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Azariadis K, Gatselis NK, Lyberopoulou A, Arvaniti P, Zachou K, Gabeta S, Dalekos GN. PNPLA3 I148 M genetic variant in autoimmune hepatitis characterises advanced disease at diagnosis and reduced survival free of cirrhotic events and liver-related mortality. J Transl Autoimmun 2024; 9:100243. [PMID: 38974691 PMCID: PMC11225017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2024.100243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare autoimmune disease with a strong genetic background. The patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) I148 M (rs738409 C/G) variant has been associated with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in chronic hepatic diseases beyond metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Aim Our aim was to investigate the significance of PNPLA3 I148 M variant in AIH. Method Two hundred AIH patients, followed in our centre, were evaluated while 100 healthy subjects served as controls. Genotyping was performed with allelic discrimination end-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results The I148 M variant was present in 95/200 (47.5 %) AIH patients compared to 47/100 (47 %) healthy controls (p = 1.000). Patients with GG/CG genotypes were more likely to present with decompensated cirrhosis at diagnosis (GG/CG 6.3 % vs. CC 1 %, p = 0.039). Comorbidity with cardiometabolic risk factors and concurrence of MASLD was similar across genotypes. Simple steatosis was present in 37/186 (19.9 %) and steatohepatitis in 14/186 (7.5 %) patients with available liver biopsy without correlation with PNPLA3 genotype. Fibrosis stage and grade of inflammation were not correlated with any genotype. Response to treatment was also independent of the presence of the I148 M variant, even though a longer time was needed to achieve complete biochemical response in those carrying the GG/CG genotypes (p = 0.07). On Kaplan Meier analysis homozygosity for the G allele corelated with reduced survival free of decompensation (p = 0.006), cirrhotic events (decompensation, liver transplantation, hepatocellular carcinoma; p = 0.001) and liver-related death or liver transplantation (p = 0.011) in treated patients. Conclusions The PNPLA3 I148 M variant in AIH patients is associated with increased risk of advanced disease at diagnosis and reduced survival free of cirrhotic events and liver-related death or liver transplantation, regardless of the presence of MASLD. This signifies a potential role for the PNPLA3 I148 M variant as a new AIH biomarker allowing to identify patients at increased risk of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Azariadis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN Rare-Liver), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - 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
| | - Aggeliki Lyberopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN Rare-Liver), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - Stella Gabeta
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN Rare-Liver), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - George 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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Oliveira EMG, Amaral ACDC, Oliveira PMC, Lanzoni VP, Perez RM, Narciso-Schiavon JL, Whale RC, Carvalho-Filho RJ, Silva AEB, Ferraz MLCG. Clinical Characteristics of Genuine Acute Autoimmune Hepatitis. GE PORTUGUESE JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2024; 31:173-181. [PMID: 38757065 PMCID: PMC11095594 DOI: 10.1159/000531018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has a spectrum of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic disease to acute severe hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, and decompensated cirrhosis. The acute presentation is not rare and could represent genuine acute AIH (GAAIH) or acute exacerbation of chronic autoimmune hepatitis. We aimed to identify the prevalence, clinical features, and prognostic factors associated with GAAIH and compare these cases with acute exacerbation of chronic AIH. Methods This cross-sectional observational study evaluated patients with acute AIH presentation, defined as total bilirubin >5 times the upper limit of normality (xULN) and/or alanine aminotransferase >10 xULN, and no prior history of liver disease. Histology findings of acute disease defined GAAIH. Bivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the GAAIH, when compared with acute exacerbation of chronic AIH. Results Seventy-two patients with acute presentation of AIH were included and six (8.3%) of them presented GAAIH. Comparative analysis between patients with GAAIH and patients with acute exacerbation of chronic AIH revealed that prothrombin activity (96% [74-100] vs. 61% [10-100]; p = 0.003) and albumin levels (3.9 ± 0.2 g/dL vs. 3.4 ± 0.5 g/dL; p < 0.001) were higher in patients with GAAIH. The International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group score was higher in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic AIH (18.5 [8-23] vs. 16.5 [15-17]; p = 0.010). Compared to 15.2% of acute exacerbation of chronic AIH, complete therapeutic response to treatment was achieved in 67.7% of cases with GAAIH (p = 0.018). Conclusions GAAIH was rare (8.3%), and patients with this presentation exhibited more preserved liver function tests, suggesting that most cases presenting with loss of function are acute exacerbation of chronic AIH. Additionally, patients with GAAIH had a better complete therapeutic response, suggesting a more preserved liver function at presentation, and early diagnosis has a positive therapeutic implication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elze Maria Gomes Oliveira
- Division of Gastroenterology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Centro Universitário Lusíada, Santos, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Renata Mello Perez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Janaína Luz Narciso-Schiavon
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Raul Carlos Whale
- Division of Gastroenterology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Barreira-Díaz A, Salcedo-Allende MT, Martínez-Valle F, Orozco-Gálvez O, Buti M, Riveiro-Barciela M. The significant IgG4 infiltrate in autoimmune hepatitis is associated with a greater ductular reaction and more advanced liver disease. Dig Liver Dis 2023; 55:1673-1678. [PMID: 37263810 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sclerosing cholangitis is the typical IgG4-related disease digestive involvement. However, the role of the IgG4 liver expression in autoimmune hepatitis remains unknown. AIMS to assess whether the expression of IgG4 plasma cells in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was associated with different outcomes. METHODS Retrospective study including patients diagnosed with AIH by biopsy from January-2009 to June-2021. At least mild IgG4 expression (>10 IgG4+-plasma cells per field) was considered as significant. RESULTS 85 patients with AIH were included. Overall, 58.8% were women, mean age 54 years. Nine (10.6%) presented cirrhosis at diagnosis. Fifteen (17.6%) had significant IgG4 liver expression. Patients with IgG4 infiltrate were older (p = 0.021), presented liver cirrhosis more frequently (33.3% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.007), greater IgG plasma values (p = 0.008) and atypical ANCAs (p = 0.086); ductular reaction was also more common (p = 0.009). Complete remission rate was similar regardless of the IgG4 infiltrate. Time to corticosteroids discontinuation was longer in subjects with IgG4 infiltrate (p = 0.068), but second-line therapy tended to be less frequent (p = 0.187). CONCLUSION Significant IgG4 liver infiltrate in patients with autoimmune hepatitis is associated with more advanced liver disease. The greater ductular reaction mediated by the IgG4 infiltrate may be the cause for this finding, though this finding should be prospectively assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Barreira-Díaz
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus. Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERehd, Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Fernando Martínez-Valle
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain; Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital UniversitariValld'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olimpia Orozco-Gálvez
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain; Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital UniversitariValld'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Buti
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus. Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERehd, Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Riveiro-Barciela
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus. Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERehd, Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.
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Sharma S, Agarwal S, Saraya A, Choudhury AK, Saigal S, Soin AS, Shukla A, Sahu MK, Lesmana LA, Lesmana RC, Shah SN, Hu J, Tan SS, Jothimani D, Rela M, Ghazinyan HL, Amrapurkar DN, Eapen CE, Goel A, Payawal DA, Hamid S, Butt AS, Zhongping D, Singh V, Duseja A, Sood A, Midha V, Al Mahtab M, Kim DJ, Ning Q, Kulkarni AV, Rao PN, Lee GH, Treeprasertsuk S, Shaojie X, Karim MF, Sollano JD, Kalista KF, Gani RA, Prasad VGM, Sarin SK. Identifying the early predictors of non-response to steroids in patients with flare of autoimmune hepatitis causing acute-on-chronic liver failure. Hepatol Int 2023; 17:989-999. [PMID: 36790652 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10482-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Early identification of non-response to steroids is critical in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) causing acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). We assessed if this non-response can be accurately identified within first few days of treatment. METHODS Patients with AIH-ACLF without baseline infection/hepatic encephalopathy were identified from APASL ACLF research consortium (AARC) database. Diagnosis of AIH-ACLF was based mainly on histology. Those treated with steroids were assessed for non-response (defined as death or liver transplant at 90 days for present study). Laboratory parameters, AARC, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores were assessed at baseline and day 3 to identify early non-response. Utility of dynamic SURFASA score [- 6.80 + 1.92*(D0-INR) + 1.94*(∆%3-INR) + 1.64*(∆%3-bilirubin)] was also evaluated. The performance of early predictors was compared with changes in MELD score at 2 weeks. RESULTS Fifty-five out of one hundred and sixty-five patients (age-38.2 ± 15.0 years, 67.2% females) with AIH-ACLF [median MELD 24 (IQR: 22-27); median AARC score 7 (6-9)] given oral prednisolone 40 (20-40) mg per day were analyzed. The 90 day transplant-free survival in this cohort was 45.7% with worse outcomes in those with incident infections (56% vs 28.0%, p = 0.03). The AUROC of pre-therapy AARC score [0.842 (95% CI 0.754-0.93)], MELD [0.837 (95% CI 0.733-0.94)] score and SURFASA score [0.795 (95% CI 0.678-0.911)] were as accurate as ∆MELD at 2 weeks [0.770 (95% CI 0.687-0.845), p = 0.526] and better than ∆MELD at 3 days [0.541 (95% CI 0.395, 0.687), p < 0.001] to predict non-response. Combination of AARC score > 6, MELD score > 24 with SURFASA score ≥ - 1.2, could identify non-responders at day 3 (concomitant- 75% vs either - 42%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Baseline AARC score, MELD score, and the dynamic SURFASA score on day 3 can accurately identify early non-response to steroids in AIH-ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchit Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110026, India
| | - Samagra Agarwal
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110026, India
| | - Anoop Saraya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110026, India.
| | - Ashok Kumar Choudhury
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, 110070, India
| | - Sanjiv Saigal
- Department of Hepatology, Medanta, Medicity, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - A S Soin
- Department of Hepatology, Medanta, Medicity, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Akash Shukla
- Department of Gastroenterology, LTMMC, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manoj K Sahu
- Department of Hepatology, IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubneshwar, Odhisha, India
| | | | | | - Samir N Shah
- Department of Hepatology, Global Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Jinhua Hu
- Department of Medicine, 302 Military Hospital, Bejing, China
| | - Soek Siam Tan
- Department of Medicine, Hospital Selayang, Bata Cabs, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Dinesh Jothimani
- Department of Liver Transplant and Surgery, Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai, India
| | - Mohammed Rela
- Department of Liver Transplant and Surgery, Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai, India
| | - Hasmik L Ghazinyan
- Department of Hepatology, Nork Clinical Hospital of Infectious Disease, Yerevan, Armenia
| | | | - C E Eapen
- Department of Hepatology, Christan Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Ashish Goel
- Department of Hepatology, Christan Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | - Saeed Hamid
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Amna S Butt
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Duan Zhongping
- Translational Hepatology Institute Capital Medical University, Beijing You' an Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | - Ajay Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ajit Sood
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Vandana Midha
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Mamun Al Mahtab
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Dong Joon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Qin Ning
- Department of Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, China
| | | | - P N Rao
- Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Guan Huei Lee
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
| | | | - Xin Shaojie
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Md Fazal Karim
- Department of Hepatology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jose D Sollano
- Department of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kemal Fariz Kalista
- Division of Hepatobiliary, Cipto Mangunkusuamo Hospital, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rino Alvani Gani
- Division of Hepatobiliary, Cipto Mangunkusuamo Hospital, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Shiv Kumar Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, 110070, India.
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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
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Shingina A, Mukhtar N, Wakim-Fleming J, Alqahtani S, Wong RJ, Limketkai BN, Larson AM, Grant L. Acute Liver Failure Guidelines. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:1128-1153. [PMID: 37377263 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare, acute, potentially reversible condition resulting in severe liver impairment and rapid clinical deterioration in patients without preexisting liver disease. Due to the rarity of this condition, published studies are limited by the use of retrospective or prospective cohorts and lack of randomized controlled trials. Current guidelines represent the suggested approach to the identification, treatment, and management of ALF and represent the official practice recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology. The scientific evidence was reviewed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation process to develop recommendations. When no robust evidence was available, expert opinions were summarized using Key Concepts. Considering the variety of clinical presentations of ALF, individualization of care should be applied in specific clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Shingina
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nizar Mukhtar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jamilé Wakim-Fleming
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland Ohio, USA
| | - Saleh Alqahtani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Liver Transplantation Unit, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Robert J Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, Gastroenterology Section, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | | | - Anne M Larson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lafaine Grant
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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7
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ja Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Korea
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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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9
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Dalekos GN, Arvaniti P, Gatselis NK, Gabeta S, Samakidou A, Giannoulis G, Rigopoulou E, Koukoulis GK, Zachou K. Long-term results of mycophenolate mofetil vs. azathioprine use in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100601. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. HLA, gut microbiome and hepatic autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:980768. [PMID: 36059527 PMCID: PMC9433828 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.980768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic susceptibility to autoimmune liver diseases is conferred mainly by polymorphisms of genes encoding for the human leukocyte antigens (HLA). The strongest predisposition to autoimmune hepatitis type 1 (AIH-1) is linked to the allele DRB1*03:01, possession of which is associated with earlier disease onset and more severe course. In populations where this allele is very rare, such as in Asia, and in DRB1*03-negative patients, risk of AIH-1 is conferred by DRB1*04, which is associated with later disease onset and milder phenotype. AIH type 2 (AIH-2) is associated with DRB1*07. The pediatric condition referred to as autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC), is associated with the DRB1*13 in populations of Northern European ancestry. DRB1*1501 is protective from AIH-1, AIH-2 and ASC in Northern European populations. Possession of the DRB1*08 allele is associated with an increased risk of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) across different populations. DRB1*03:01 and B*08:01 confer susceptibility to primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), as well as DRB1*13 and DRB1*15 in Europe. The hepatic blood supply is largely derived from the splanchnic circulation, suggesting a pathophysiological role of the gut microbiome. AIH appears to be associated with dysbiosis, increased gut permeability, and translocation of intestinal microbial products into the circulation; molecular mimicry between microbial and host antigens may trigger an autoaggressive response in genetically-predisposed individuals. In PBC an altered enteric microbiome may affect intestinal motility, immunological function and bile secretion. Patients with PSC have a gut microbial profile different from health as well as from patients with inflammatory bowel disease without PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Epatocentro Ticino and Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
- MowatLabs, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli,
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- MowatLabs, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diego Vergani
- MowatLabs, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Téllez L, Sánchez Rodríguez E, Rodríguez de Santiago E, Llovet L, Gómez‐Outomuro A, Díaz‐Fontenla F, Álvarez López P, García‐Eliz M, Amaral C, Sánchez‐Torrijos Y, Fortea JI, Ferre‐Aracil C, Rodríguez‐Perálvarez M, Abadía M, Gómez‐Camarero J, Olveira A, Calleja JL, Crespo J, Romero M, Hernández‐Guerra M, Berenguer M, Riveiro‐Barciela M, Salcedo M, Rodríguez M, Londoño MC, Albillos A. Early predictors of corticosteroid response in acute severe autoimmune hepatitis: a nationwide multicenter study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 56:131-143. [PMID: 35470447 PMCID: PMC9324977 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To assess whether corticosteroids improve prognosis in patients with AS-AIH, and to identify factors at therapy initiation and during therapy predictive of the response to corticosteroids. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study including all patients with AS-AIH admitted to 13 tertiary centres from January 2002 to January 2019. The composite primary outcome was death or liver transplantation within 90 days of admission. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods were used for data analysis. RESULTS Of 242 consecutive patients enrolled (mean age [SD] 49.7 [16.8] years), 203 received corticosteroids. Overall 90-day transplant-free survival was 61.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 55.4-67.7). Corticosteroids reduced the risk of a poor outcome (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.25; 95% CI 0.2-0.4), but this treatment failed in 30.5%. An internally validated nomogram composed of older age, MELD, encephalopathy and ascites at the initiation of corticosteroids accurately predicted the response (C-index 0.82; [95% CI 0.8-0.9]). In responders, MELD significantly improved from days 3 to 14 but remained unchanged in non-responders. MELD on day 7 with a cut-off of 25 (sensitivity 62.5%[95% CI: 47.0-75.8]; specificity 95.2% [95% CI: 89.9-97.8]) was the best univariate predictor of the response. Prolonging corticosteroids did not increase the overall infection risk (adjusted HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.3-2.1). CONCLUSION Older patients with high MELD, encephalopathy or ascites at steroid therapy initiation and during treatment are unlikely to show a favourable response and so prolonged therapy in these patients, especially if they are transplantation candidates, should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Téllez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Universidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
| | - Eugenia Sánchez Rodríguez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Universidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
| | - Enrique Rodríguez de Santiago
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Universidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
| | - Laura Llovet
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Ana Gómez‐Outomuro
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Central de AsturiasISPA, Universidad de OviedoOviedoSpain
| | - Fernando Díaz‐Fontenla
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IISGM. Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad Complutense de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Patricia Álvarez López
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d´Hebron, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - María García‐Eliz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario La Fe, IISLaFe, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Carla Amaral
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, CIBICAN, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de La LagunaTenerifeSpain
| | - Yolanda Sánchez‐Torrijos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, IBiS, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de SevillaSevillaSpain
| | - José Ignacio Fortea
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de CantabriaSantanderSpain
| | - Carlos Ferre‐Aracil
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, IISPH, Universidad Autónoma de MadridCentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)MadridSpain
| | - Manuel Rodríguez‐Perálvarez
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Hospital Universitario Reina SofíaIMIBIC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)CórdobaSpain
| | - Marta Abadía
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IDIPAZUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Judith Gómez‐Camarero
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyComplejo Asistencial Universitario de BurgosBurgosSpain
| | - Antonio Olveira
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IDIPAZUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - José Luis Calleja
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, IISPH, Universidad Autónoma de MadridCentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)MadridSpain
| | - Javier Crespo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, IBiS, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de SevillaSevillaSpain
| | | | - Manuel Hernández‐Guerra
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, CIBICAN, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de La LagunaTenerifeSpain
| | - Marina Berenguer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario La Fe, IISLaFe, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Mar Riveiro‐Barciela
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d´Hebron, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Magdalena Salcedo
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IISGM. Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad Complutense de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Manuel Rodríguez
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Central de AsturiasISPA, Universidad de OviedoOviedoSpain
| | - María Carlota Londoño
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Agustín Albillos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Universidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
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12
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Gender and Autoimmune Liver Diseases: Relevant Aspects in Clinical Practice. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12060925. [PMID: 35743710 PMCID: PMC9225254 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12060925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. The etiologies of AILD are not well understood but appear to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. AILDs commonly affect young individuals and are characterized by a highly variable clinical course. These diseases significantly influence quality of life and can progress toward liver decompensation or the onset of hepatocellular or cholangiocarcinoma; a significant number of patients eventually progress to end-stage liver disease, requiring liver transplantation. In this review, we focus on the sex characteristics and peculiarities of AILD patients and highlight the relevance of a sex-specific analysis in future studies. Understanding the sex differences underlying AILD immune dysregulation may be critical for developing more effective treatments.
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13
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Ye C, Li W, Li L, Zhang K. Glucocorticoid Treatment Strategies in Liver Failure. Front Immunol 2022; 13:846091. [PMID: 35371046 PMCID: PMC8965693 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.846091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver failure is characterized by serious liver decompensation and high mortality. The activation of systemic immune responses and systemic inflammation are widely accepted as the core pathogenesis of liver failure. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are most regularly utilized to suppress excessive inflammatory reactions and immunological responses. GCs have been used in the clinical treatment of liver failure for nearly 60 years. While there has been no unanimity on the feasibility and application of GC treatment in liver failure until recently. The most recent trials have produced conflicting results when it comes to the dose and time for GC therapy of different etiology of liver failure. Our review outlines the issues and options in managing GC treatment in liver failure based on an investigation of the molecular mechanism that GC may give in the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wenyuan Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Kaiguang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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14
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Dalekos GN, Arvaniti P, Gatselis NK, Samakidou A, Gabeta S, Rigopoulou E, Koukoulis GK, Zachou K. First Results From a Propensity Matching Trial of Mycophenolate Mofetil vs. Azathioprine in Treatment-Naive AIH Patients. Front Immunol 2022; 12:798602. [PMID: 35087524 PMCID: PMC8787111 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.798602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims As previous real-world studies and meta-analyses have shown that mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) might have better efficacy than azathioprine (AZA) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), we conducted a propensity matching study to assess the efficacy and safety of MMF vs. AZA. Methods All 126 consecutive treatment-naive adult AIH patients, diagnosed and followed in our department since 2016, were included. Patients received prednisolone 0.5-1 mg/kg/day plus either AZA 1-2 mg/kg/day or 1.5-2 g/day MMF. The tapering of prednisolone was identical between groups. Results After propensity matching score and adjustment for known factors affecting response to treatment and outcome, 64 patients were included in the study (MMF = 32 and AZA = 32). Rates of non-response, complete biochemical response (CBR) at 6 and 12 months, and prednisolone withdrawal (6 months, 12 months, and end of follow-up) were identical between groups. However, MMF treatment was significantly associated with CBR at the end of follow-up [odds ratio (OR) 11.259; 95% CI: 1.3-97.4, p = 0.028]. AZA patients were more prone to stop treatment due to AZA intolerance/insufficient response (p = 0.0001). At the end of follow-up, the overall efficacy of each schedule was also significantly higher in the MMF group compared to the AZA group (p = 0.0001). Conclusion We showed for the first time in a propensity matching study that MMF can be used as first-line therapy in AIH as attested by the significantly higher CBR at end of follow-up compared to AZA. Whether this better efficacy is also associated with higher histological remission rates and sustained CBR off immunosuppression needs further evaluation.
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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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - Anna Samakidou
- 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
| | - Stella Gabeta
- 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
| | - Eirini 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
| | - George K. Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 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
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15
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Taubert R, Engel B, Diestelhorst J, Hupa-Breier KL, Behrendt P, Baerlecken NT, Sühs KW, Janik MK, Zachou K, Sebode M, Schramm C, Londoño MC, Habes S, Oo YH, Lalanne C, Pape S, Schubert M, Hust M, Dübel S, Thevis M, Jonigk D, Beimdiek J, Buettner FFR, Drenth JPH, Muratori L, Adams DH, Dyson JK, Renand A, Graupera I, Lohse AW, Dalekos GN, Milkiewicz P, Stangel M, Maasoumy B, Witte T, Wedemeyer H, Manns MP, Jaeckel E. Quantification of polyreactive immunoglobulin G facilitates the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatology 2022; 75:13-27. [PMID: 34473365 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Detection of autoantibodies is a mainstay of diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). However, conventional autoantibodies for the workup of AIH lack either sensitivity or specificity, leading to substantial diagnostic uncertainty. We aimed to identify more accurate serological markers of AIH with a protein macroarray. APPROACH AND RESULTS During the search for more-precise autoantibodies to distinguish AIH from non-AIH liver diseases (non-AIH-LD), IgG antibodies with binding capacities to many human and foreign proteins were identified with a protein macroarray and confirmed with solid-phase ELISAs in AIH patients. Subsequently, polyreactive IgG (pIgG) was exemplarily quantified by reactivity against human huntingtin-interacting protein 1-related protein in bovine serum albumin blocked ELISA (HIP1R/BSA). The diagnostic fidelity of HIP1R/BSA binding pIgG to diagnose AIH was assessed in a retrospective training, a retrospective multicenter validation, and a prospective validation cohort in cryoconserved samples from 1,568 adults from 10 centers from eight countries. Reactivity against HIP1R/BSA had a 25% and 14% higher specificity to diagnose AIH than conventional antinuclear and antismooth muscle antibodies, a significantly higher sensitivity than liver kidney microsomal antibodies and antisoluble liver antigen/liver pancreas antigen, and a 12%-20% higher accuracy than conventional autoantibodies. Importantly, HIP1R/BSA reactivity was present in up to 88% of patients with seronegative AIH and in up to 71% of AIH patients with normal IgG levels. Under therapy, pIgG returns to background levels of non-AIH-LD. CONCLUSIONS pIgG could be used as a promising marker to improve the diagnostic workup of liver diseases with a higher specificity for AIH compared to conventional autoantibodies and a utility in autoantibody-negative AIH. Likewise, pIgG could be a major source of assay interference in untreated AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Taubert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bastian Engel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jana Diestelhorst
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katharina L Hupa-Breier
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Behrendt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | - Niklas T Baerlecken
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Maciej K Janik
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,Liver and Internal Medicine Unit, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kalliopi Zachou
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece.,Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Marcial Sebode
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schramm
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.,Martin Zeitz Centre for Rare Diseases, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - María-Carlota Londoño
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah Habes
- Hépato-Gastro-entérologie et Assistance Nutritionnelle, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Ye H Oo
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,Centre for Liver and Gastro Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Medical School, National Institute of Health Research Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Birmingham, UK.,Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Claudine Lalanne
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simon Pape
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maren Schubert
- Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Hust
- Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Dübel
- Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Danny Jonigk
- Institute for Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Beimdiek
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Falk F R Buettner
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Joost P H Drenth
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Luigi Muratori
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - David H Adams
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,Centre for Liver and Gastro Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Medical School, National Institute of Health Research Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Birmingham, UK.,Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jessica K Dyson
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Amédée Renand
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR1064, INSERM Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Isabel Graupera
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - George N Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece.,Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Piotr Milkiewicz
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,Liver and Internal Medicine Unit, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Translational Medicine Group, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Martin Stangel
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Benjamin Maasoumy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Witte
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,Department for Liver Transplantation, University Health Network of the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Gatselis NK, Azariadis K, Lyberopoulou A, Dalekos GN. Programmed cell death-1 rs11568821 and interleukin-28B rs12979860 polymorphisms in autoimmune hepatitis. J Transl Autoimmun 2021; 4:100126. [PMID: 34632357 PMCID: PMC8488593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2021.100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare chronic liver disease of unknown etiology. The genetic background affects susceptibility, clinical phenotype, and prognosis. The programmed cell death-1 rs11568821 polymorphism (PD1.3) has been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. The interleukin-28B (IL28B) rs12979860 polymorphism has been associated with steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in liver diseases. AIM Our aim was to investigate for the first time the incidence and clinical significance of PD1.3 and IL28B rs12979860 in AIH. METHODS Two hundred patients with AIH were evaluated, while 100 healthy subjects were used as controls. Genotyping was performed with in-house allelic discrimination End-Point PCR. RESULTS The SNP PD1.3/A was present in 36/200 (18%) AIH patients compared to 28/100 (28%) healthy controls (p = 0.065). The AA/GA genotypes were not associated with the mode of presentation of AIH, the histological grade or stage, the presence of cirrhosis, risk of disease progression, response to treatment and survival. The IL28B rs12979860 genotype distribution was CC 79/200 (39.5%), TT 36/200 (18%) and CT 85/200 (42.5%), in similar rates with healthy controls (p = 0.878). Inflammatory activity and fibrosis stage did not differ between CC homozygotes and CT/TT carriers. LDL cholesterol was significantly higher in CC than CT/TT patients (P = 0.027), though no differences was found regarding the presence of steatosis or steatohepatitis. On-treatment response to immunosuppressive treatment was not affected by the IL28B rs12979860 polymorphism. However, CC homozygotes AIH patients achieved treatment withdrawal in significantly higher rates (OR 2.3, 95%CI: 1.1-4.7, P = 0.02) irrespective of the presence of steatosis or steatohepatitis. CONCLUSIONS The PD1.3 and IL28B rs12979860 variants are unlikely to contribute to AIH susceptibility, disease presentation and prognosis. The IL28B rs12979860 is not associated with the presence of concurrent steatosis or steatohepatitis. However, although on-treatment response rates to immunosuppression were not affected by the IL28B rs12979860 polymorphism, AIH patients with CC homozygosity were more likely to achieve complete treatment withdrawal. This novel finding needs validation and further clarification from larger multicenter studies.
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Key Words
- AIH, Autoimmune hepatitis.
- ANA, Antinuclear antibodies.
- Anti-LC1, Liver cytosol type-1 antibodies.
- Anti-LKM1, Liver kidney microsomal type-1 antibodies
- Anti-SLA/LP, Soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas antibodies.
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- CR, Complete response.
- HCC, Hepatocellular carcinoma.
- HCV, Hepatis C virus.
- HDL, High density lipoprotein.
- HLA, Human leukocyte antigen.
- HWE, Hardy-weinberg equilibrium.
- IL28B, Interleukin 28B.
- INR, International normalized ratio.
- IQR, Interquartile range.
- IgG, Immunoglobulin class G.
- Interleukin-28B
- LDL, Low density lipoprotein
- MetS, Metabolic syndrome.
- NAFLD, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- PCR, Polymerase chain reaction.
- PD1, Programmed cell death-1.
- Polymorphisms
- Programmed cell death-1
- SD, Standard deviation.
- SLE, Systemic lupus erythematosus.
- SMA, Smooth muscle antibodies.
- SNP, Single nucleotide polymorphism.
- ULN, Upper limit of normal.
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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, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Azariadis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Lyberopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - George N. Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110, Larissa, Greece
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Dalekos GN, Azariadis K, Lygoura V, Arvaniti P, Gampeta S, Gatselis NK. Autoimmune hepatitis in patients aged 70 years or older: Disease characteristics, treatment response and outcome. Liver Int 2021; 41:1592-1599. [PMID: 33896089 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) affects both sexes and all age groups. However, very few studies have focused specifically on the characteristics and outcome of AIH in patients aged 70 y or older. METHODS 25/234 patients with well-established AIH and disease onset at ≥70-y (median: 73-y) were analysed and compared to the rest patients (median: 47 y). Treatment response was assessed in all patients from both groups who were eligible for treatment (n = 202). RESULTS Disease presentation was mainly insidious in both groups (19/25, 76% vs. 134/209, 64.1%; P = .313). At diagnosis, older patients had lower alaninoaminotrasferase (101[433] vs. 199[441] IU/L, P < .05) but were more frequently cirrhotic (12/25, 48% vs. 57/209, 27.3%; P = .03). Importantly, similar rates of on-treatment response (16/18, 89% vs. 154/184, 84%; P = .565), corticosteroid withdrawal (10/16, 62.5% vs. 113/154, 73.4%; P = .355) and complete withdrawal of immunosuppression (1/16, 6.3% vs. 40/154, 26%; P = .122) were achieved in both groups. Treatment-related adverse events were evenly observed between groups (6/18, 33% vs. 54/184, 29%; P = .724). In treated patients, the age ≥70 y was only associated with the overall mortality (HR 8.3 [95% CI: 2.1-36.4], P = .003), but not with the liver-related mortality (HR 3.4 [95% CI: 0.4-30.0], P = .268). CONCLUSION AIH should be seriously considered in patients ≥70 y with unexplained impaired liver function tests as the disease is not infrequent in this group and seems to bear an increased risk for advanced disease stage at diagnosis. However, if immunosuppression is started promptly, it seems as safe and effective as in younger patients.
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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.,Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Azariadis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - Stella Gampeta
- 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
| | - 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.,Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece
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18
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De Martin E, Coilly A, Chazouillères O, Roux O, Peron JM, Houssel-Debry P, Artru F, Silvain C, Ollivier-Hourmand I, Duvoux C, Heurgue A, Barge S, Ganne-Carrié N, Pageaux GP, Besch C, Bourlière M, Fontaine H, de Ledinghen V, Dumortier J, Conti F, Radenne S, Debette-Gratien M, Goria O, Durand F, Potier P, Di Martino V, Reboux N, Ichai P, Sebagh M, Mathurin P, Agostini H, Samuel D, Duclos-Vallée JC. Early liver transplantation for corticosteroid non-responders with acute severe autoimmune hepatitis: The SURFASA score. J Hepatol 2021; 74:1325-1334. [PMID: 33503489 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In acute severe autoimmune hepatitis (AS-AIH), the optimal timing for liver transplantation (LT) remains controversial. The objectives of this study were to determine early predictive factors for a non-response to corticosteroids and to propose a score to identify patients in whom LT is urgently indicated. METHODS This was a retrospective, multicenter study (2009-2016). A diagnosis of AS-AIH was based on: i) Definite or probable AIH based on the simplified IAIHG score; ii) international normalized ratio (INR) ≥1.5 and/or bilirubin >200 μmol/L; iii) No previous history of AIH; iv) Histologically proven AIH. A treatment response was defined as LT-free survival at 90 days. The evolution of variables from corticosteroid initiation (day-D0) to D3 was estimated from: Δ%3 = (D3-D0)/D0. RESULTS A total of 128 patients were included, with a median age of 52 (39-62) years; 72% were female. Overall survival reached 88%. One hundred and fifteen (90%) patients received corticosteroids, with a LT-free survival rate of 66% at 90 days. Under multivariate analysis, D0-INR (odds ratio [OR] 6.85; 95% CI 2.23-21.06; p <0.001), Δ%3-INR ≥0.1% (OR 6.97; 95% CI 1.59-30.46; p <0.01) and Δ%3-bilirubin ≥-8% (OR 5.14; 95% CI 1.09-24.28; p <0.04) were predictive of a non-response. The SURFASA score: -6.80+1.92∗(D0-INR)+1.94∗(Δ%3-INR)+1.64∗(Δ%3-bilirubin), created by combining these variables, was highly predictive of LT or death (AUC = 0.93) (88% specificity; 84% sensitivity) with a cut-off point of <-0.9. Below this cut-off, the chance of responding was 75%. With a score higher than 1.75, the risk of dying or being transplanted was between 85% and 100%. CONCLUSION In patients with AS-AIH, INR at the introduction of corticosteroids and the evolution of INR and bilirubin are predictive of LT or death. Within 3 days of initiating corticosteroids, the SURFASA score can identify non-responders who require a referral for LT. This score needs to be validated in a prospective cohort. LAY SUMMARY The management of patients with acute severe autoimmune hepatitis is highly challenging, particularly regarding their early referral for liver transplantation. We found that international normalized ratio at the initiation of corticosteroid therapy and the evolution of international normalized ratio and bilirubin values after 3 days of therapy were highly predictive of liver transplantation or death. We are thus proposing a score that combines these variables and identifies patients in whom liver transplantation is urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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.
| | - Audrey Coilly
- 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
| | - Olivier Chazouillères
- AP-HP Hôpital St Antoine, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 6, Centre de Référence Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires et Hépatites Auto-immunes, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Roux
- AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Centre de Références des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, Service d'Hépatologie, Clichy, France
| | - Jean-Marie Peron
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Rangueil CHU Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Pauline Houssel-Debry
- CHU de Rennes, Hôpital Pontchaillou, Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, Rennes, France
| | - Florent Artru
- CHRU Lille, Hôpital Claude Huriez, Service des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Lille, France
| | | | | | - Christophe Duvoux
- AP-HP Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Créteil, France
| | - Alexandra Heurgue
- CHU Reims Service Hépato-Gastro-Entérologie et Cancérologie Digestive, Reims, France
| | - Sandrine Barge
- Hôpital Saint Camille, Service Hépato-Gastro-entérologie, Bry-sur-Marne, France
| | | | - Georges-Philippe Pageaux
- CHU Saint-Eloi, Département d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et de Transplantation Hépatique, Montpellier, France
| | - Camille Besch
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Service de Chirurgie Générale, Hépatique, Endocrinienne et Transplantation, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marc Bourlière
- Hôpital St Joseph, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Marseille, France
| | - Hélène Fontaine
- AP-HP CHU Cochin, Service d'Hépatologie, Université Paris Descartes, INSERM U-818 et USM20, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Jérôme Dumortier
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital édouard Herriot, Fédération des Spécialités Digestives, et Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Filomena Conti
- AP-HP Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Service de Transplantation Hépatique, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Radenne
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Lyon, France
| | | | - Odile Goria
- CHU Rouen, Service d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Rouen, France
| | - François Durand
- AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Centre de Références des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, Service d'Hépatologie, Clichy, France
| | - Pascal Potier
- CHR d'Orléans, Service d'Hépato-Gastro-entérologie et Oncologie Digestive, Orléans, France
| | | | - Noemi Reboux
- Hôpital La Cavale Blanche, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Brest, France
| | - Philippe Ichai
- 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
| | - Mylène Sebagh
- AP-HP Hôpital du Kremlin-Bicêtre, Service Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Philippe Mathurin
- CHRU Lille, Hôpital Claude Huriez, Service des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Lille, France
| | - Hélène Agostini
- AP-HP Paris Saclay, Unité de Recherche Clinique des Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Didier Samuel
- 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
| | - 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.
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19
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Sakaguchi H, Mizuochi T, Haruta M, Takase R, Yoshida S, Yamashita Y, Nishikomori R. AIRE Gene Mutation Presenting at Age 2 Years With Autoimmune Retinopathy and Steroid-Responsive Acute Liver Failure: A Case Report and Literature Review. Front Immunol 2021; 12:687280. [PMID: 34122451 PMCID: PMC8194255 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.687280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is a rare monogenic autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutation in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. Patients usually are diagnosed at ages between 5 and 15 years when they show 3 or more manifestations, most typically mucocutaneous candidiasis, Addison's disease, and hypoparathyroidism. APECED-associated hepatitis (APAH) develops in only 10% to 40% of patients, with severity varying from subclinical chronic active hepatitis to potentially fatal acute liver failure (ALF). Ocular abnormalities are fairly common, most often keratopathy but sometimes retinopathy. Here we report a 2-year-old Japanese girl with an AIRE gene mutation who developed APAH with ALF, preceded by autoimmune retinopathy associated with anti-recoverin antibody before major symptoms suggested a diagnosis of APECED. Intravenous pulse methylprednisolone therapy followed by a corticosteroid combined with azathioprine treatment resolved ALF and achieved control of APAH. To our knowledge, our patient is the youngest reported to have ALF resulting from an AIRE gene mutation. Pulse methylprednisolone induction therapy followed by treatment with corticosteroid plus azathioprine may well be effective in other children with APAH and AIRE gene mutations.
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MESH Headings
- Administration, Intravenous
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage
- Autoantibodies/blood
- Autoimmune Diseases/diagnosis
- Autoimmune Diseases/drug therapy
- Autoimmune Diseases/genetics
- Autoimmune Diseases/immunology
- Azathioprine/administration & dosage
- Child, Preschool
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage
- Liver Failure, Acute/diagnosis
- Liver Failure, Acute/drug therapy
- Liver Failure, Acute/genetics
- Liver Failure, Acute/immunology
- Methylprednisolone/administration & dosage
- Mutation
- Phenotype
- Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune/diagnosis
- Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune/drug therapy
- Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune/genetics
- Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune/immunology
- Pulse Therapy, Drug
- Recoverin/immunology
- Retinal Diseases/diagnosis
- Retinal Diseases/drug therapy
- Retinal Diseases/genetics
- Retinal Diseases/immunology
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Treatment Outcome
- AIRE Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Sakaguchi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Mizuochi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Haruta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Ryuta Takase
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Shigeo Yoshida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Yushiro Yamashita
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Ryuta Nishikomori
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
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20
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Zheng L, Liu Y, Shang Y, Han Z, Han Y. Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of acute severe autoimmune hepatitis. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:93. [PMID: 33648445 PMCID: PMC7923616 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-01653-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Acute severe autoimmune hepatitis (AS-AIH) is a rare cause of acute liver failure (ALF), which is often neglected and delayed in treatment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and therapeutic effects of AS-AIH. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed. AIH was diagnosed according to the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) criteria revised in 1999. AS-AIH was defined as an acute presentation (onset of symptoms to presentation of ≤ 26 weeks) and INR of ≥ 1.5, and no histologic evidence of cirrhosis. Results Twelve patients were diagnosed as AS-AIH. At baseline, median immunoglobulin G was 28.35 g/L (range, 11.4–49.2). Ten (83.3%) patients were antinuclear antibodies and/or anti-smooth muscle antibodies positive. The prominent histologic characteristics were lobular necrosis/inflammation (91.7%) and plasma cell infiltration (100%). All patients received corticosteroid therapy. Death occurred in 2 (16.7%) patients within 30 days resulted from ALF. The average interval between the onset of symptoms and initiation of corticosteroid therapy in deceased patients was 65 days, compared with 19 days for survivors. Conclusions AS-AIH is an uncommon disease with poor outcomes. Patients with acute severe hepatitis of unknown cause should be minded the possibility of AS-AIH and corticosteroids should be considered as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linhua Zheng
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yansheng Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yulong Shang
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Zheyi Han
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ying Han
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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21
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Rigopoulou EI, Dalekos GN. Current Trends and Characteristics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Autoimmune Liver Diseases. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1023. [PMID: 33804480 PMCID: PMC7957658 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the commonest among liver cancers, is one of the leading causes of mortality among malignancies worldwide. Several reports demonstrate autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs), including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) to confer increased risk of hepatobiliary malignancies, albeit at lower frequencies compared to other liver diseases. Several parameters have been recognized as risk factors for HCC development in AIH and PBC, including demographics such as older age and male sex, clinical features, the most decisive being cirrhosis and other co-existing factors, such as alcohol consumption. Moreover, biochemical activity and treatment response have been increasingly recognized as prognostic factors for HCC development in AIH and PBC. As available treatment modalities are effective only when HCC diagnosis is established early, surveillance has been proven essential for HCC prognosis. Considering that the risk for HCC is not uniform between and within disease groups, refinement of screening strategies according to prevailing demographic, clinical, and molecular risk factors is mandated in AILDs patients, as personalized HCC risk prediction will offer significant advantage in patients at high and/or medium risk. Furthermore, future investigations should draw attention to whether modification of immunosuppression could benefit AIH patients after HCC diagnosis.
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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, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
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22
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Rigopoulou EI, Gatselis N, Arvaniti P, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. Alcoholic liver disease and autoimmune hepatitis: Sometimes a closer look under the surface is needed. Eur J Intern Med 2021; 85:86-91. [PMID: 33451888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2020.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Differential diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) incorporates various liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We report on clinical, laboratory and outcome characteristics of AIH patients who were initially referred as ALD based on increased alcohol consumption (AIH/ALD). METHODS From 2000-2019, we retrospectively identified 12 AIH/ALD patients [9 males, age: 61 (30-73) years] in our prospective data base of 317 AIH patients. RESULTS AIH diagnosis was based on aminotransferases elevation in 10 patients, high IgG in 8, compatible autoantibody profile in all and typical/compatible histology in all 9 with available biopsy. There were no significant differences of baseline demographics, presentation, cirrhosis at diagnosis, response to treatment and simplified score compared to 45 age- and sex-matched AIH patients without alcohol consumption and 44 age- and sex-matched ALD patients. However, the AIH/ALD cohort was characterized by more frequent progression to cirrhosis, higher liver-related deaths and overall mortality compared to AIH, though similar to the ALD group. AST/ALT ratio>1 seems to bear a good positive (0.84) and negative predictive value (0.88) for ALD and AIH diagnosis, respectively, but cannot help in discriminating the AIH/ALD variant. CONCLUSIONS AIH should not be forgotten in patients with alcohol use when clinical and laboratory features hint towards the diagnosis of AIH/ALD variant as this group seems to have worse outcome compared to those with AIH alone suggesting the need for closer follow-up and surveillance. Reliable autoantibody testing and cautious interpretation of liver histology appear mandatory for AIH diagnosis in these difficult to diagnose cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini I Rigopoulou
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, 41447 Larissa, Greece; Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Gatselis
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, 41447 Larissa, Greece; Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Arvaniti
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - George K Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - George N Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, 41447 Larissa, Greece; Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece.
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23
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Dalekos GN, Gatselis NK, Koukoulis GK. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or autoimmune hepatitis? Sometimes a closer look under the surface is needed. BMJ Case Rep 2020; 13:13/12/e238400. [PMID: 33370951 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-238400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is nowadays the most common liver disease worldwide. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare disease of the liver characterised by female predominance, circulating autoantibodies, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia, interface hepatitis on histology and favourable response to immunosuppression. The possibility of an additional AIH diagnosis in patients with NAFLD (NAFLD/AIH concurrence) or the presence of AIH alone instead of a supposed NAFLD diagnosis represents a challenge for clinicians. We report herein two adult patients (a 33-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man) with a previous NAFLD diagnosis who proved finally to suffer from AIH alone. These two representative cases indicate how difficult and complicated could be sometimes the diagnosis of patients with AIH highlighting the range of disease manifestations and severity while they also underline that although NAFLD is by far the most frequent chronic liver disease this could not be always the case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios 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, Thessaly, 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, Thessaly, Greece
| | - George K Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
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24
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immunoinflammatory chronic liver disease with dynamic and rather heterogeneous disease manifestations. A trend of increasing prevalence of AIH has been observed worldwide, along with a relative increase in the percentage of male patients. AIH is characterized and diagnosed based on serum biochemistry and liver histology: elevated aminotransferases and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), the presence of serum anti-nuclear antibody or anti-smooth muscle antibody, and interface lympho-plasmacytic hepatitis. Clinical manifestations differ among disease subtypes with distinct time-frames, i.e., AIH with a chronic insidious onset, and acute-onset AIH (the diagnosis of which is often challenging due to the lack of typical serum findings). The absence of disease-specific biomarkers or histological findings may expand the disease phenotype into drug-induced AIH-like liver injury. Corticosteroids and azathioprine are recommended first-line treatments for AIH. The complete normalization of aminotransferases and serum IgG is an essential treatment response to ensure long-term overall survival. An incomplete response or intolerance to these drugs is considered an indication for second-line treatment, especially with mycophenolate mofetil. Life-long maintenance treatment is required for the majority of patients, but the few who achieve prolonged and stringent biochemical remission with lower alanine aminotransferase and IgG within the normal range may be able to discontinue the medications. In the future, the quality of life of AIH patients should be managed by personalized medicine, including the appropriate selection and dosing of first-line therapy and perhaps alternating with potential therapeutics, and the prediction of the success of treatment withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsumasa Komori
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Japan.,Department of Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Omura, Japan
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25
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Biewenga M, Inderson A, Tushuizen ME, Crobach ASL, van Hoek B. Early Predictors of Short-Term Prognosis in Acute and Acute Severe Autoimmune Hepatitis. Liver Transpl 2020; 26:1573-1581. [PMID: 32997870 PMCID: PMC7756691 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Presentation of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) can differ from nonacute to acute autoimmune hepatitis (A-AIH) with jaundice and acute severe autoimmune hepatitis (AS-AIH) with jaundice and coagulopathy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the short-term prognosis of different presentations of AIH and the influence of liver function improvement on short-term prognosis. In this single-center retrospective cohort study, AIH patients with repeatedly tested liver function at diagnosis and during at least 1 year of follow-up were included. A-AIH was defined as bilirubin >45 µmol and international normalized ratio (INR) <1.5. AS-AIH was defined as bilirubin level >45 µmol/L and INR ≥1.5. Of the 81 included patients, 17 (21%) presented with A-AIH, and 14 (17%) presented with AS-AIH. After the start of immunosuppressive therapy, bilirubin, albumin, and INR normalized in 70%, 77%, and 69%, respectively, in a median of 2.6 months, 3 months, and 4 weeks, respectively, in patients with A-AIH and AS-AIH. Liver transplantation (LT)-free survival rate was 100% in nonacute AIH, 94% in A-AIH, and 57% in AS-AIH at 12 months after diagnosis. An increase of INR or bilirubin at 2 weeks was the best predictive factor for the need of LT within 12 months with a Youden's index of 0.85. A-AIH was present in 21%, and AS-AIH was present in 17% of AIH patients. In the majority of patients, bilirubin, albumin, and INR normalized in the first months of treatment. Deterioration of liver function after 2 weeks of treatment should lead to rapid evaluation for LT and consideration of second-line medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Biewenga
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeiden2300 RCthe Netherlands
| | - Akin Inderson
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeiden2300 RCthe Netherlands
| | - Maarten E. Tushuizen
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeiden2300 RCthe Netherlands
| | | | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeiden2300 RCthe Netherlands
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26
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Rahim MN, Miquel R, Heneghan MA. Approach to the patient with acute severe autoimmune hepatitis. JHEP Rep 2020; 2:100149. [PMID: 32995712 PMCID: PMC7509236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2020.100149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is associated with varied clinical presentations and natural history, as well as somewhat unpredictable treatment responses. Understanding how to stratify patients who require further escalation of therapy will help clinicians manage these patients. The presentation of acute severe autoimmune hepatitis (AS-AIH) is relatively uncommon, although its prevalence is potentially greater than currently perceived. Previous studies consist of small retrospective single-centre series and are not directly comparable due to the diversity of presentations, disease definitions and non-standardised treatment regimens. We define AS-AIH as those who present acutely with AIH and are icteric with an international normalised ratio ≥1.5 and no evidence of hepatic encephalopathy. Those with hepatic encephalopathy should be defined as having AS-AIH with acute liver failure. In this review, we provide a structured practical approach for diagnosing and managing this unique group of patients.
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Key Words
- ACLF, acute-on-chronic liver failure
- AIH, autoimmune hepatitis
- ALF, acute liver failure
- ALI, acute liver injury
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- ANA, anti-nuclear antibody
- AS-AIH, acute severe autoimmune hepatitis
- ASMA, anti-smooth muscle antibody
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- AUROC, analysis of area under the receiver operator characteristic curve
- Acute liver failure
- Acute severe presentation
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- CT, computed tomography
- Corticosteroids
- DILI, drug-induced liver injury
- EBV, Epstein-Barr virus
- HE, hepatic encephalopathy
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- IAIHG, International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group
- INR, international normalised ratio
- LT, liver transplantation
- Liver transplantation
- MELD, model for end-stage liver disease
- MELD-Na, model for end-stage liver disease-sodium
- MHN, massive hepatic necrosis
- NAC, N-acetylcysteine
- PT, prothrombin time
- UKELD, United Kingdom end-stage liver disease
- USALF, United States Acute Liver Failure
- anti-LC-1, anti-liver cytosol-1
- anti-LKM, anti-liver kidney microsomal
- anti-SLA/LP, anti-soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas
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Affiliation(s)
- Mussarat N. Rahim
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Rosa Miquel
- Liver Histopathology Laboratory, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK
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27
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Fujiwara K, Nakayama N, Kato N, Yokosuka O, Tsubouchi H, Takikawa H, Mochida S. Infectious complications and timing for liver transplantation in autoimmune acute liver failure in Japan: a subanalysis based on nationwide surveys between 2010 and 2015. J Gastroenterol 2020; 55:888-898. [PMID: 32556645 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-020-01699-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis of autoimmune acute liver failure (ALF) without liver transplantation (LT) is poor worldwide. We subanalyzed infectious complications of autoimmune ALF using data of nationwide surveys between 2010 and 2015 retrospectively and tried to determine when to evaluate the efficacy of corticosteroid (CS) treatment or abandon it for LT based on objective data. METHODS One hundred and forty-four patients with autoimmune ALF, comprising 79 ALF with coma ≤ I, 52 ALF with coma ≥ II and 13 late onset hepatic failure (LOHF), were analyzed. RESULTS CS was administered to 140 (97%) patients. Thirty-seven (26%) patients had infectious complications. Patients with infection revealed more advanced disease type (p < 0.001) and poorer spontaneous survival (p < 0.001) than those without infection. Median (interquartile range) duration between diagnosis of ALF and onset of infection was 18.5 (11-36) days, and that between introduction of CS and onset of infection was 17 (10.5-36) days. Seventy-nine (55%) recovered without LT, 14 (10%) received LT and 51 (35%) died without LT. Dead or transplanted patients were older (p = 0.0057), and revealed more advanced liver failure (p < 0.001) and more occurrence of infection (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A critical point for evaluating the efficacy of CS treatment and switching to LT is at most 2-week after diagnosis of ALF and introduction of CS. More important, we should accelerate the point and prepare for LT in cases of ALF with coma ≥ II and LOHF, and we should have performed LT by then at the latest in case of failure to improve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.
- Faculty of Healthcare Sciences, Chiba Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Nobuaki Nakayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Naoya Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Hajime Takikawa
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Mochida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
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28
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease, characterized by the elevation of aminotransferases, presence of anti-nuclear antibody or anti-smooth muscle antibody, elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG), and interface hepatitis/plasma-lymphocytic inflammation based on histology. Recent epidemiological studies have indicated an increasing trend in the prevalence of AIH worldwide, especially in male patients; this trend may suggest the alteration of environmental triggers of disease onset over time. As no disease-specific biomarker or histological finding is currently available, AIH requires a clinical diagnosis, and a validated diagnostic scoring system with acceptable specificity and sensitivity has been proposed. Regarding treatment, corticosteroids and azathioprine are recommended, and in those who exhibit an incomplete response or those who are intolerant to these drugs, second-line therapy, such as mycophenolate mofetil, is considered. Overall, the long-term outcome is excellent in patients with complete biochemical responses, while life-long maintenance treatment may be required since the cessation of immunosuppressive agents frequently leads to the relapse of the disease. Acute-onset AIH does occur, and the diagnosis is very challenging due to the lack of serum autoantibodies or elevated IgG. The unmet needs include earlier diagnosis, intervention with disseminated clinical practice guidelines, and recognition and improvement of patients’ health-related quality of life with the development of novel corticosteroid-free treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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29
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Efe C, Ozaslan E, Purnak T. What Is the Optimal Dose of Predniso(lo)ne for Induction of Remission in Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis? Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18:1896-1897. [PMID: 30807845 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2019.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - Ersan Ozaslan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Numune Research and Education Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tugrul Purnak
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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30
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Arvaniti P, Giannoulis G, Gabeta S, Zachou K, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. Belimumab is a promising third-line treatment option for refractory autoimmune hepatitis. JHEP Rep 2020; 2:100123. [PMID: 32671332 PMCID: PMC7340979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2020.100123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a disease of unknown aetiology with a favourable response to immunosuppression. However, in the clinic, it appears that <50% of patients achieve complete response on standard treatment. Serum B cell-activating factor (BAFF) levels are elevated in patients with AIH and are likely to contribute to disease pathogenesis. Given that belimumab, a BAFF inhibitor, has been shown to be effective in other autoimmune diseases, we investigated its use as a third-line add-on treatment option in patients with advanced AIH who did not respond to conventional treatment. Methods Herein, we report for the first time two patients, a 27-year-old female and a 58-year-old male, both with AIH-related compensated cirrhosis at diagnosis, who were refractory to standard immunosuppressive therapies and received add-on third-line therapy with belimumab. Results Both patients achieved a complete response and remained in remission while receiving low-dose corticosteroids. No adverse events related to belimumab and/or disease decompensation were observed. Conclusions These preliminary findings indicate belimumab as a promising treatment option for patients with AIH and refractory and advanced liver-related fibrosis. Lay summary A small proportion of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are refractory to standard treatments; these patients bear the highest probability of developing decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma because third-line treatment options are not well established. In this case study, we showed that third-line add-on therapy with belimumab, a B cell-activating factor inhibitor, could be an alternative and promising treatment option in patients with advanced AIH who did not respond to conventional treatment. Belimumab is a B cell-activating factor inhibitor that has been proposed for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. In 2 patients with autoimmune hepatitis, belimumab led to complete response and remission. No adverse events related to belimumab and/or disease decompensation were observed.
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Key Words
- AIH, autoimmune hepatitis
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- ANA, antinuclear antibody
- AST, aminotransferase
- AZA, azathioprine
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- B cells
- BAFF
- BAFF, B cell-activating factor
- Belimumab
- CR, complete response
- DCs, dendritic cells
- EBV, Epstein–Barr virus
- GGT, gamma-glutamyl transferase
- LSM, liver stiffness measurements
- MMF, mycophenolate mofetil
- SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus
- TNF, tumour necrosis factor
- Treatment
- Tregs, regulatory T cells
- ULN, upper limit of normal
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinelopi Arvaniti
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Giannoulis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Stella Gabeta
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - 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, 41110 Larissa, Greece.,Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, 41447 Larissa, Greece
| | - George K Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece.,Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, 41447 Larissa, Greece
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31
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Ikura A, Chu PS, Nakamoto N, Ojiro K, Taniki N, Yoshida A, Shinoda M, Morikawa R, Yamataka K, Noguchi F, Hoshi H, Usui S, Ebinuma H, Kitagawa Y, Saito H, Kanai T. CLIF-C Organ Failure Score and Liver Volume Predict Prognosis in Steroid-Treated Severe Acute Autoimmune Hepatitis. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:1019-1033. [PMID: 32626834 PMCID: PMC7327221 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Controversies and debates remain regarding the best management of severe acute‐onset autoimmune hepatitis (SA‐AIH) due to the lack of useful outcome or complication prediction systems. We conducted this clinical practice‐based observational study to clarify whether Chronic Liver Failure Consortium Organ Failure scores (CLIF‐C OFs) and the computed tomography–derived liver volume to standard liver volume (CTLV/SLV) ratio at admission to a tertiary transplant center can predict outcomes and complications due to infection. Thirty‐four consecutive corticosteroid‐treated patients with SA‐AIH from 2007 to 2018 were included. Severe hepatitis was defined as an international normalized ratio (of prothrombin time) over 1.3 any time before admission. Of the 34 corticosteroid‐treated patients with SA‐AIH inclusive of 25 (73.5%) acute liver failure cases, transplant‐free survival was observed in 24 patients (70.6%). Any infection was noticed in 10 patients (29.4%). CLIF‐C OFs, at the cutoff of 9, significantly predicted survival (P = 0.0002, log‐rank test), outperformed the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease system in predicting outcome (P = 0.0325), and significantly discriminated between liver transplant and death in a competing risk analysis. SA‐AIH was characterized as having decreased CTLV/SLV, which was also predictive of survival (P < 0.0001). Interestingly, CLIF‐C OFs, especially the subscores for respiratory dysfunction, also predicted infection (P = 0.007). Conclusion: In corticosteroid‐treated patients with SA‐AIH, CLIF‐C OFs and CTLV/SLV ratios predicted both survival outcome and complications due to infection. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether making decisions based on CLIF‐C OFs or CTLV/SLV ratios is useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Ikura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Po-Sung Chu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nakamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Keisuke Ojiro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital Ichikawa City Japan
| | - Nobuhito Taniki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Aya Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinoda
- Department of Surgery Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Rei Morikawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Karin Yamataka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Fumie Noguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Hitomi Hoshi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Shingo Usui
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology National Hospital Organization Saitama Hospital Wako City Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Ebinuma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine Narita City Japan
| | - Yuko Kitagawa
- Department of Surgery Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Hidetsugu Saito
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Division of Pharmacotherapeutics Keio University School of Pharmacy Tokyo Japan
| | - Takanori Kanai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
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32
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Dalekos GN, Gatselis NK, Zachou K, Koukoulis GK. NAFLD and autoimmune hepatitis: Do not judge a book by its cover. Eur J Intern Med 2020; 75:1-9. [PMID: 32051092 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease (almost 25% of the general population). Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare liver disease of unknown aetiology characterized by female predominance and large heterogeneity regarding epidemiology, clinical manifestations, genetics, serology and liver pathology. The potential NAFLD/AIH coincidence or an AIH diagnosis alone instead of NAFLD represent a challenge for clinicians, both in making a correct and timely diagnosis but also in the management of these diseases. The diagnosis of both diseases can be challenging as: (a) reliable laboratory tests to confidently diagnose or exclude NAFLD or AIH are missing; (b) physicians and pathologists are much more familiar with a very common disease like NAFLD so, they do not consider an alternative or additional diagnosis; (c) most NAFLD studies do not investigate the patients for all autoantibodies involved in AIH diagnosis, apply the diagnostic scoring systems for AIH or address the possibility of AIH features on liver histology and (d) the recent European and American practice guidelines for NAFLD do not mention clearly the importance of IgG determination and liver autoimmune serology according to the AIH guidelines. Patients with NAFLD/AIH coincidence have significantly more frequently hypertension, diabetes, obesity, older age, lower transaminases, bilirubin and simplified score for AIH diagnosis but no female predominance compared to AIH patients only. The true outcome of NAFLD/AIH patients is practically unknown while their management is quite problematic because official clinical practice guidelines for this condition are missing.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, 41447 Larissa, Greece; Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Thessaly, Greece.
| | - Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, 41447 Larissa, Greece; Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Zachou
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, 41447 Larissa, Greece; Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - George K Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
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33
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Zachou K, Weiler-Normann C, Muratori L, Muratori P, Lohse AW, Dalekos GN. Permanent immunosuppression in SLA/LP-positive autoimmune hepatitis is required although overall response and survival are similar. Liver Int 2020; 40:368-376. [PMID: 31626725 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Antibodies against soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas (anti-SLA/LP) are highly specific for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and have been linked with a more severe clinical course of the disease, frequent relapses after treatment withdrawal and worse outcome. To address definitely the clinical significance of anti-SLA/LP, we investigated a large number of anti-SLA/LP-positive and -negative patients followed in three referral centres. METHODS Prospectively collected data from 89 anti-SLA/LP-positive AIH patients (29 from Hamburg-Germany, 20 from Bologna-Italy and 40 from Larissa-Greece) were analysed retrospectively. Age- and sex-matched anti-SLA/LP-negative patients served as disease controls (n = 230; 1:2.5 ratio). RESULTS In respect to baseline characteristics, anti-SLA/LP-positive patients were more frequently asymptomatic compared to anti-SLA/LP-negative (P < .05). However, anti-SLA/LP-positive patients did not differ from anti-SLA/LP-negative in terms of the overall response to treatment, disease progression and survival even though, they were less likely to achieve corticosteroid withdrawal (P < .05), needed longer treatment duration to achieve first complete response (P < .001) and relapsed more frequently after treatment withdrawal compared to anti-SLA/LP-negative patients (P = <.001). CONCLUSIONS We showed that anti-SLA/LP antibodies do not characterize a group of AIH patients with distinct features and cannot identify patients with a more severe form of the disease or worse survival. Most importantly, however, anti-SLA/LP-positive patients appear to require lifelong immunosuppression as they are less likely to achieve the cessation of corticosteroids and present higher relapse rates after treatment withdrawal. Therefore, close long-term monitoring should be advised in all anti-SLA/LP-positive patients after withdrawal of immunosuppressive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Luigi Muratori
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Muratori
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
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34
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Autoimmune Hepatitis-Immunologically Triggered Liver Pathogenesis-Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies. J Immunol Res 2019; 2019:9437043. [PMID: 31886312 PMCID: PMC6899271 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9437043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a severe liver disease that arises in genetically predisposed male and female individuals worldwide. Diagnosis of AIH is made clinically applying diagnostic scores; however, the heterotopic disease phenotype often makes a rapid determination of disease challenging. AIH responds favorably to steroids and pharmacologic immunosuppression, and liver transplantation is only necessary in cases with acute liver failure or end-stage liver cirrhosis. Recurrence or development of de novo AIH after transplantation is possible, and treatment is similar to standard AIH therapy. Current experimental investigations of T cell-mediated autoimmune pathways and analysis of changes within the intestinal microbiome might advance our knowledge on the pathogenesis of AIH and trigger a spark of hope for novel therapeutic strategies.
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35
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Dalekos GN, Gatselis NK, Zachou K. Acute Severe Autoimmune Hepatitis: Corticosteroids or Liver Transplantation? Liver Transpl 2019; 25:1588-1589. [PMID: 31359585 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- George N Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.,Head, Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.,Head, Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Zachou
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.,Head, Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
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36
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Rahim MN, Heneghan MA. Reply. Liver Transpl 2019; 25:1590-1591. [PMID: 31344310 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mussarat N Rahim
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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37
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Kimura N, Yamagiwa S, Sugano T, Horigome R, Setsu T, Tominaga K, Kamimura H, Takamura M, Terai S. Usefulness of chemokine C-C receptor 7 - /programmed cell death-1 + follicular helper T cell subset frequencies in the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatol Res 2019; 49:1026-1033. [PMID: 31020718 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM A significant concern for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients is diagnostic specificity. Delayed treatment due to delayed diagnosis leads to poor survival. We recently reported that chemokine C-C receptor 7 (CCR7)- /programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)+ follicular helper T (Tfh) cells could be involved in AIH pathogenesis. We hypothesized that Tfh cell frequencies might contribute to AIH diagnosis. METHODS Peripheral blood was collected from 12 patients with AIH from April 2013 to March 2016, as well as 24 patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and 44 healthy controls (HC). Mononuclear cells were separated using a Ficoll gradient, and surface markers were investigated using flow cytometry. RESULTS The frequency of CCR7- PD-1+ Tfh cells was significantly higher in AIH patients (39.1 ± 8.6) compared to that in HC (25.1 ± 7.9%, P < 0.01) and HBV patients (22.7 ± 7.8, P < 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the frequency of the CCR7- PD-1+ Tfh cell subset for AIH and HC and AIH and HBV was 0.905 and 0.927, respectively. The frequency of the CCR7- PD-1+ Tfh cell subset was not correlated with International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) scoring, Simplified AIH scoring, or Japanese diagnostic guidelines (R = 0.10, 0.947; R = 0.0008, 0.180; and R = 0.348, 0.558, respectively). Therefore, these frequencies could diagnose AIH patients who were not diagnosed with the IAIHG or simplified AIH scores. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of the peripheral CCR7- PD-1+ Tfh cell subset could be useful for diagnosing AIH even in patients who were not diagnosed with IAIHG or simplified AIH scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naruhiro Kimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yamagiwa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Sugano
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ryoko Horigome
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Toru Setsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tominaga
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hiroteru Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masaaki Takamura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
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Rahim MN, Heneghan MA. Reply. Liver Transpl 2019; 25:1457-1458. [PMID: 31323692 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mussarat N Rahim
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Pape S, Schramm C, Gevers TJ. Clinical management of autoimmune hepatitis. United European Gastroenterol J 2019; 7:1156-1163. [PMID: 31700628 PMCID: PMC6826525 DOI: 10.1177/2050640619872408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare and chronic liver disease that is characterised by increased serum transaminases and immunoglobulin G, inflammatory liver histology and presence of circulating autoantibodies. An autoimmune hepatitis diagnosis justifies life-long treatment in most patients in order to prevent development of cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. The cornerstone of treatment is steroid induction therapy followed by maintenance therapy with azathioprine, which is effective in most cases. For patients who do not respond to standard treatment, second-line treatment with other immunosuppressants can be effective. Treatment should be aimed at biochemical remission of the disease, which is defined as normalization of transaminases and immunoglobulin G. Patients should be monitored intensively during the first months of treatment in order to monitor side-effects, assess symptoms and individualise treatment. Specialist consultation should be sought in difficult-to-treat patients. Future studies and networking initiatives should result in optimization of current treatment strategies in autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Pape
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,European Reference Network Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schramm
- European Reference Network Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,1st Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Martin Zeitz Centre for Rare Diseases, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tom Jg Gevers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,European Reference Network Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
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Takahashi A, Ohira H. Autoimmune hepatitis, fatty liver, and Fukushima. Fukushima J Med Sci 2019; 65:25-29. [PMID: 31270280 DOI: 10.5387/fms.2019-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus has led to a paradigm shift from viral hepatitis to non-viral disease. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) remains to be an issue in liver disease after the DAAs era. Moreover, fatty liver had been increasing in incidence and has attracted attention because of its risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. In 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake, with the associated tsunami and accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, has changed the lifestyle of residents in Fukushima prefecture. In this manuscript, we outlined the recent topics about AIH, fatty liver, and Fukushima.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
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41
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Rigopoulou EI, Gyftaki S, Arvaniti P, Tsimourtou V, Koukoulis GK, Hadjigeorgiou G, Dalekos GN. Autoimmune hepatitis in patients with multiple sclerosis: The role of immunomodulatory treatment. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2019; 43:e25-e32. [PMID: 30594597 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been sporadically reported in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) either concurrently or after treatment with immunomodulatory drugs, including interferon-beta (IFN-β) and steroids. AIM To report a large cohort of 14 patients with MS diagnosed with AIH during an assessment of deranged liver function tests (LFTs). PATIENTS AND METHODS From 2005 to 2017, we prospectively identified 14 (13 women) patients with MS who suffered also from AIH after investigation in our department for the presence of deranged LFTs. Age at diagnosis of MS was 36.7 ± 9.3 years while at diagnosis of AIH 43.1 ± 12 years. RESULTS AIH diagnosis was based on elevation of aminotransferases in all patients [alanine aminotransferase: 520 IU/L (range: 115-1219)], elevation of IgG in 6, compatible autoantibody profile in all, including 5 patients with liver-specific autoantibodies and typical or compatible histological features in 11 patients. 5 patients were under treatment with IFN-β plus methylprednisolone pulses, 3 with IFN-β plus oral steroids, 1 with IFN-β, 4 with methylprednisolone pulses whereas 1 patient was free of treatment. The median time from IFN-β initiation to the development of hepatitis was 12 months (range:1-120). Treatment for AIH was initiated in 13 patients with prednisolone (0.5-1 mg/kg/day) plus mycophenolate myfetil (2 g/day) in 10 and prednisolone plus azathioprine in 3 with complete and partial response in 11 and 2 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The differential diagnosis of hepatitis in MS patients should include AIH and in particular when immunomodulatory treatment has been preceded. Autoantibody testing and liver histology play fundamental role in establishing a prompt diagnosis of AIH in these patients. Treatment of AIH in patients with MS seems safe and efficient as complete or partial response was recorded in all of our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini I Rigopoulou
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece; Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Sofia Gyftaki
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Arvaniti
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece; Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vana Tsimourtou
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - George K Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - George N Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece; Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.
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42
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Rhodes JM, Schuster SJ, Furth EE, Kennard K, Nasta SD, Svoboda J, Porter DL, Mato AR. Management of giant cell hepatitis associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia - a case series and review of the literature. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 20:1136-1140. [PMID: 31091174 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1598763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant cell hepatitis (GCH) is a rare diagnosis in adults that is found in 0.25% of liver biopsies. GCH has been associated with multiple causes including drugs (6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate), toxins, viruses and autoimmune. GCH has been described in few patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here we describe three patients diagnosed with GCH thought to be related to underlying CLL and its management. All of our patients were treated with a combination of immunosuppression as well as CLL-directed therapy to address CLL and concomitant liver disease. GCH is a rare manifestation of active CLL and should be ruled out with prompt liver biopsy in patients with CLL with persistent transaminitis without another attributable cause. Prompt treatment of GCH with immunosuppression is required to prevent long-term liver toxicity. If transaminitis does not improve with immunosuppression alone, the addition of CLL directed therapy should be considered in patients who carry this diagnosis to prevent long-term liver toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Rhodes
- a Lymphoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Stephen J Schuster
- a Lymphoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Emma E Furth
- b Department of Pathology , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Kaitlin Kennard
- a Lymphoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Sunita Dwivedy Nasta
- a Lymphoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Jakub Svoboda
- a Lymphoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - David L Porter
- a Lymphoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Anthony R Mato
- c CLL Program, Leukemia Service , Memorial Sloan- Kettering Cancer Center , New York , NY , USA
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43
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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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