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Mehtani R, Rathi S. Recurrence of Primary Disease After Adult Liver Transplant - Risk Factors, Early Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101432. [PMID: 38975605 PMCID: PMC11222954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2024.101432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation offers a new lease of life to patients with end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the implantation of an exogenous allograft and the accompanying immunosuppression bring their own challenges. Moreover, the persistence of risk factors for the initial liver insult place the new graft at a higher risk of damage. With the increasing number of liver transplants along with the improvement in survival posttransplant, the recurrence of primary disease in liver grafts has become more common. Pre-2015, the most common disease to recur after transplant was hepatitis C. However, directly acting antivirals have nearly eliminated this problem. The greatest challenge of disease recurrence we now face are those of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. We focus on the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the recurrence of primary disease after transplant. We also discuss means of early identification, risk stratification, prevention, and management of recurrent primary disease after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Mehtani
- Department of Hepatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Sahaj Rathi
- Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Mishra S, Taneja S. Algorithmic Approach to Deranged Liver Functions After Transplantation. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101317. [PMID: 38264576 PMCID: PMC10801315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.101317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver transplant (LT) recipients require close follow-up with regular monitoring of the liver function tests (LFTs). Evaluation of deranged LFT should be individualized depending upon the time since LT, peri-operative events, clinical course, and any complications. These derangements can range from mild and asymptomatic to severe and symptomatic elevations requiring expedited personalized assessment and management. Pattern of LFT derangement (hepatocellular, cholestatic, or mixed), donor-recipient risk factors, timing after LT (post-operative, 1-12 months, and >12 months since LT) along with clinical context and symptomatology are important considerations before proceeding with the initial evaluation. Compliance to immunosuppression and drug interactions should be ascertained along with local epidemiology of infections. Essential initial evaluation must include an ultrasound abdomen with Doppler to rule out any structural causes such as biliary or vascular complications apart from focussed laboratory evaluation. Early allograft dysfunction, ischemia reperfusion injury, small-for-size syndrome, biliary leaks, hepatic artery, and portal vein thrombosis are usual culprits in the early post-operative period whereas viral hepatitis (acute or reactivation), opportunistic infections, and recurrence of the primary disease are more frequent in the later period. Graft rejection, biliary strictures, sepsis, and drug induced liver injury remain possible etiologies at all times points after LT. Initial evaluation algorithm must be customized based on history, clinical examination, risk factors, and pattern and severity of deranged LFT. Allograft rejection is a diagnosis of exclusion and requires liver biopsy to confirm and assess severity. Empirical treatment of rejection sans liver biopsy is discouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Mishra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Paras Health, Sector 22, Panchkula, Haryana 134109, India
| | - Sunil Taneja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India
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Chouik Y, Corpechot C, Francoz C, De Martin E, Guillaud O, Abergel A, Altieri M, Barbier L, Besch C, Chazouillères O, Conti F, Dharancy S, Durand F, Duvoux C, Gugenheim J, Hardwigsen J, Hilleret MN, Houssel-Debry P, Kamar N, Minello A, Neau-Cransac M, Pageaux GP, Radenne S, Roux O, Saliba F, Samuel D, Vanlemmens C, Woehl-Jaegle ML, Leroy V, Duclos-Vallée JC, Dumortier J. Autoimmune hepatitis recurrence after liver transplantation: "Les jeux sont faits". Liver Transpl 2024; 30:395-411. [PMID: 37788303 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) may recur after liver transplantation (LT). The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for recurrent autoimmune hepatitis (rAIH). A multicenter retrospective French nationwide study, including all patients aged ≥16 transplanted for AIH, with at least 1 liver biopsy 1 year after LT, was conducted between 1985 and 2018. Risk factors for rAIH were identified using a multivariate Cox regression model. Three hundred and forty-four patients were included (78.8% women) with a median age at LT of 43.6 years. Seventy-six patients (22.1%) developed recurrence in a median time of 53.6 months (IQR, 14.1-93.2). Actuarial risk for developing rAIH was 41.3% 20 years after LT. In multivariate analysis, the strongest risk factor for rAIH was cytomegalovirus D+/R- mismatch status (HR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.1-3.6; p =0.03), followed by associated autoimmune condition. Twenty-one patients (27.6% of rAIH patients) developed liver graft cirrhosis after rAIH. Independent risk factors for these severe forms of rAIH were young age at LT, IgG levels >20.7 g/L, and LT in the context of (sub)fulminant hepatitis. Immunosuppression, especially long-term maintenance of corticosteroid therapy, was not significantly associated with rAIH. Recurrence of AIH after LT is frequent and may lead to graft loss. Recurrence is more frequent in young patients with active disease at the time of LT, yet systematic corticosteroid therapy does not prevent it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Chouik
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Lyon, France
| | - Christophe Corpechot
- Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Centre de référence des maladies inflammatoires des voies biliaires et des hépatites auto-immunes, Filière de santé FILFOIE, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), INSERM UMRS 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Paris
| | - Claire Francoz
- APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique - Université Paris Diderot - INSERM U1149, Clichy
| | - 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
| | - Olivier Guillaud
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Armand Abergel
- CHU Estaing, Médecine digestive, Institut Pascal, UMR 6602 UCA CNRS SIGMA, Clermont-Ferrand
| | - Mario Altieri
- Hôpital Côte de Nacre, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Nutrition et Oncologie Digestive, Caen
| | - Louise Barbier
- CHU Tours, Hôpital Trousseau Service de chirurgie digestive, oncologique et endocrinienne, Transplantation hépatique, Tours
| | - Camille Besch
- CHRU Hautepierre, Service de chirurgie hépato-bilio-pancréatique et transplantation hépatique, Strasbourg
| | - Olivier Chazouillères
- Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Centre de référence des maladies inflammatoires des voies biliaires et des hépatites auto-immunes, Filière de santé FILFOIE, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), INSERM UMRS 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Paris
| | - Filomena Conti
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive et Hépato-Biliaire, Transplantation Hépatique, AP-HP Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris
| | | | - François Durand
- APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique - Université Paris Diderot - INSERM U1149, Clichy
| | | | - Jean Gugenheim
- Hôpital universitaire de Nice, service de Chirurgie Digestive et de Transplantation Hépatique - Université de Nice-Sophia-Antipolis, Nice
| | - Jean Hardwigsen
- APHM, Hôpital La Timone, Service chirurgie générale et transplantation hépatique Marseille
| | - Marie-Noëlle Hilleret
- CHU Grenoble-Alpes, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie- INSERM U1209-Université Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche
| | - Pauline Houssel-Debry
- Hôpital Universitaire de Pontchaillou, Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation hépatique, Rennes
| | - Nassim Kamar
- CHU Rangueil, Département de Néphrologie et Transplantation d'Organes, Toulouse
| | - Anne Minello
- CHU Dijon, Service d'Hépato-gastroentérologie et oncologie digestive, Inserm EPICAD LNC-UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, Dijon
| | - Martine Neau-Cransac
- CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut Lévêque, Service de Chirurgie hépatobiliaire et de transplantation hépatique, Bordeaux
| | | | - Sylvie Radenne
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Roux
- APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique - Université Paris Diderot - INSERM U1149, Clichy
| | - Faouzi Saliba
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Claire Vanlemmens
- Hôpital Jean Minjoz, Service d'Hépatologie et Soins Intensifs Digestifs, Besançon, France
| | - Marie-Lorraine Woehl-Jaegle
- CHU Tours, Hôpital Trousseau Service de chirurgie digestive, oncologique et endocrinienne, Transplantation hépatique, Tours
| | - Vincent Leroy
- CHU Grenoble-Alpes, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie- INSERM U1209-Université Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche
| | - 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
| | - Jérôme Dumortier
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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Henson JB, King LY. Post-Transplant Management and Complications of Autoimmune Hepatitis, Primary Biliary Cholangitis, and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis including Disease Recurrence. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:193-207. [PMID: 37945160 PMCID: PMC11033708 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases have unique post-transplant considerations. These recipients are at increased risk of rejection, and recurrent disease may also develop, which can progress to graft loss and increase mortality. Monitoring for and managing these complications is therefore important, though data on associated risk factors and immunosuppression strategies has in most cases been mixed. There are also other disease-specific complications that require management and may impact these decisions, including inflammatory bowel disease in PSC. Further work to better understand the optimal management strategies for these patients post-transplant is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline B Henson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC Box 3913, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Lindsay Y King
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC Box 3923, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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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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Chouik Y, Francoz C, De Martin E, Guillaud O, Abergel A, Altieri M, Barbier L, Besch C, Chazouillères O, Conti F, Corpechot C, Dharancy S, Durand F, Duvoux C, Gugenheim J, Hardwigsen J, Hilleret MN, Houssel-Debry P, Kamar N, Minello A, Neau-Cransac M, Pageaux GP, Radenne S, Roux O, Saliba F, Samuel D, Vanlemmens C, Woehl-Jaegle ML, Leroy V, Duclos-Vallée JC, Dumortier J. Liver transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis: Pre-transplant does not predict the early post-transplant outcome. Liver Int 2023; 43:906-916. [PMID: 36577700 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare indication (<5%) for liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to describe the early outcome after LT for AIH. METHODS A multicenter retrospective nationwide study including all patients aged ≥16 transplanted for AIH in France was conducted. Occurrences of biliary and vascular complications, rejection, sepsis, retransplantation and death were collected during the first year after LT. RESULTS A total of 344 patients (78.8% of women, 17.0% of (sub)fulminant hepatitis and 19.2% of chronic liver diseases transplanted in the context of acute-on-chronic liver failure [ACLF]) were included, with a median age at LT of 43.6 years. Acute rejection, sepsis, biliary and vascular complications occurred in respectively 23.5%, 44.2%, 25.3% and 17.4% of patients during the first year after LT. One-year graft and patient survivals were 84.3% and 88.0% respectively. The main cause of early death was sepsis. Pre-LT immunosuppression was not associated with an increased risk for early infections or surgical complications. Significant risk factors for septic events were LT in the context of (sub)fulminant hepatitis or ACLF, acute kidney injury at the time of LT (AKI) and occurrence of biliary complications after LT. AKI was the only independent factor associated with graft (HR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1-5.4; p = .02) and patient survivals (HR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.0-6.5; p = .04). CONCLUSION Early prognosis is good after LT for AIH and is not impacted by pre-LT immunosuppression but by the presence of AKI at the time of LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Chouik
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, et Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Lyon, France
| | - Claire Francoz
- Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Université Paris Diderot, INSERM U1149, Clichy, France
| | - Eleonora De Martin
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Centre de Référence Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires et Hépatites Auto-immunes, Inserm Unité 1193, AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Université Paris-Saclay, FHU Hépatinov, Villejuif, France
| | - Olivier Guillaud
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, et Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Armand Abergel
- CHU Estaing, Médecine digestive, Institut Pascal., UMR 6602 UCA CNRS SIGMA, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mario Altieri
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Nutrition et Oncologie Digestive, Hôpital Côte de Nacre, Caen, France
| | - Louise Barbier
- Service de chirurgie digestive, oncologique et endocrinienne, Transplantation hépatique, Hôpital Trousseau, CHU Tours, Tours, France
| | - Camille Besch
- Service de chirurgie hépato-bilio-pancréatique et transplantation hépatique, CHRU Hautepierre, Strasbourg, France
| | - Olivier Chazouillères
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Centre de référence des maladies inflammatoires des voies biliaires et des hépatites auto-immunes, Filière de santé FILFOIE, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), INSERM UMRS 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Filomena Conti
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive et Hépato-Biliaire, Transplantation Hépatique, AP-HP Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Corpechot
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Centre de référence des maladies inflammatoires des voies biliaires et des hépatites auto-immunes, Filière de santé FILFOIE, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), INSERM UMRS 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | - François Durand
- Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Université Paris Diderot, INSERM U1149, Clichy, France
| | | | - Jean Gugenheim
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive et de Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital universitaire de Nice, Université de Nice-Sophia-Antipolis, Nice, France
| | - Jean Hardwigsen
- Service chirurgie générale et transplantation hépatique, APHM, Hôpital La Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Marie-Noëlle Hilleret
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, CHU Grenoble-Alpes, INSERM U1209-Université Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche, France
| | - Pauline Houssel-Debry
- Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation hépatique, Hôpital Universitaire de Pontchaillou, Rennes, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Département de Néphrologie et Transplantation d'Organes, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - Anne Minello
- Service d'Hépato-gastroentérologie et oncologie digestive, CHU Dijon, Inserm EPICAD LNC-UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Martine Neau-Cransac
- Service de Chirurgie hépatobiliaire et de transplantation hépatique, CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut Lévêque, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Sylvie Radenne
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Roux
- Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Université Paris Diderot, INSERM U1149, Clichy, France
| | - Faouzi Saliba
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Centre de Référence Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires et Hépatites Auto-immunes, Inserm Unité 1193, AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Université Paris-Saclay, FHU Hépatinov, Villejuif, France
| | - Didier Samuel
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Centre de Référence Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires et Hépatites Auto-immunes, Inserm Unité 1193, AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Université Paris-Saclay, FHU Hépatinov, Villejuif, France
| | - Claire Vanlemmens
- Service d'Hépatologie et Soins Intensifs Digestifs, Hôpital Jean Minjoz, Besançon, France
| | - Marie-Lorraine Woehl-Jaegle
- Service de chirurgie hépato-bilio-pancréatique et transplantation hépatique, CHRU Hautepierre, Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent Leroy
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, CHU Grenoble-Alpes, INSERM U1209-Université Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche, France
| | - Jean-Charles Duclos-Vallée
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Centre de Référence Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires et Hépatites Auto-immunes, Inserm Unité 1193, AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Université Paris-Saclay, FHU Hépatinov, Villejuif, France
| | - Jérôme Dumortier
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, et Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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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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Chouik Y, Chazouillères O, Francoz C, De Martin E, Guillaud O, Abergel A, Altieri M, Barbier L, Besch C, Conti F, Corpechot C, Dharancy S, Durand F, Duvoux C, Gugenheim J, Hardwigsen J, Hilleret MN, Houssel-Debry P, Kamar N, Maucort-Boulch D, Minello A, Neau-Cransac M, Pageaux GP, Radenne S, Roux O, Saliba F, Serée O, Samuel D, Vanlemmens C, Woehl-Jaegle ML, Leroy V, Duclos-Vallée JC, Dumortier J. Long-term outcome of liver transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis: A French nationwide study over 30 years. Liver Int 2023; 43:1068-1079. [PMID: 36825353 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare indication for liver transplantation (LT). The aims of this study were to evaluate long-term survival after LT for AIH and prognostic factors, especially the impact of recurrent AIH (rAIH). METHODS A multicentre retrospective nationwide study including all patients aged ≥16 transplanted for AIH in France was conducted. Early deaths and retransplantations (≤6 months) were excluded. RESULTS The study population consisted of 301 patients transplanted from 1987 to 2018. Median age at LT was 43 years (IQR, 29.4-53.8). Median follow-up was 87.0 months (IQR, 43.5-168.0). Seventy-four patients (24.6%) developed rAIH. Graft survival was 91%, 79%, 65% at 1, 10 and 20 years respectively. Patient survival was 94%, 84% and 74% at 1, 10 and 20 years respectively. From multivariate Cox regression, factors significantly associated with poorer patient survival were patient age ≥58 years (HR = 2.9; 95% CI, 1.4-6.2; p = 0.005) and occurrence of an infectious episode within the first year after LT (HR = 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.1; p = 0.018). Risk factors for impaired graft survival were: occurrence of rAIH (HR = 2.7; 95% CI, 1.5-5.0; p = 0.001), chronic rejection (HR = 2.9; 95% CI, 1.4-6.1; p = 0.005), biliary (HR = 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.4; p = 0.009), vascular (HR = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0-3.1; p = 0.044) and early septic (HR = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.5; p = 0.006) complications. CONCLUSION Our results confirm that survival after LT for AIH is excellent. Disease recurrence and chronic rejection reduce graft survival. The occurrence of an infectious complication during the first year post-LT identifies at-risk patients for graft loss and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Chouik
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, et Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Chazouillères
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service d'Hépatologie, INSERM UMR S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Centre de référence « Maladies inflammatoire des voies biliaires et hépatite auto-immune », Filière FILFOIE, Université Paris 6, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Claire Francoz
- APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique - Université Paris Diderot - INSERM U1149, Clichy, France
| | - 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
| | - Olivier Guillaud
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, et Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Armand Abergel
- CHU Estaing, Médecine Digestive, Institut Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mario Altieri
- Hôpital Côte de Nacre, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Nutrition et Oncologie Digestive, Caen, France
| | - Louise Barbier
- CHU Tours, Hôpital Trousseau Service de chirurgie digestive, oncologique et endocrinienne, Transplantation hépatique, Tours, France
| | - Camille Besch
- CHRU Hautepierre, Service de chirurgie hépato-bilio-pancréatique et transplantation hépatique, Strasbourg, France
| | - Filomena Conti
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive et Hépato-Biliaire, Transplantation Hépatique, AP-HP Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Corpechot
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service d'Hépatologie, INSERM UMR S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Centre de référence « Maladies inflammatoire des voies biliaires et hépatite auto-immune », Filière FILFOIE, Université Paris 6, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | | | - François Durand
- APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique - Université Paris Diderot - INSERM U1149, Clichy, France
| | | | - Jean Gugenheim
- Hôpital universitaire de Nice, service de Chirurgie Digestive et de Transplantation Hépatique - Université de Nice-Sophia-Antipolis, Nice, France
| | - Jean Hardwigsen
- APHM, Hôpital La Timone, Service chirurgie générale et transplantation hépatique Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Marie-Noëlle Hilleret
- CHU Grenoble-Alpes, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie- INSERM U1209-Université Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche, France
| | - Pauline Houssel-Debry
- Hôpital Universitaire de Pontchaillou, Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation hépatique, Rennes, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- CHU Rangueil, Département de Néphrologie et Transplantation d'Organes, Toulouse, France
| | - Delphine Maucort-Boulch
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Biostatistique et Bioinformatique & Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Anne Minello
- CHU Dijon, Service d'Hépato-gastroentérologie et oncologie digestive, Inserm EPICAD LNC-UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Martine Neau-Cransac
- CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut Lévêque, Service de Chirurgie hépatobiliaire et de transplantation hépatique, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Sylvie Radenne
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Roux
- APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique - Université Paris Diderot - INSERM U1149, Clichy, France
| | - Faouzi Saliba
- 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 Serée
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Caen France, U1086 INSERM- "ANTICIPE", Caen, 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
| | - Claire Vanlemmens
- Hôpital Jean Minjoz, Service d'Hépatologie et Soins Intensifs Digestifs, Besançon, France
| | - Marie-Lorraine Woehl-Jaegle
- CHU Tours, Hôpital Trousseau Service de chirurgie digestive, oncologique et endocrinienne, Transplantation hépatique, Tours, France
| | - Vincent Leroy
- CHU Grenoble-Alpes, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie- INSERM U1209-Université Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche, 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
| | - Jérôme Dumortier
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, et Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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9
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Long Term Outcomes of Liver Transplantation For Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis. Transplant Proc 2021; 53:2339-2345. [PMID: 34474912 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2021.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare indication for liver transplantation (LT). Data on the long-term outcomes of living-related LT for AIH are limited and inconsistent. The present study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of deceased donor LT (DDLT) and living donor LT (LDLT) for AIH. METHODS All patients who received transplants for AIH-related cirrhosis from 2001 to 2018 were included in this study. RESULTS Seventy-four patients (31 male, 43 female) received LT. The average follow-up was 7.9 ± 6.9 years (median = 7.2 years), average age was 34.3 ± 13.8 years, and average Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 23.6 ± 8.5. Thirty-six (49.3%) patients received a graft from a living donor, and 83% of patients were maintained on steroids. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates of patients were 91%, 89%, 87%, and 82% and of grafts were 89%, 88%, 86%, and 76%, respectively. In univariate analysis, MELD score (odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.17; P = .028), donor age (OR per 5 years, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.07-2.02; P = .021), donor type (OR LDLT vs DDLT, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04-0.67; P = .017), and renal function (OR glomerular filtration rate <60 vs ≥60 mL/min/m2, 7.41; 95% CI, 1.88-31.25; P = .004) were significant predictors of graft survival; however, none of the factors remained significant in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION We have shown the highest reported long-term survival rates in LT for AIH, including a large number of patients who underwent LDLT. Standardized management and immunosuppressive therapy, including the maintenance of a low-dose steroid protocol, may have contributed to this outcome.
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10
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HLA-DR Mismatch and Black Race Are Associated With Recurrent Autoimmune Hepatitis After Liver Transplantation. Transplant Direct 2021; 7:e714. [PMID: 34131586 PMCID: PMC8196096 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. The predictors of recurrent autoimmune hepatitis (R-AIH) after liver transplantation (LT) are heterogeneous with limited data to guide immunosuppression, with little data on impact of race.
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11
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Mack CL, Adams D, Assis DN, Kerkar N, Manns MP, Mayo MJ, Vierling JM, Alsawas M, Murad MH, Czaja AJ. Diagnosis and Management of Autoimmune Hepatitis in Adults and Children: 2019 Practice Guidance and Guidelines From the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2020; 72:671-722. [PMID: 31863477 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 446] [Impact Index Per Article: 111.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cara L Mack
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - David Adams
- Centre for Liver Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - David N Assis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Nanda Kerkar
- Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marlyn J Mayo
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas SW Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - John M Vierling
- Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Mohammad H Murad
- Mayo Knowledge and Encounter Research Unit, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
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12
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de Quadros Onofrio F, Neong E, Adebayo D, Kollmann D, Adeyi OA, Fischer S, Hirschfield GM, Hansen BE, Bhat M, Galvin Z, Lilly LB, Selzner N. Single-Center North American Experience of Liver Transplantation in Autoimmune Hepatitis: Infrequent Indication but Good Outcomes for Patients. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2020; 4:137-144. [PMID: 34056531 PMCID: PMC8158643 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims A 40% risk of disease recurrence post-liver transplantation (LT) for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been previously reported. Risk factors for recurrence and its impact on long-term patient outcome are poorly defined. We aimed to assess prevalence, time to disease recurrence, as well as patient and graft survival in patients with recurrent AIH (rAIH) versus those without recurrence. Methods Single-center retrospective study of adult recipients who underwent LT for AIH between January 2007 and December 2017. Patients with AIH overlap syndromes were excluded. Results A total of 1436 LTs were performed during the study period, of whom 46 (3%) for AIH. Eight patients had AIH overlap syndromes and were excluded. Patients were followed up for 4.4 ± 3.4 years and mean age at LT was 46.8 years. Average transplant MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score was 24.9. About 21% of patients (8 of 38) were transplanted for acute onset of AIH; 66% of patients (n = 25) received a deceased donor liver graft, and 34% a living donor organ. rAIH occurred in 7.8% (n = 3/38) of recipients. Time to recurrence was 1.6, 12.2 and 60.7 months. Patient and graft survival in patients without recurrence was 88.6% and 82.8% in 5 years, whereas in those with rAIH, it was 66.7%, respectively. Conclusion Although AIH recurs post-LT, our data indicate a lower recurrence rate when compared to the literature and excellent patient and graft survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evon Neong
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle Adebayo
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dagmar Kollmann
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Oyedele Adewale Adeyi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sandra Fischer
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Bettina Elisabeth Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- IHPME, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zita Galvin
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leslie Blake Lilly
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nazia Selzner
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Correspondence: Nazia Selzner, MD PhD, Multiorgan Transplant Program, University Health Network, 585 University Ave., 11 PMB 202, Toronto, ON M5G 2N2, Canada, e-mail:
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13
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Marked Decrease in Urgent Listing for Liver Transplantation Over Time: Evolution of Characteristics and Outcomes of Status-1 Liver Transplantation. Transplantation 2018; 102:e18-e25. [PMID: 28968354 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000001967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 5% of liver transplants annually are performed urgently with "status-1" designation. This study aims to determine if the demand, characteristics, and outcome for status-1 liver transplantation has changed over time. METHODS We used the Scientific Registry of Transplant Patients (2003-2015) to characterize 2352 adult patients who underwent 2408 status-1 liver transplants and compared them between Era1 (2003-6/2009) and Era2 (7/2009-2015). RESULTS Overall, there were fewer liver transplants performed with the status-1 designation in Era2 than Era1 (1099 vs 1309). Although the number of urgent liver transplants was relatively constant with successive years, the proportion transplanted with status-1 designation decreased markedly over time. Era2 patients were older (43.2 years vs 41.7 years, P = 0.01) and less likely be ABO-incompatible (1.1% vs 2.4%, P = 0.01) or retransplant (77 vs 124, P = 0.03). In terms of disease etiology, the largest group was "acute liver failure (ALF), nonspecified" (43.4%). There was no difference in proportion with drug-induced liver injury (DILI), but the subset of herbal/dietary supplements increased in Era2 (1.3% vs 0.46%, P = 0.04). Survival was increased in Era2 in the overall cohort and for patients with autoimmune disease (P < 0.05), despite longer waiting times for this etiology (186 days vs 149 days). DILI or nonspecified ALF had shorter waiting times, and 90% were transplanted within 7 days. CONCLUSIONS Liver transplantation for the most urgent indications (status-1) is decreasing while survival remains excellent. Fewer incidences of ALF are classified as indeterminate, mostly as a result of increasing awareness of autoimmune hepatitis and DILI as causes of the syndrome.
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14
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Theocharidou E, Heneghan MA. Con: Steroids Should Not Be Withdrawn in Transplant Recipients With Autoimmune Hepatitis. Liver Transpl 2018; 24:1113-1118. [PMID: 29893056 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) can recur following liver transplantation (LT) despite immunosuppressive therapy, with implications for graft survival. Although the evidence is not robust, disease recurrence seems to occur in the presence of less intense and/or steroid-free immunosuppression (IS) in particular in the case of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The main risk factor for AIH recurrence is the severity of disease activity in the explant and potential donor/recipient human leukocyte antigen D-related 3 (DR3) mismatch. The treatment for AIH recurrence includes reintroduction or increase in the dose of steroids with or without the addition of azathioprine. T cell-mediated rejection episodes are also more common in AILD. Steroid withdrawal is the common practice in LT for non-AILD, eliminating the risks associated with longterm exposure to steroids. In AILD, maintenance of steroids at a low dose in the long term may reduce the risk of disease recurrence and rejection. This strategy is safe when there is vigilance for steroid-related adverse effects. Alternatively, identifying patients who are at the greatest risk for disease recurrence and who would benefit from intensified IS might be an option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Theocharidou
- 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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15
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Kalra A, Burton JR, Forman LM. Pro: Steroids Can Be Withdrawn After Transplant in Recipients With Autoimmune Hepatitis. Liver Transpl 2018; 24:1109-1112. [PMID: 29923302 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Corticosteroids have been a mainstay of immunosuppression following liver transplantation. However, evolution in the field of transplant immunology has produced steroid-free options, resulting in most transplant centers weaning steroids after transplant within days to months-an evidence-based management decision. Patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), however, receive corticosteroids prior to transplant. This raises the question of whether these patients should also be weaned from corticosteroids. In this review, we discuss the benefits of avoiding steroid use in this population of patients-an approach that not only avoids the adverse effects of corticosteroids but does so without risking graft failure from recurrent AIH or from acute cellular rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avash Kalra
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - James R Burton
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Lisa M Forman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
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16
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Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare but highly fatal condition. The most common causes include drug-induced and viral hepatitis, but other less common etiologies, especially autoimmune hepatitis, Budd-Chiari syndrome, and Wilson disease, need to be considered. Because diagnosis is frequently tied to potential for reversibility of ALF and prognosis, early identification in a timely manner is crucial. Other causes of ALF are more easily recognizable based on specific circumstances, such as ALF in pregnancy or ischemic hepatitis. Ultimately, maintaining a wide differential diagnosis in patients with ALF is essential to identifying the proper treatment and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Rosenblatt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Robert S Brown
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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17
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Abstract
Since 1988 nearly 150,000 liver transplants have been performed in the United States. Over the past 3 decades the indications for liver transplant have changed from end-stage liver disease from alcohol and cholestatic liver diseases to hepatitis C and most recently nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Liver transplant recipients are living longer with 10-year survival rates exceeding 60%. Gastroenterologists are likely to encounter or consult on postliver transplant recipients as they live longer and seek care closer to home. Complications after liver transplant are related to immunosuppression, malignancy, recurrent disease, and conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. This review will discuss postliver transplant care and complications in liver transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Russo
- Division of Hepatology, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC
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18
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Zizzo AN, Valentino PL, Shah PS, Kamath BM. Second-line Agents in Pediatric Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2017; 65:6-15. [PMID: 28644343 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000001530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Ten percent to 20% of children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) require second-line therapy to achieve remission. Although current guidelines exist on first-line management, evidence for second-line therapy in treatment-refractory patients is lacking. Our aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of second-line treatments used in this population. METHODS Electronic and manual searches were used to identify potential studies for inclusion. Studies were selected based on reported response rates to second-line therapies in children who failed response to prednisone and azathioprine. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by 2 reviewers. Meta-analysis using weighted estimate of response rates at 6 months was performed for each treatment option. Heterogeneity was assessed. RESULTS Fifteen studies of 76 pediatric patients with AIH were included in the review. Overall response rates at 6 months were estimated as 36% for mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (N = 34, 95% confidence interval [CI] (16-57)), and 50% for tacrolimus (N = 4, 95% CI (0-100%)) and 83% for cyclosporine (N = 15, 95% CI (66%-100%)). Adverse effects were most frequent with cyclosporine (64% experiencing at least 1 adverse effect) followed by tacrolimus (54%) and MMF (48%). Pooled estimates of adverse events were 78% for cyclosporine (95% CI (54%-100%)), 42% for tacrolimus (95% CI (0%-85%)) and 45% for MMF (95% CI (25%-68%)). Sensitivity analyses were not performed due to small sample size. CONCLUSIONS Cyclosporine had the highest response rate at 6 months in children with standard-treatment-refractory AIH; however, it also had the highest rate of adverse events. MMF was the second most efficacious option with a low adverse effect rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréanne N Zizzo
- *The Hospital for Sick Children †University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada ‡Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT §Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto ||London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Ruiz P, Sastre L, Crespo G, Blasi A, Colmenero J, García-Valdecasas JC, Navasa M. Increased risk of portal vein thrombosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis on the liver transplantation waiting list. Clin Transplant 2017; 31. [DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Ruiz
- Liver Transplant Unit; Hospital Clínic de Barcelona; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd); University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Lydia Sastre
- Liver Transplant Unit; Hospital Clínic de Barcelona; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd); University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Gonzalo Crespo
- Liver Transplant Unit; Hospital Clínic de Barcelona; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd); University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Annabel Blasi
- Liver Transplant Unit; Hospital Clínic de Barcelona; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd); University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Jordi Colmenero
- Liver Transplant Unit; Hospital Clínic de Barcelona; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd); University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Juan Carlos García-Valdecasas
- Liver Transplant Unit; Hospital Clínic de Barcelona; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd); University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Miquel Navasa
- Liver Transplant Unit; Hospital Clínic de Barcelona; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd); University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
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20
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Cho C, Kwon C, Kim J, Choi GS, Joh JW, Lee SK. Comparative Analysis of the Clinical Outcomes of Liver Transplantation for Probable and Definite Auto-immune Hepatitis by International Diagnostic Scoring Criteria. Transplant Proc 2017; 49:1126-1128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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21
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Abstract
Recurrent autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and de novo AIH are 2 important causes of late graft failure after liver transplantation (LT). Recurrent AIH occurs in patients who undergo LT for AIH. De novo AIH occurs in patients who are transplanted for etiologies other than AIH. Although typically treated with standard treatment for AIH, including corticosteroids and azathioprine, both recurrent and de novo AIH may progress to end-stage liver disease requiring retransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza W Beal
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sylvester M Black
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Anthony Michaels
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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22
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Courtwright AM, El-Chemaly S, Dellaripa PF, Goldberg HJ. Survival and outcomes after lung transplantation for non-scleroderma connective tissue-related interstitial lung disease. J Heart Lung Transplant 2016; 36:763-769. [PMID: 28131664 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with non-scleroderma connective tissue-related lung disease (NS-CTLD), including rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, Sjögren syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus, may be at risk for worse outcomes after lung transplantation because of immune dysregulation or extrapulmonary manifestations of their underlying disease. We compared survival, acute and chronic rejection, and extrapulmonary organ dysfunction after transplantation in patients with NS-CTLD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with NS-CTLD and IPF who were listed in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients and underwent lung transplantation from May 5, 2005, to March 1, 2016. RESULTS Patients with NS-CTLD (n = 275) were younger, a higher percentage female and non-white than patients with IPF (n = 6,346). NS-CTLD patients did not have worse adjusted survival (hazard ratio, 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-1.42; p = 0.24). They were not more likely to have an episode of acute cellular rejection (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.72-1.28; p = 0.77) or to develop bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (odds ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.60-1.12; p = 0.21). Patients with NS-CTLD were not more likely to require plasmapheresis or dialysis or to develop a lymphoproliferative malignancy or liver disease after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS We found no significant differences in survival, acute or chronic rejection, or extrapulmonary organ dysfunction in patients who underwent lung transplantation for NS-CTLD compared with IPF. In appropriately selected candidates, NS-CTLD should not be considered a contraindication to lung transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Courtwright
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Rheumatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Souheil El-Chemaly
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Rheumatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Paul F Dellaripa
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Division of Rheumatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hilary J Goldberg
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Division of Rheumatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
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van Gerven NMF, de Boer YS, Mulder CJJ, van Nieuwkerk CMJ, Bouma G. Auto immune hepatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:4651-4661. [PMID: 27217697 PMCID: PMC4870072 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i19.4651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To provide an update of the latest trends in epidemiology, clinical course, diagnostics, complications and treatment of auto immune hepatitis (AIH). A search of the MEDLINE database was performed using the search terms: “auto immune hepatitis”, “clinical presentation”, “symptoms”, “signs”, “diagnosis”, “auto antibodies”, “laboratory values”, “serology”, “histopathology”, “histology”, “genetics”, “HLA genes”, “non-HLA genes”, “environment”, “epidemiology”, “prevalence”, “incidence”, “demographics”, “complications”, “HCC”, “PBC”, “PSC”, “corticosteroid”, “therapy”, “treatment”, “alternative treatment”. English-language full-text articles and abstracts were considered. Articles included reviews, meta-analysis, prospective retrospective studies. No publication date restrictions were applied. AIH is an immune meditated progressive inflammatory liver disease that predominantly affects middle-aged females but may affect people of all ages. The clinical spectrum of AIH is wide, ranging from absent or mild symptoms to fulminant hepatic failure. The aetiology of AIH is still unknown, but is believed to occur as the consequence of an aberrant immune response towards an un-known trigger in a genetically susceptible host. In the absence of a gold standard, diagnosis is based on the combination of clinical, biochemical and histopathological criteria. Immunosuppressive treatment has been the cornerstone of treatment since the earliest description of the disease in 1950 by Waldenström. Such treatment is often successful at inducing remission and generally leads to normal life expectancy. Nevertheless, there remain significant areas of unmet aetiological a clinical needs including fundamental insight in disease pathogenesis, optimal therapy, duration of treatment and treatment alternatives in those patients unresponsive to standard treatment regimens.
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Czaja AJ. Diagnosis and Management of Autoimmune Hepatitis: Current Status and Future Directions. Gut Liver 2016; 10:177-203. [PMID: 26934884 PMCID: PMC4780448 DOI: 10.5009/gnl15352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is characterized by autoantibodies, hypergammaglobulinemia, and interface hepatitis on histological examination. The features lack diagnostic specificity, and other diseases that may resemble autoimmune hepatitis must be excluded. The clinical presentation may be acute, acute severe (fulminant), or asymptomatic; conventional autoantibodies may be absent; centrilobular necrosis and bile duct changes may be present; and the disease may occur after liver transplantation or with features that suggest overlapping disorders. The diagnostic criteria have been codified, and diagnostic scoring systems can support clinical judgment. Nonstandard autoantibodies, including antibodies to actin, α-actinin, soluble liver antigen, perinuclear antineutrophil antigen, asialoglycoprotein receptor, and liver cytosol type 1, are tools that can support the diagnosis, especially in patients with atypical features. Prednisone or prednisolone in combination with azathioprine is the preferred treatment, and strategies using these medications in various doses can ameliorate treatment failure, incomplete response, drug intolerance, and relapse after drug withdrawal. Budesonide, mycophenolate mofetil, and calcineurin inhibitors can be considered in selected patients as frontline or salvage therapies. Molecular (recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies), cellular (adoptive transfer and antigenic manipulation), and pharmacological (antioxidants, antifibrotics, and antiapoptotic agents) interventions constitute future directions in management. The evolving knowledge of the pathogenic pathways and the advances in technology promise new management algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J. Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN,
USA
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25
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Krishnamoorthy TL, Miezynska-Kurtycz J, Hodson J, Gunson BK, Neuberger J, Milkiewicz P, Oo YH. Longterm corticosteroid use after liver transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis is safe and associated with a lower incidence of recurrent disease. Liver Transpl 2016; 22:34-41. [PMID: 26335026 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Revised: 07/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients transplanted for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are at risk of recurrent disease. Our current practice is to maintain long-term low-dose corticosteroids with additional immunosuppressive agents. This study describes the implications on patients' outcomes, sepsis, and osteoporosis. We collected data on patients transplanted between January 1999 and October 2014 in a single center who survived for more than 6 months. AIH recurrence was diagnosed by a combination of histology, raised immunoglobulin G levels, and exclusion of other etiologies. Sepsis was defined as any infection that resulted in significant morbidity or mortality. Osteoporosis was defined as a bone densitometry T score of less than -2.0 or evidence of osteoporosis-related fractures. Outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis methods. Seventy-three AIH patients underwent liver transplantation with a median follow-up of 94 months (interquartile range, 55-144). The cohort was mainly Caucasian (78%), female (79%), with type 1 AIH (90%), and a mean age of 43 ± 15 years. Overall survival was 92%, 90%, 86%, and 73%, and regraft-free survival was 86%, 81%, 78%, and 64% at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Five patients developed AIH recurrence, giving recurrence rates of 0%, 4%, 6%, and 11% at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Pneumonia was the most common infection, but gastroenteritis and cholangitis were the most recurrent. Freedom from sepsis was 91%, 82%, 80%, and 63%, and freedom from osteoporosis was 100%, 94%, 82%, and 58% at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Longterm low-dose corticosteroid in combination with other immunosuppressive agents seems to reduce AIH recurrence without jeopardizing patient and graft survival. Sepsis and osteoporosis did not occur more often compared to the published literature on liver transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thinesh L Krishnamoorthy
- Liver and Hepatobiliary Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - James Hodson
- Wolfson Computer Laboratory, University Hospitals Birmingham, UK
| | - Bridget K Gunson
- Liver and Hepatobiliary Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - James Neuberger
- Liver and Hepatobiliary Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Piotr Milkiewicz
- Liver and Internal Medicine Unit, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ye H Oo
- Liver and Hepatobiliary Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Centre for Liver Research, National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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26
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Faisal N, Renner EL. Recurrence of autoimmune liver diseases after liver transplantation. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:2896-905. [PMID: 26689244 PMCID: PMC4678376 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i29.2896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the most effective treatment modality for end stage liver disease caused by many etiologies including autoimmune processes. That said, the need for transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), but not for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), has decreased over the years due to the availability of effective medical treatment. Autoimmune liver diseases have superior transplant outcomes than those of other etiologies. While AIH and PBC can recur after LT, recurrence is of limited clinical significance in most, but not all cases. Recurrent PSC, however, often progresses over years to a stage requiring re-transplantation. The exact incidence and the predisposing factors of disease recurrence remain debated. Better understanding of the pathogenesis and the risk factors of recurrent autoimmune liver diseases is required to develop preventive measures. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of incidence, diagnosis, risk factors, clinical course, and treatment of recurrent autoimmune liver disease (AIH, PBC, PSC) following LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabiha Faisal
- Nabiha Faisal, Eberhard L Renner, Liver Transplant Program/Multiorgan Transplant Program, University Health Network/Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2N2, Canada
| | - Eberhard L Renner
- Nabiha Faisal, Eberhard L Renner, Liver Transplant Program/Multiorgan Transplant Program, University Health Network/Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2N2, Canada
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27
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Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the most effective treatment modality for end stage liver disease caused by many etiologies including autoimmune processes. That said, the need for transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), but not for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), has decreased over the years due to the availability of effective medical treatment. Autoimmune liver diseases have superior transplant outcomes than those of other etiologies. While AIH and PBC can recur after LT, recurrence is of limited clinical significance in most, but not all cases. Recurrent PSC, however, often progresses over years to a stage requiring re-transplantation. The exact incidence and the predisposing factors of disease recurrence remain debated. Better understanding of the pathogenesis and the risk factors of recurrent autoimmune liver diseases is required to develop preventive measures. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of incidence, diagnosis, risk factors, clinical course, and treatment of recurrent autoimmune liver disease (AIH, PBC, PSC) following LT.
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28
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Wang Q, Yang F, Miao Q, Krawitt EL, Gershwin ME, Ma X. The clinical phenotypes of autoimmune hepatitis: A comprehensive review. J Autoimmun 2015; 66:98-107. [PMID: 26614611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) fulfills the generally accepted contemporary criteria of an autoimmune liver disease: the presence of autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells, a female gender bias, association with other autoimmune diseases, response to immunosuppressive therapy and strong associations with the major histocompatibility complex HLA loci. It occurs worldwide in both children and adults and is marked by both etiopathogenic and clinical heterogeneity, differing from the other putative autoimmune liver diseases, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), albeit occasionally presenting with overlapping features of PBC or PSC. Although diagnostic criteria have been established and validated, there are still major issues to be clarified due to its variability, such as autoantibody-negative AIH, drug-induced AIH, AIH sharing features with PBC or PSC, and post-transplant de novo AIH. In view of the diverse presentations and courses, including classical chronic onset, acute and acute severe onset, cirrhosis and decompensated cirrhosis, individualized management of patients is indicated. Each patient should receive a personalized analysis of the benefits and side effect risks of drugs. Herein we describe a comprehensive review of the clinical phenotypes of AIH underscoring its clinical heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Shandong Road, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Shandong Road, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Qi Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Shandong Road, Shanghai 200001, China
| | | | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Xiong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Shandong Road, Shanghai 200001, China.
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29
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Kirstein MM, Metzler F, Geiger E, Heinrich E, Hallensleben M, Manns MP, Vogel A. Prediction of short- and long-term outcome in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatology 2015; 62:1524-35. [PMID: 26178791 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by a loss of tolerance toward the hepatocellular epithelium. Liver transplantation (LT) represents the ultimate therapeutic option for a fulminant course or end-stage liver disease. The aim of this study was to elucidate the clinical, serological, and genetic features of remission, relapse, and overall and LT-free survival. Between 2000 and 2014, 354 AIH patients from Hannover Medical School were included. Clinical, laboratory, and histological reports were analyzed. DRB1 allele analyses were performed in 264 AIH and 399 non-AIH patients. Cox's regression analysis was performed to identify factors significantly associated with survival. Patients diagnosed in childhood were at higher risk for relapses (P=0.003), requirement for LTs (P=0.014, log rank), and had a reduced life expectancy (P<0.001, log rank). Detection of soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas antigen (SLA/LP) antibodies was significantly associated with reduced overall and LT-free survival (P=0.037; P=0.021). Cirrhosis, which was evident in 25% at first diagnosis, was found to be a predictor of poor survival and requirement for LT (P=0.003; P=0.009). DRB1*04:01-positive phenotype was associated with a higher rate of complete remissions and with a lower frequency of cirrhosis and LTs. There were no significant differences for subsequent relapses or survival in patients achieving either partial or complete remission. CONCLUSION Diagnosis<18 years, histological cirrhosis at first diagnosis and SLA/LP antibodies are major risk factors for a poor short- and long-term outcome. These patients are in need of high surveillance. Separating patients with positive SLA/LP antibodies into a third group may be reconsidered. DRB1*04:01 positivity has been identified in association with a favorable clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha M Kirstein
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Frauke Metzler
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elena Geiger
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eyk Heinrich
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Michael P Manns
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover, Germany
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Tanaka T, Sugawara Y, Kokudo N. Liver transplantation and autoimmune hepatitis. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2015; 4:33-8. [PMID: 25674386 PMCID: PMC4322593 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2014.01034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver Transplantation (LT) is an effective treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Indication for LT for AIH does not differ basically from other liver diseases including both acute and chronic types of disease progression, although it is reported to be an infrequent indication for LT worldwide due to the therapeutic advances of immunosuppression. The outcome following LT is feasible, with current patient and graft survival exceeding 75% at 5 years. Recurrent and de-novo AIH posttranslant has also been reported; and this seems to have important clinical implications because its management differs from the standard treatment for allograft rejection. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of AIH, focusing on the indication for LT and issues raised following LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Tanaka
- Organ Transplantation Service, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Sugawara
- Artificial Organ and Transplantation Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Yasuhiko Sugawara, Artificial Organ and Transplantation Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan. E-mail:
| | - Norihiro Kokudo
- Artificial Organ and Transplantation Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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31
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Hoffmann K, Hinz U, Hillebrand N, Ganten T, Gotthardt D, Longerich T, Schirmacher P, Schemmer P. The MELD score predicts the short-term and overall survival after liver transplantation in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis or autoimmune liver diseases. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2014; 399:1001-9. [PMID: 25106131 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-014-1237-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Liver transplantation (LT) is well established in patients with autoimmune liver disease. Despite excellent outcomes, organ scarcity demands careful patients' selection and timing of transplantation. METHODS This retrospective study analyzes data of 79 consecutive patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and overlap syndrome, undergoing LT between 2001 and 2012. Overall survival (OS) and graft survival were assessed using Kaplan-Meier estimate. Multivariate survival analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors by using Cox regression model. RESULTS After 59.6-month median follow-up, the 5-year OS and graft survival were 75.3 and 68.8%, respectively. The 5-year survival rates for patients with PSC (n=57), AIH (n=17), and overlap syndrome (n=5) were 76.3, 76.0, and 60.0%. The 90-day mortality rate of 70.0% was significantly higher in patients with a labMELD score≥20 (n=10) compared to 26.1% in 69 patients with a labMELD<20 (p=0.009). A lab Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score≥20 was an independent predictor of impaired OS (p=0.050, hazard ratio 2.5). The 5-year OS was 55.7% in patients with a labMELD score≥20 compared to 84.7% in patients with a labMELD score<20. CONCLUSION The recipients' MELD score is a predictor for the short-term outcome after LT in patients with autoimmune liver disease. Meticulous selection for transplant listing remains necessary to safe scarce donor organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hoffmann
- Department of General and Transplant Surgery, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Abstract
Many nonviral diseases that cause liver failure may recur after liver transplantation. Although most studies have shown that a recurrent disease does not negatively affect patient and graft survival in the intermediate postoperative course, there is growing evidence that, especially in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and in patients with recurrent abusive alcohol drinking, disease recurrence is a significant risk factor for graft dysfunction and graft loss. Therefore, the recurrence of nonviral diseases has become a clinically important and prognostically relevant issue in the long-term management of recipients of liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo W Graziadei
- Department of Internal Medicine II (Gastroenterology and Hepatology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Internal Medicine, District Hospital Hall, Milserstraße 10, A-6060 Hall, Austria.
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33
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Autoimmune liver disease, autoimmunity and liver transplantation. J Hepatol 2014; 60:210-23. [PMID: 24084655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) represent the three major autoimmune liver diseases (AILD). PBC, PSC, and AIH are all complex disorders in that they result from the effects of multiple genes in combination with as yet unidentified environmental factors. Recent genome-wide association studies have identified numerous risk loci for PBC and PSC that host genes involved in innate or acquired immune responses. These loci may provide a clue as to the immune-based pathogenesis of AILD. Moreover, many significant risk loci for PBC and PSC are also risk loci for other autoimmune disorders, such type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting a shared genetic basis and possibly similar molecular pathways for diverse autoimmune conditions. There is no curative treatment for all three disorders, and a significant number of patients eventually progress to end-stage liver disease requiring liver transplantation (LT). LT in this context has a favourable overall outcome with current patient and graft survival exceeding 80% at 5years. Indications are as for other chronic liver disease although recent data suggest that while lethargy improves after transplantation, the effect is modest and variable so lethargy alone is not an indication. In contrast, pruritus rapidly responds. Cholangiocarcinoma, except under rigorous selection criteria, excludes LT because of the high risk of recurrence. All three conditions may recur after transplantation and are associated with a greater risk of both acute cellular and chronic ductopenic rejection. It is possible that a crosstalk between alloimmune and autoimmune response perpetuate each other. An immunological response toward self- or allo-antigens is well recognised after LT in patients transplanted for non-autoimmune indications and sometimes termed "de novo autoimmune hepatitis". Whether this is part of the spectrum of rejection or an autoimmune process is not clear. In this manuscript, we review novel findings about disease processes and mechanisms that lead to autoimmunity in the liver and their possible involvement in the immune response vs. the graft after LT.
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34
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Zachou K, Muratori P, Koukoulis GK, Granito A, Gatselis N, Fabbri A, Dalekos GN, Muratori L. Review article: autoimmune hepatitis -- current management and challenges. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013; 38:887-913. [PMID: 24010812 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a disease of unknown aetiology characterised by interface hepatitis, hypergammaglobulinaemia, circulating autoantibodies and a favourable response to immunosuppression. AIM To review recent advancements in understanding aetiopathogenesis, clinical, serological and histological features, diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies of AIH. METHODS Published studies on AIH extracted mainly from PubMed during the last 15 years. RESULTS Autoimmune hepatitis has a global distribution affecting any age, both sexes and all ethnic groups. Clinical manifestations are variable ranging from no symptoms to severe acute hepatitis and only seldom to fulminant hepatic failure. Autoimmune attack is perpetuated, possibly via molecular mimicry mechanisms, and favoured by the impaired control of regulatory T-cells. A typical laboratory finding is hypergammaglobulinaemia with selective elevation of IgG, although in 15-25% of patients - particularly children, elderly and acute cases - IgG levels are normal. Liver histology and autoantibodies, although not pathognomonic, still remain the hallmark for diagnosis. Immunosuppressive treatment is mandatory and life-saving; however, to meet strict response criteria, the conventional therapy with prednisolone with or without azathioprine is far from ideal. CONCLUSIONS Autoimmune hepatitis remains a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The clinician, the hepato-pathologist and the laboratory personnel need to become more familiar with different expressions of the disease, interpretation of liver histology and autoimmune serology. According to the strict definition of treatment response issued by the 2010 AASLD guidelines, many patients are nonresponders to conventional treatment. Newer immunosuppressive agents targeting pathogenetic mechanisms can improve patient management, which needs to be tailored on a case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Thessaly University, Larissa, Greece
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35
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Liberal R, Zen Y, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. Liver transplantation and autoimmune liver diseases. Liver Transpl 2013; 19:1065-77. [PMID: 23873751 DOI: 10.1002/lt.23704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is an effective treatment for patients with end-stage autoimmune liver diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis. Indications for LT for these diseases do not differ substantially from those used for other acute or chronic liver diseases. Despite the good outcomes reported, the recurrence of autoimmune liver disease is relatively common in the allograft. In addition, it has become apparent that autoimmunity and autoimmune liver disease can arise de novo after transplantation for nonautoimmune liver disorders. An awareness of the existence of recurrent autoimmune liver diseases and de novo autoimmune hepatitis after LT has important clinical implications because their management differs from the standard antirejection treatment and is similar to the management of classic autoimmune liver diseases in the native liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Liberal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was the first chronic liver disease in which remission was achieved by immunosuppression. Prognosis is poor when left untreated. Since the original description in 1950 by Waldenström, the initially reported treatment option has remained until today and is the core of the basic therapeutic strategy of inducing remission with steroids and azathioprine. Immunosuppression as a treatment concept spans different situations including the induction and maintenance of remission, treatment of nonresponders, avoidance of side effects, perioperative treatment of liver transplantation candidates and the issue of withdrawal. Alternative immunosuppressive drugs such as transplantation immunosuppressants have been administered and reported in small series. In an attempt to optimize side effect management, a recent large multicenter prospective treatment trial suggests that budesonide may offer an alternative for noncirrhotic AIH patients with lower steroid side effects. With an early diagnosis and effective therapy, only 4% of transplant candidates are transplanted for AIH. After liver transplantation there is a considerable risk for graft loss because of recurrent AIH, and lifelong vigilance and therapeutic attention is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian P Strassburg
- Medizinische Klinik und Polikklinik I, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany.
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Czaja AJ. Autoimmune hepatitis in diverse ethnic populations and geographical regions. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 7:365-85. [PMID: 23639095 DOI: 10.1586/egh.13.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis has diverse clinical phenotypes and outcomes in ethnic groups within a country and between countries, and these differences may reflect genetic predispositions, indigenous etiological agents, pharmacogenomic mechanisms and socioeconomic reasons. In the USA, African-American patients have cirrhosis more commonly, treatment failure more frequently and higher mortality than white American patients. Survival is poorest in Asian-American patients. Autoimmune hepatitis in other countries is frequently associated with genetic predispositions that may favor susceptibility to indigenous etiological agents. Cholestatic features influence treatment response; acute-on-chronic liver disease increases mortality and socioeconomic and cultural factors affect prognosis. Ethnic-based deviations from classical phenotypes and the frequency of late-stage disease can complicate the diagnosis and management of autoimmune hepatitis in non-white populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis frequently has an abrupt onset of symptoms, and it can present with acute liver failure. The abrupt presentation can indicate spontaneous exacerbation of a pre-existent chronic disease, newly created disease, a superimposed infectious or toxic injury, or new disease after viral infection, drug therapy, or liver transplantation. Deficiencies in the classical phenotype may include a low serum immunoglobulin G level and low or absent titers of the conventional autoantibodies. The original revised diagnostic scoring system of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group can guide the diagnostic evaluation, but low scores do not preclude the diagnosis. Liver tissue examination is valuable to exclude viral-related or drug-induced liver injury and support the diagnosis by demonstrating centrilobular necrosis (usually with interface hepatitis), lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, hepatocyte rosettes, and fibrosis. Conventional therapy with prednisone and azathioprine induces clinical and laboratory improvement in 68-75 % of patients with acute presentations, and high dose prednisone or prednisolone (preferred drug) is effective in 20-100 % of patients with acute severe (fulminant) presentations. Failure to improve or worsening of any clinical or laboratory feature within 2 weeks of treatment or worsening of a mathematical model of end-stage liver disease within 7 days justifies liver transplantation in acute liver failure. Liver transplantation for acute severe (fulminant) autoimmune hepatitis is as successful as liver transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis with a chronic presentation and other types of acute liver failure (patient survival >1 year, 80-94 %). Liver transplantation should not be delayed or superseded by protracted corticosteroid therapy or the empiric institution of nonstandard medications.
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Pascher A, Nebrig M, Neuhaus P. Irreversible liver failure: treatment by transplantation: part 3 of a series on liver cirrhosis. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 110:167-73. [PMID: 23533548 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2013.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation is the only established, causally directed treatment for irreversible chronic or acute liver failure. METHODS This review is based on papers retrieved by a selective search in the PubMed database, the index of randomized controlled trials of the European Society of Organ Transplantation, and the Cochrane database, along with an analysis of data from the authors' own center. RESULTS 1199 liver transplantations were performed in Germany in 2011. The most common indications were alcoholic cirrhosis (28%), cirrhosis of other causes (24%), and intrahepatic tumors (20%). Among recipients, the sex ratio was nearly 1:1 and the median age was just under 50. Across Europe, the 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates after liver transplantation were 82%, 71% and 61%. In our own center, the Charité in Berlin, the corresponding rates were 90.4%, 79.6% and 70.3%, based on an experience of 100 to 120 cases per year. The current rate of functioning transplants five years after liver transplantation is 52.6% in Germany and 66.2% internationally. Standard immunosuppression consists of a calcineurin inhibitor, tacrolimus or cyclosporine A, and steroids. Early complications include primary functional failure of the transplant, hemorrhage, thrombosis, acute rejection, and biliary complications. Over the long term, complications that can impair the outcome include chronic rejection, biliary strictures, cardiovascular and metabolic adverse effects, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and opportunistic infections and malignancies. CONCLUSION Liver transplantation is a successful and well-established form of treatment that is nonetheless endangered by a shortage of donor organs and other structural and organizational difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Pascher
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Germany.
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Dbouk N, Parekh S. Impact of pretransplant antinuclear antibody and antismooth muscle antibody titers on disease recurrence and graft survival following liver transplantation in autoimmune hepatitis patients. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 28:537-42. [PMID: 22432792 PMCID: PMC3388173 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2012.07125.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Disease recurrence following transplantation occurs in 20-45% of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Factors associated with an increased risk of recurrence include human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR3 and HLA DR4 positivity, inadequate immunosuppression, and severity of inflammation in the native liver. Titers of several autoantibodies can be elevated in patients with AIH, including antinuclear antibody (ANA) and antismooth muscle antibody (SMA); however, it is unclear whether or not the degree of elevation influences the risk of disease recurrence following transplantation. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the potential impact of pretransplant titers on post-transplant outcomes for patients with AIH. Sixty-three patients with AIH who underwent 72 liver transplants between 1 January 1989 and 1 January 2009 were included, with a median follow up of 10 months. Patients were divided into group A (ANA or SMA ≥ 1:160) and group B (titers ≤ 1:160). RESULTS There was no significant difference in the recurrence rates or death between patients in groups A and B, respectively. Only race appeared to impact outcomes, with African American patients having a higher incidence of death and recurrent disease post-transplant compared to other ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS Based on our findings, pretransplant ANA and SMA levels do not appear to impact recurrence rates or outcomes following liver transplantation for AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Dbouk
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, Emory Transplant Center
| | - Samir Parekh
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, Emory Transplant Center
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41
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Cholongitas E, Burroughs AK. Recurrence of autoimmune liver diseases after liver transplantation: clinical aspects. AUTOIMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 2012; 3:113-8. [PMID: 26000134 PMCID: PMC4389079 DOI: 10.1007/s13317-012-0040-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis are autoimmune liver diseases characterized by progressive immune-mediated inflammation leading to the destruction of the hepatocytes and the biliary epithelial cells, and eventually to cirrhosis and liver failure. The ultimate treatment of these diseases, upon the establishment of end-stage liver disease, includes liver transplantation (LT). Recurrence of autoimmune liver diseases after LT is an entity increasingly recognized in the last few decades. The mechanisms driving recurrence remain poorly understood. The accurate diagnosis of the recurrence and the proper management of the affected patients remains a clinical challenge. This review discusses clinical aspects related to the recurrence of autoimmune liver diseases after LT. The main goals of this review are to discuss the reasons explaining the variability of the incidence rates of recurrent autoimmune disease and the outcome and risk factors for recurrent disease. We discuss in detail the diagnostic criteria and the treatment options of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Cholongitas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Andrew K Burroughs
- The Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, University College Institute of Digestive and Liver Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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Selvarajah V, Montano-Loza AJ, Czaja AJ. Systematic review: managing suboptimal treatment responses in autoimmune hepatitis with conventional and nonstandard drugs. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 36:691-707. [PMID: 22973822 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Revised: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corticosteroid treatment for autoimmune hepatitis has been shown by randomised controlled clinical trials to ameliorate symptoms, normalise liver tests, improve histological findings and extend survival. Nevertheless, suboptimal responses to corticosteroid treatment still occur. AIM To describe the current definitions, frequencies, clinical relevance and treatment options for suboptimal responses, and to discuss alternative medications that have been used off-label for these occurrences. METHODS Literature search was made for full-text papers published in English using the keyword 'autoimmune hepatitis'. Authors' personal experience and investigational studies also helped to identify important contributions to the literature. RESULTS Suboptimal responses to standard therapy include treatment failure (7%), incomplete response (14%), drug toxicity (13%) and relapse after drug withdrawal (50-86%). The probability of a suboptimal response prior to treatment is higher in young patients and in patients with a severe presentation, jaundice, high MELD score at diagnosis, multilobular necrosis or cirrhosis, antibodies to soluble liver antigen, or inability to improve by clinical indices within two weeks or by MELD score within 7 days of conventional corticosteroid treatment. Management strategies have been developed for the adverse responses and nonstandard drugs, including mycophenolate mofetil, budesonide, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus and rituximab, are emerging as rescue therapies or alternative frontline agents. CONCLUSIONS Once diagnosed, the suboptimal response should be treated by a highly individualised and well-monitored regimen, preferentially using first-line therapy. Nonstandard drugs warrant consideration as salvage or second-line therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Selvarajah
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Yamashiki N, Sugawara Y, Tamura S, Kaneko J, Takazawa Y, Aoki T, Hasegawa K, Sakamoto Y, Koike K, Kokudo N. Living-donor liver transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cirrhosis overlap syndrome. Hepatol Res 2012; 42:1016-23. [PMID: 22548727 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2012.01018.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Recurrent autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) following liver transplantation has been reported in 20-30% of cases, mainly of Western populations. The aim of this study was to review our experience of living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in Japanese patients with AIH. METHODS Among 375 adult (age ≥18 years) LDLT performed at our center between 1996 and 2010, 16 (4.2%) were for patients with AIH (n = 12) or AIH-primary biliary cirrhosis overlap syndrome (n = 4). The patient and donor characteristics and post-transplantation course were reviewed. RESULTS All recipients were female with a median age of 48 years (range, 21-58). Low-dose methylprednisolone and calcineurin inhibitors were continued in all patients. Acute cellular rejection occurred in 10 (63%), which was more frequent than in our overall series of 28.5% (107/375 cases). Overall survival rate was 81.2% at 5 years. At the end of the follow up (median, 6.0 years [range, 0.1-9.6]), 13 patients were alive with normal liver function tests (aspartate transaminase, 18 ± 5 IU/mL; alanine transaminase, 16 ± 8 IU/mL). None of the survivors exhibited liver function test results suspicious for recurrent AIH, which might indicate liver biopsy. CONCLUSION Survival after LDLT for AIH and overlap syndrome was excellent and there was no evidence of clinical recurrence. The recurrence rate of AIH after liver transplantation may differ among countries, and requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyo Yamashiki
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Artificial Organ and Transplantation DivisionDepartments of Surgery Pathology, University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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45
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Czaja AJ. Diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis after liver transplantation. Dig Dis Sci 2012; 57:2248-66. [PMID: 22562533 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2179-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis can recur or appear de novo after liver transplantation, and it can result in hepatic fibrosis, graft loss, and re-transplantation. The goals of this review are to describe the prevalence, manifestations, putative pathogenic mechanisms, outcomes, and management of these occurrences. Autoimmune hepatitis recurs in 8-12 % of transplanted patients at 1 year and 36-68 % at 5 years. Recurrence may be asymptomatic and detected only by surveillance liver test abnormalities or protocol liver tissue examination. Autoantibodies that characterized the original disease, hypergammaglobulinemia, increased serum immunoglobulin G level, and histological findings of interface hepatitis, lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, perivenular hepatocyte necrosis, pseudo-rosetting, and acidophil bodies typify recurrence. Premature corticosteroid withdrawal and pre-transplant severity of the original disease are possible risk factors. De novo autoimmune hepatitis occurs in 1-7 % of patients 0.1-9 years after transplantation, especially in children. The appearance of autoantibodies may herald its emergence, and antibodies to glutathione-S-transferase T1 have been predictive of the disease. Recurrent disease may reflect recruitment of residual memory T lymphocytes and host-specific genetic predispositions, whereas de novo disease may reflect an allo-antigenic immune response and molecular mimicries that override self-tolerance. Treatment should be appropriate for autoimmune hepatitis and not based on anti-rejection drugs. Corticosteroid therapy alone or combined with azathioprine is the essential treatment. The substitution of mycophenolate mofetil for azathioprine and switch of the calcineurin inhibitor or its replacement with rapamycin have also been used for refractory disease. Re-transplantation has been necessary in 8-23 %.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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46
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Abstract
Prednisone and prednisolone are the mainstays of treatment for autoimmune hepatitis. Prednisone is converted in the liver to the active metabolite, prednisolone. The principal therapeutic action of prednisolone is to suppress cytokine gene expression and to inhibit the differentiation and proliferation of activated lymphocytes. It also has anti-inflammatory effects that include decreased production of adhesion molecules, increased apoptosis of lymphocytes and decreased hepatic collagen deposition. Advanced liver disease does not sufficiently suppress hepatic conversion of prednisone to warrant the preferential use of prednisolone. Budesonide combined with azathioprine has been more effective and safer than the conventional prednisone-based regimen when given for 6 months to treatment-naive patients. It is emerging as a frontline treatment, especially for noncirrhotic patients with uncomplicated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Siciliano M, Parlati L, Maldarelli F, Rossi M, Ginanni Corradini S. Liver transplantation in adults: Choosing the appropriate timing. World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther 2012; 3:49-61. [PMID: 22966483 PMCID: PMC3437446 DOI: 10.4292/wjgpt.v3.i4.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation is indicated in patients with acute liver failure, decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and rare liver-based genetic defects that trigger damage of other organs. Early referral to a transplant center is crucial in acute liver failure due to the high mortality with medical therapy and its unpredictable evolution. Referral to a transplant center should be considered when at least one complication of cirrhosis occurs during its natural history. However, because of the shortage of organ donors and the short-term mortality after liver transplantation on one hand and the possibility of managing the complications of cirrhosis with other treatments on the other, patients are carefully selected by the transplant center to ensure that transplantation is indicated and that there are no medical, surgical and psychological contraindications. Patients approved for transplantation are placed on the transplant waiting list and prioritized according to disease severity. Thus, the appropriate timing of transplantation depends on recipient disease severity and, although this is still a matter of debate, also on donor quality. These two variables are known to determine the “transplant benefit” (i.e., when the expected patient survival is better with, than without, transplantation) and should guide donor allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Siciliano
- Maria Siciliano, Lucia Parlati, Federica Maldarelli, Stefano Ginanni Corradini, Department of Clinical Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Identifying whether someone is a good candidate for liver transplantation is a complex process that requires a team approach. There are several medical and psychosocial considerations involved, each of which is thoroughly explored during the evaluation process. Both the indications and contraindications to transplantation can change over time, reflecting advances in understanding of, and ability to treat, certain disease processes. Ultimately, the goal of liver transplantation remains to provide a survival benefit to those with acute or chronic liver diseases.
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49
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Liberal R, Longhi MS, Grant CR, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. Autoimmune hepatitis after liver transplantation. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2012; 10:346-53. [PMID: 22056300 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2011.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is an effective treatment for patients with end-stage acute and chronic autoimmune hepatitis. However, despite the good outcomes reported, disease recurrence is relatively common in the allograft. In addition, autoimmunity and autoimmune liver disease can arise de novo after transplantation for non-autoimmune liver disorders. Little is known about the mechanisms by which autoimmune diseases develop after liver transplantation, but genetic factors, molecular mimicry, impaired regulatory T-cell responses, and exposures to new alloantigens might be involved. Regardless of the pathogenic mechanisms, it is important to remain aware of the existence of recurrent and de novo autoimmune hepatitis after liver transplantation; these disorders are similar to classic autoimmune hepatitis and are therefore not treated with standard antirejection strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Liberal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom
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50
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis has a variable clinical phenotype, and the absence of conventional autoantibodies does not preclude its diagnosis or need for treatment. The goals of this review are to describe the frequency and nature of autoantibody-negative autoimmune hepatitis, indicate its outcome after corticosteroid treatment, and increase awareness of the diagnosis in patients with unexplained acute and chronic hepatitis. The frequency of presumed autoantibody-negative autoimmune hepatitis in patients with acute and acute severe presentations is ≤7%, and its frequency in patients with chronic presentations is 1-34%. Patients with acute presentations can have normal serum γ-globulin levels, centrilobular zone 3 necrosis, and low pre-treatment international diagnostic scores. Liver tissue examination is essential for the diagnosis, and hepatic steatosis can be a co-morbid feature. The comprehensive international scoring system can support but never override the clinical diagnosis pre-treatment, and non-standard serological markers should be sought if the clinical diagnosis is uncertain or the diagnostic score is low. A 3-month treatment trial with corticosteroids should be considered in all patients, regardless of the serological findings, and improvements have occurred in 67-87% of cases. Autoantibody-negative autoimmune hepatitis may be associated with an autoantibody outside the conventional battery; it may have a signature autoantibody that is still undiscovered, or its characteristic autoantibodies may have been suppressed or have a delayed expression. The pathogenic mechanisms are presumed to be identical to those of classical disease. Autoantibody-negative autoimmune hepatitis is an infrequent but treatable disease that must be considered in unexplained acute and chronic hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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