related fatty liver disease, how to treat acute severe AIH, better assessment of quality of life in adults and paediatrics, standardising use of standard, third-line and experimental therapies in AIH and search for biomarkers early in the disease course that predict outcome. CONCLUSION This workshop has outlined the key unanswered clinical and research questions to help to define the research agenda in AIH.
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11
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Dalekos GN, Koskinas J, Papatheodoridis GV. Hellenic Association for the Study of the Liver Clinical Practice Guidelines: Autoimmune hepatitis. Ann Gastroenterol 2019; 32:1-23. [PMID: 30598587 PMCID: PMC6302199 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2018.0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare acute or chronic liver disease of unknown etiology characterized by large heterogeneity. Its distribution is global, covering all ages, both sexes and all ethnic groups. The aim of the present Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) of the Hellenic Association for the Study of the Liver was to provide updated guidance and help to gastroenterologists, hepatologists, internists and general practitioners for AIH diagnosis and management. AIH diagnosis is based on clinicopathological characteristics: namely, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, particularly of immunoglobulin G (IgG), circulating autoantibodies, interface hepatitis on liver histology, absence of viral hepatitis, and a favorable response to immunosuppression. Clinical manifestations at disease onset are variable, ranging from asymptomatic to the acute/severe form. Aminotransferase and bilirubin levels vary, while the presence of hepatitis at the histological level is a prerequisite for diagnosis. Autoantibodies are the hallmark for AIH diagnosis; therefore, the CPG describe the appropriate serological algorithm for their detection. AIH therapy should aim to achieve complete biochemical (normalization of IgG and aminotransferases) and histological remission. All patients who have active disease, even those with cirrhosis, should be treated with individualized and response-guided induction therapy using prednisolone in combination with azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil as first-line therapy. Immunosuppression should be given for at least 3 years and for at least 2 years after the achievement of complete biochemical response, while a liver biopsy should be recommended before treatment discontinuation. Current CPG are also provided for several specific conditions and difficult-to-treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N. Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa (George N. Dalekos)
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa (George N. Dalekos)
| | - John Koskinas
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Hippokratio” General Hospital of Athens, Athens (John Koskinas)
| | - George V. Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Laiko” General Hospital of Athens, Athens (George V. Papatheodoridis), Greece
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12
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Lindor KD, Bowlus CL, Boyer J, Levy C, Mayo M. Primary Biliary Cholangitis: 2018 Practice Guidance from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2019; 69:394-419. [PMID: 30070375 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Keith D Lindor
- Arizona State University, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ
| | | | | | | | - Marlyn Mayo
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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13
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Schulz L, Sebode M, Weidemann SA, Lohse AW. Variant syndromes of primary biliary cholangitis. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2018; 34-35:55-61. [PMID: 30343711 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) can show biochemical, serological and/or histological features of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The term 'AIH-PBC overlap syndrome' has been used frequently for these cases and implies the coexistence of two separate diseases. However, the boundaries between 'classical' PBC, PBC with features of AIH and 'classical' AIH are difficult to define, and therefore the term 'variant syndrome' should be preferred. A variant syndrome must primarily be assumed in PBC patients showing pronounced hepatitic activity, either expressed by elevated transaminases and raised levels of serum IgG/gammaglobulins or more specifically by liver biopsy showing a modified hepatitis activity index (mHAI) score of >4/18. The presence of AIH-specific autoantibodies also supports the diagnosis of a variant syndrome. The diagnosis must not be missed because individually adapted immunosuppressive treatment, analogous to AIH therapy, appears to have an important beneficial impact on the prognosis and should therefore be offered to these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Schulz
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Marcial Sebode
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sören A Weidemann
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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14
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Muratori P, Lenzi M, Cassani F, Lalanne C, Muratori L. Diagnostic approach to autoimmune hepatitis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2017; 13:769-779. [PMID: 28480763 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2017.1327355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease which, if left without treatment, can evolve into cirrhosis and possibly liver failure. The diagnosis of AIH is hampered by the lack of specific and reliable markers of the disease and a number of clinical, biochemical, immunological, histological and genetic factors should be considered to reach a confident diagnosis Areas covered: Clinical expression of AIH, histological features, serological and genetic profiles, differential diagnosis, overlap with other autoimmune liver diseases, assessed on the basis of personal experience and review of published literature in the last 10 years through a systematic Medline search (keywords: autoimmune hepatitis, diagnosis) Expert commentary: Notwithstanding numerous efforts to identify simple and reliable markers of the disease, the diagnosis of AIH is still based on the combination of histological, immunological and biochemical features and often can represent a real challenge for the hepatologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Muratori
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Marco Lenzi
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Fabio Cassani
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Claudine Lalanne
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Luigi Muratori
- a Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System , Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
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