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Oliveira EMG, Amaral ACDC, Oliveira PMC, Lanzoni VP, Perez RM, Narciso-Schiavon JL, Whale RC, Carvalho-Filho RJ, Silva AEB, Ferraz MLCG. Clinical Characteristics of Genuine Acute Autoimmune Hepatitis. GE PORTUGUESE JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2024; 31:173-181. [PMID: 38757065 PMCID: PMC11095594 DOI: 10.1159/000531018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has a spectrum of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic disease to acute severe hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, and decompensated cirrhosis. The acute presentation is not rare and could represent genuine acute AIH (GAAIH) or acute exacerbation of chronic autoimmune hepatitis. We aimed to identify the prevalence, clinical features, and prognostic factors associated with GAAIH and compare these cases with acute exacerbation of chronic AIH. Methods This cross-sectional observational study evaluated patients with acute AIH presentation, defined as total bilirubin >5 times the upper limit of normality (xULN) and/or alanine aminotransferase >10 xULN, and no prior history of liver disease. Histology findings of acute disease defined GAAIH. Bivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the GAAIH, when compared with acute exacerbation of chronic AIH. Results Seventy-two patients with acute presentation of AIH were included and six (8.3%) of them presented GAAIH. Comparative analysis between patients with GAAIH and patients with acute exacerbation of chronic AIH revealed that prothrombin activity (96% [74-100] vs. 61% [10-100]; p = 0.003) and albumin levels (3.9 ± 0.2 g/dL vs. 3.4 ± 0.5 g/dL; p < 0.001) were higher in patients with GAAIH. The International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group score was higher in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic AIH (18.5 [8-23] vs. 16.5 [15-17]; p = 0.010). Compared to 15.2% of acute exacerbation of chronic AIH, complete therapeutic response to treatment was achieved in 67.7% of cases with GAAIH (p = 0.018). Conclusions GAAIH was rare (8.3%), and patients with this presentation exhibited more preserved liver function tests, suggesting that most cases presenting with loss of function are acute exacerbation of chronic AIH. Additionally, patients with GAAIH had a better complete therapeutic response, suggesting a more preserved liver function at presentation, and early diagnosis has a positive therapeutic implication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elze Maria Gomes Oliveira
- Division of Gastroenterology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Centro Universitário Lusíada, Santos, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Renata Mello Perez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Janaína Luz Narciso-Schiavon
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Raul Carlos Whale
- Division of Gastroenterology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Maria Medeiros de Ataides Bezerra M, Cristina de Farias Andrade I, Cesar Dias de Melo Silva J, Clara Santos Costa A, Ricardo Costa da Silva R, Richardison Silva Vasconcelos L, de Fátima Cavalcanti Toscano Barreto M, Maria Moreira Beltrão Pereira L, Wanessa Santos Rocha S. Hepatic expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and evaluation of MAPK-p38 and NFκB signaling pathways in autoimmune hepatitis. Cytokine 2024; 177:156541. [PMID: 38368696 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a necroinflammatory disease that occurs when genetically susceptible individuals are exposed to an environmental trigger. It is a rare disease, and its epidemiological aspects are nearly unknown in Northeast Brazil. In the literature, the activation of components of the inflammatory cascade pathways, including interleukins such as TNF-α and signaling factors like MAPK-p38 and NFκB, in the pathogenesis of AIH is well described in animal models. This study evaluated, for the first time, the immunostaining of TNF-α, MAPK-p38, and NFκB in immunohistochemical analysis of liver biopsies from AIH patients. The activation of the MAPK-p38 pathway was also studied through immunoassay analysis in the peripheral blood of AIH patients. METHODS AND RESULTS Data from medical records of 25 AIH patients were analyzed. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of liver tissue obtained from biopsies was performed to detect NFκB, MAPK-p38, and TNF-α. Immunoassay analysis of the MAPK-p38 pathway was performed in peripheral blood from 18 AIH patients and 8 healthy volunteers. Medical record analysis showed an average age of 33.3 years, with a female predominance in a ratio of 7.3:1. Concomitance with other autoimmune diseases was observed in 36 % of patients, with thyroid disorders being the most prominent among them, and an 8 % indication for liver transplantation. In the evaluation of autoantibodies, ANA was detected in 52 %, followed by SMA at 20 %, and Anti-LKM-1 at 16 %. Liver biopsy findings were like the global literature, with interface hepatitis and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration observed. Immunohistochemical analysis showed immunostaining for NFκB, MAPK-p38, and TNF-α, corroborating the inflammatory and immunological characteristics of the disease. Immunoassay analysis in peripheral blood confirmed the activation of the MAPK-p38 signaling pathway, with a statistically significant difference between AIH patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS The epidemiological and histological findings of AIH in this study in Northeast Brazil were like global population data. Immunohistochemical analysis of liver tissue and immunoassay analysis in peripheral blood confirmed the activation of TNF-α and the NFκB and MAPK-p38 signaling pathways in AIH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sura Wanessa Santos Rocha
- Graduate Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMA), Brazil; Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Pernambuco (ICB), Brazil.
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Zhou H, Ye Q. Clinical Features of COVID-19 Vaccine-Associated Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Systematic Review. Diseases 2023; 11:80. [PMID: 37366868 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11020080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an inflammatory liver disease wherein the body's immune system instigates an attack on the liver, causing inflammation and hepatic impairment. This disease usually manifests in genetically predisposed individuals and is triggered by stimuli or environments such as viral infections, environmental toxins, and drugs. The causal role of COVID-19 vaccination in AIH remains uncertain. This review of 39 cases of vaccine-related AIH indicates that female patients above the age of 50 years or those with potential AIH risk factors may be susceptible to vaccine-related AIH, and the clinical features of vaccine-associated AIH are similar to those of idiopathic AIH. These features commonly manifest in patients after the first dose of vaccination, with symptom onset typically delayed by 10-14 days. The incidence of underlying liver disease in patients with potential health conditions associated to liver disease is similar to that of patients without preexisting illnesses. Steroid administration is effective in treating vaccine-related AIH-susceptible patients, with most patients experiencing improvement in their clinical symptoms. However, care should be taken to prevent bacterial infections during drug administration. Furthermore, the possible pathogenic mechanisms of vaccine-associated AIH are discussed to offer potential ideas for vaccine development and enhancement. Although the incidence of vaccine-related AIH is rare, individuals should not be deterred from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, as the benefits of vaccination significantly outweigh the risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Qing Ye
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310000, China
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4
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Domerecka W, Kowalska-Kępczyńska A, Homa-Mlak I, Michalak A, Mlak R, Mazurek M, Cichoż-Lach H, Małecka-Massalska T. The Usefulness of Extended Inflammation Parameters and Systemic Inflammatory Response Markers in the Diagnostics of Autoimmune Hepatitis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162554. [PMID: 36010631 PMCID: PMC9406892 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Introduction: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic disease. A persistent autoimmune reaction in the liver is significantly related to the systemic inflammatory response. Extended Inflammation Parameters (EIP) can be used to assess the activation of immune cells such as activated neutrophils (NEUT-RI and NEUT-GI) and activated lymphocytes (RE-LYMP and AS-LYMP) in the phase of active inflammation. The role of the systemic inflammatory response markers should also be emphasised, especially: NLR, PLR, and RLR, which have recently been widely studied as markers in autoimmune skin diseases or liver diseases. (2) Materials and Methods: The study included 30 patients with AIH and 30 healthy volunteers. The parameters of the EIP group (RE-LYMP, AS-LYMP, NEUT-RI, NEUT-GI), calculated haematological indices Red Blood Cell Distribution Width-to-Platelet Ratio (RPR), Mean Platelet Volume-to-Platelet Ratio (MPR), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Red Blood Cell Distribution Width-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (RLR), and selected blood morphological and biochemical indices were analysed. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of the EIP and systemic inflammatory response markers in the diagnostics of AIH. (3) Results: Compared to the controls, the patients with AIH showed significantly higher EIP values: NEUT-RI (48.05 vs. 43.30), NEUT-GI (152.65 vs. 147.40), RE-LYMP (0.07 vs. 0.03), and the inflammatory response markers: MPR (0.05 vs. 0.04), RPR (0.07 vs. 0.05), and NLR (2.81 vs. 1.42. Among the examined markers, EIP has significant diagnostic potential: NEUT-RI (AUC = 0.86), NEUT-GI (AUC = 0.80), and RE-LYMP (AUC = 0.78), and so do calculated haematological indices, i.e., MPR (AUC = 0.75), PLR (AUC = 1.00), and RLR (AUC = 1.00) Moreover, the importance of NEUT-GI (AUC = 0.89), MPR (AUC = 0.93), PLR (AUC = 0.86), RPR (AUC = 0.91), and FIB-4 (AUC = 0.83) in the detection of liver fibrosis in the course of AIH has also been proven. (4) Conclusions: EIP and systemic inflammatory response markers may turn out to be useful in detecting AIH and in looking for features of already developed liver cirrhosis in its course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Domerecka
- Chair and Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Kowalska-Kępczyńska
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Chair of Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Homa-Mlak
- Chair and Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agata Michalak
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, 8 Jaczewskiego Str., 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Radosław Mlak
- Chair and Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marcin Mazurek
- Chair and Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Halina Cichoż-Lach
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, 8 Jaczewskiego Str., 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Teresa Małecka-Massalska
- Chair and Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
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Téllez L, Sánchez Rodríguez E, Rodríguez de Santiago E, Llovet L, Gómez‐Outomuro A, Díaz‐Fontenla F, Álvarez López P, García‐Eliz M, Amaral C, Sánchez‐Torrijos Y, Fortea JI, Ferre‐Aracil C, Rodríguez‐Perálvarez M, Abadía M, Gómez‐Camarero J, Olveira A, Calleja JL, Crespo J, Romero M, Hernández‐Guerra M, Berenguer M, Riveiro‐Barciela M, Salcedo M, Rodríguez M, Londoño MC, Albillos A. Early predictors of corticosteroid response in acute severe autoimmune hepatitis: a nationwide multicenter study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 56:131-143. [PMID: 35470447 PMCID: PMC9324977 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To assess whether corticosteroids improve prognosis in patients with AS-AIH, and to identify factors at therapy initiation and during therapy predictive of the response to corticosteroids. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study including all patients with AS-AIH admitted to 13 tertiary centres from January 2002 to January 2019. The composite primary outcome was death or liver transplantation within 90 days of admission. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods were used for data analysis. RESULTS Of 242 consecutive patients enrolled (mean age [SD] 49.7 [16.8] years), 203 received corticosteroids. Overall 90-day transplant-free survival was 61.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 55.4-67.7). Corticosteroids reduced the risk of a poor outcome (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.25; 95% CI 0.2-0.4), but this treatment failed in 30.5%. An internally validated nomogram composed of older age, MELD, encephalopathy and ascites at the initiation of corticosteroids accurately predicted the response (C-index 0.82; [95% CI 0.8-0.9]). In responders, MELD significantly improved from days 3 to 14 but remained unchanged in non-responders. MELD on day 7 with a cut-off of 25 (sensitivity 62.5%[95% CI: 47.0-75.8]; specificity 95.2% [95% CI: 89.9-97.8]) was the best univariate predictor of the response. Prolonging corticosteroids did not increase the overall infection risk (adjusted HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.3-2.1). CONCLUSION Older patients with high MELD, encephalopathy or ascites at steroid therapy initiation and during treatment are unlikely to show a favourable response and so prolonged therapy in these patients, especially if they are transplantation candidates, should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Téllez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Universidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
| | - Eugenia Sánchez Rodríguez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Universidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
| | - Enrique Rodríguez de Santiago
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Universidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
| | - Laura Llovet
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Ana Gómez‐Outomuro
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Central de AsturiasISPA, Universidad de OviedoOviedoSpain
| | - Fernando Díaz‐Fontenla
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IISGM. Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad Complutense de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Patricia Álvarez López
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d´Hebron, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - María García‐Eliz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario La Fe, IISLaFe, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Carla Amaral
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, CIBICAN, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de La LagunaTenerifeSpain
| | - Yolanda Sánchez‐Torrijos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, IBiS, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de SevillaSevillaSpain
| | - José Ignacio Fortea
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de CantabriaSantanderSpain
| | - Carlos Ferre‐Aracil
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, IISPH, Universidad Autónoma de MadridCentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)MadridSpain
| | - Manuel Rodríguez‐Perálvarez
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Hospital Universitario Reina SofíaIMIBIC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)CórdobaSpain
| | - Marta Abadía
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IDIPAZUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Judith Gómez‐Camarero
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyComplejo Asistencial Universitario de BurgosBurgosSpain
| | - Antonio Olveira
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IDIPAZUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - José Luis Calleja
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, IISPH, Universidad Autónoma de MadridCentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)MadridSpain
| | - Javier Crespo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, IBiS, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de SevillaSevillaSpain
| | | | - Manuel Hernández‐Guerra
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, CIBICAN, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de La LagunaTenerifeSpain
| | - Marina Berenguer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario La Fe, IISLaFe, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Mar Riveiro‐Barciela
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d´Hebron, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Magdalena Salcedo
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IISGM. Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad Complutense de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Manuel Rodríguez
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Central de AsturiasISPA, Universidad de OviedoOviedoSpain
| | - María Carlota Londoño
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)Universidad de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Agustín Albillos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Universidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
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Covelli C, Sacchi D, Sarcognato S, Cazzagon N, Grillo F, Baciorri F, Fanni D, Cacciatore M, Maffeis V, Guido M. Pathology of autoimmune hepatitis. Pathologica 2021; 113:185-193. [PMID: 34294936 PMCID: PMC8299324 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare non-resolving chronic liver disease, which mainly affects women. It is characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, circulating autoantibodies, interface hepatitis on liver histology and a favourable response to immunosuppression. The putative mechanism for the development of autoimmune hepatitis is thought to be the interaction between genetic predisposition, environmental triggers and failure of the native immune system. AIH still remains a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, mainly because it is a very heterogeneous disease. Prompt and timely diagnosis is crucial since, if left untreated, AIH has a high mortality rate. Histological demonstration of hepatitis is required for the diagnosis of AIH and, therefore, liver biopsy is mandatory in the initial diagnostic work-up, before treatment. In this review, we summarize the histological features of AIH with the main aim of highlighting the most important clinical-pathological hallmarks useful in the routine diagnostic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Covelli
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Diana Sacchi
- Pathology Department Azienda ULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | | | - Nora Cazzagon
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- Unit of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genova and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Fanni
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Maffeis
- Pathology Department Azienda ULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Maria Guido
- Pathology Department Azienda ULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy.,Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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7
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Zheng L, Liu Y, Shang Y, Han Z, Han Y. Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of acute severe autoimmune hepatitis. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:93. [PMID: 33648445 PMCID: PMC7923616 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-01653-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Acute severe autoimmune hepatitis (AS-AIH) is a rare cause of acute liver failure (ALF), which is often neglected and delayed in treatment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and therapeutic effects of AS-AIH. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed. AIH was diagnosed according to the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) criteria revised in 1999. AS-AIH was defined as an acute presentation (onset of symptoms to presentation of ≤ 26 weeks) and INR of ≥ 1.5, and no histologic evidence of cirrhosis. Results Twelve patients were diagnosed as AS-AIH. At baseline, median immunoglobulin G was 28.35 g/L (range, 11.4–49.2). Ten (83.3%) patients were antinuclear antibodies and/or anti-smooth muscle antibodies positive. The prominent histologic characteristics were lobular necrosis/inflammation (91.7%) and plasma cell infiltration (100%). All patients received corticosteroid therapy. Death occurred in 2 (16.7%) patients within 30 days resulted from ALF. The average interval between the onset of symptoms and initiation of corticosteroid therapy in deceased patients was 65 days, compared with 19 days for survivors. Conclusions AS-AIH is an uncommon disease with poor outcomes. Patients with acute severe hepatitis of unknown cause should be minded the possibility of AS-AIH and corticosteroids should be considered as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linhua Zheng
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yansheng Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yulong Shang
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Zheyi Han
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ying Han
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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8
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Fedrizzi RS, Coral GP, Mattos AAD, Mattos ÂZD, Tovo CV. EVALUATION OF PATIENTS WITH AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS IN A SPECIALIZED OUTPATIENT CLINIC IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2021; 57:361-365. [PMID: 33237214 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.202000000-69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease, characterized by necroinflammation and autoimmune etiology. Studies evaluating the characteristics of patients with AIH are scarce in Brazil. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate the profile of patients with AIH in a specialized center in Southern Brazil and to verify factors related to treatment response. METHODS this was a retrospective cohort study, which analyzed demographic, epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and histologic data. Patients with AIH diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) were included. In liver biopsies, the degree of fibrosis, histological activity, presence of hepatocyte rosettes, plasma cell infiltrates, and confluent necrosis were evaluated. In the statistical analysis, the significance level was 5%. RESULTS Forty adults patients diagnosed with AIH were included. The evaluated population predominantly consisted of women (75.0%) and the average age at diagnosis was 44.2 years. The association with extrahepatic autoimmune diseases occurred in 20.0% of cases. Clinically, 35.0% of patients presented with acute onset hepatitis, 37.5% with cirrhosis, and 27.5% with other forms of presentation. The most common clinical manifestation was jaundice (47.5%). Thirty-five patients were treated, and of these, 97.1% used prednisone combined with azathioprine. The average treatment time was 2.7 years. Response to treatment was complete or partial in 30 (85.7%) and absent in 5 (14.3%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference when evaluating response to treatment in relation to forms of presentation, histological findings, and the presence of autoantibodies. Regarding fibrosis, regression was observed in 18.75% of the cases. CONCLUSION Most patients with AIH were young at presentation and of female sex. The association with extrahepatic autoimmune diseases and cirrhosis at presentation was seen in a considerable proportion of patients. Treatment was effective, but there were no clinical, histological or serological parameters capable of predicting treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata S Fedrizzi
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Gabriela P Coral
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Angelo A de Mattos
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Ângelo Z de Mattos
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Cristiane V Tovo
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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9
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Tsutsui A, Harada K, Tsuneyama K, Nguyen Canh H, Ando M, Nakamura S, Mizobuchi K, Baba N, Senoh T, Nagano T, Shibata H, Aoki T, Takaguchi K. Histopathological analysis of autoimmune hepatitis with "acute" presentation: Differentiation from drug-induced liver injury. Hepatol Res 2020; 50:1047-1061. [PMID: 32515851 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM Presently, no standardized definition or acceptable diagnostic criteria have been established for acute presentation of autoimmune hepatitis (AP-AIH), making it difficult to differentiate that condition from drug-induced liver injury (DILI). This study aimed to characterize clinical and histological features for distinguishing between AP-AIH and DILI. METHODS Clinical, biochemical, and histological characteristics of AP-AIH and DILI in clinically well-characterized cases were compared in a standardized manner to clarify differences. RESULTS In clinical evaluations, immunoglobulin G level and rate of anti-nuclear antibody positivity were greater in AP-AIH than DILI cases. As for diagnosis of each condition, significant (P < 0.01) differences were found for 10 features: lobular necrosis/inflammation, cobblestone appearance of hepatocytes, plasma cell infiltration in liver parenchyma, centrilobular fibrosis, hepatic rosette formation in areas with cobblestone appearance, portal inflammation, interface hepatitis, prominent plasma cells in portal areas, bile duct injury, and hepatic rosette formation in periportal areas. The area under the curve and cut-off values for the combination of these 10 features were 0.95 and 9 (sensitivity 86%, specificity 90%), respectively. CONCLUSION Combinations of histological features were found to be helpful for differentiating AP-AIH from DILI, but we were not able to statistically identify an individual feature as definitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akemi Tsutsui
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima
| | - Hiep Nguyen Canh
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa
| | - Midori Ando
- Department of Pathology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu
| | - Satoko Nakamura
- Department of Pathology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu
| | - Koichi Mizobuchi
- Department of Pathology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu
| | - Nobuyuki Baba
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu
| | - Tomonori Senoh
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu
| | - Takuya Nagano
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu
| | - Hiroshi Shibata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tokushima Prefectural Central Hospital, Tokushima
| | - Tomoko Aoki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Koichi Takaguchi
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu
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10
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Increasing incidence of acute autoimmune hepatitis: a nationwide survey in Japan. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14250. [PMID: 32859968 PMCID: PMC7455563 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71296-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Japanese diagnostic guidelines for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) were proposed in 2014. This study aimed to determine the trends and characteristics of AIH based on a Japanese nationwide survey. Data for 796 patients who were newly diagnosed with AIH from 2014 to 2017 were collected from January to March, 2019 from 54 hospitals throughout Japan. Clinical characteristics, including treatment, were compared with those reported in a prior 2015 survey. The population had a median age of 63 years at diagnosis, and the male to female ratio was 1:5.3. The numbers of women was significantly lower in this survey than in the 2015 survey. Moreover, the incidence of AIH with histological acute hepatitis increased significantly from 11.0 to 21.7%. The changes in the laboratory findings, such as in transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels and antinuclear antibody titers, as well as in prednisolone treatment, reflected an increasing incidence of acute AIH. The clinical characteristics of AIH changed rapidly, in parallel with the increasing incidence of acute AIH. The elucidation and diagnosis of AIH with acute hepatitis are important in the management of AIH.
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11
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Acute onset autoimmune hepatitis: Clinical presentation and treatment outcomes. Ann Hepatol 2020; 18:439-444. [PMID: 31040094 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) may present acutely, which can rapidly progress to fulminant type. This pattern has been described worldwide but is generally under-reported. We aim to describe the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of patients with acute onset AIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS A multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients with acute onset AIH. Clinical, biochemical, and histological data were analyzed and the outcomes were reported. RESULTS Seventy patients were included. The mean age was 33.8±1.5 years and 58.6% were female. Upon initial presentation, 94% had jaundice, 44% had fatigue, 31% had pruritus, and 29% had abdominal pain. Biochemical analysis revealed elevated alanine transaminase (733±463.6), aspartate transaminase (699±423), and total bilirubin (210±181.8). Antinuclear antibody (ANA) was positive in 61% of patients, anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA) in 69%, and both in 31%; immunoglobulin G (IgG) was elevated in 86% of patients. Advanced fibrosis was found in 39%. Complete remission was achieved in 74.3%, two patients required liver transplants and six died. No specific biomarkers were identified as predictive of remission; however, advanced age was associated with poor prognosis. CONCLUSION Acute onset AIH is a disease that requires early diagnosis and management. We confirmed that elevated transaminases are the hallmark of biochemical presentation of acute AIH. High IgG, ANA and ASMA are typically present in such patients upon presentation, however, their absence does not totally exclude the diagnosis. Initial response to treatment was excellent; however, the long-term mortality was higher than the general patient population.
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12
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease, characterized by the elevation of aminotransferases, presence of anti-nuclear antibody or anti-smooth muscle antibody, elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG), and interface hepatitis/plasma-lymphocytic inflammation based on histology. Recent epidemiological studies have indicated an increasing trend in the prevalence of AIH worldwide, especially in male patients; this trend may suggest the alteration of environmental triggers of disease onset over time. As no disease-specific biomarker or histological finding is currently available, AIH requires a clinical diagnosis, and a validated diagnostic scoring system with acceptable specificity and sensitivity has been proposed. Regarding treatment, corticosteroids and azathioprine are recommended, and in those who exhibit an incomplete response or those who are intolerant to these drugs, second-line therapy, such as mycophenolate mofetil, is considered. Overall, the long-term outcome is excellent in patients with complete biochemical responses, while life-long maintenance treatment may be required since the cessation of immunosuppressive agents frequently leads to the relapse of the disease. Acute-onset AIH does occur, and the diagnosis is very challenging due to the lack of serum autoantibodies or elevated IgG. The unmet needs include earlier diagnosis, intervention with disseminated clinical practice guidelines, and recognition and improvement of patients’ health-related quality of life with the development of novel corticosteroid-free treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Seike T, Komura T, Shimizu Y, Omura H, Kumai T, Kagaya T, Ohta H, Kawashima A, Harada K, Kaneko S, Unoura M. The Serum Mac-2-binding Protein Glycosylation Isomer Dynamics in Acute Liver Injury. Intern Med 2020; 59:1581-1588. [PMID: 32269188 PMCID: PMC7402970 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.3867-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective We aimed to examine the dynamics of serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive human Mac-2-binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) in patients with acute liver injury. Methods Serum M2BPGi levels at the time of the diagnosis (n=77) and normalization of the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (n=26) were examined retrospectively. The difference in the serum M2BPGi level according to the etiology, and the correlations with other laboratory parameters were evaluated. Results The serum M2BPGi level at the time of the diagnosis was increased in 59 of 77 patients [2.3 cutoff index (COI); range, 0.31-11.1 COI] and was significantly decreased at the time of serum ALT normalization (0.68 COI; range, 0.15-1.87 COI; p<0.0001). The serum M2BPGi level was positively correlated with the duration for which serum ALT normalization was achieved (n=46, Spearman rho=0.53, p<0.0001). A multivariate analysis identified total bilirubin (T-bil), albumin, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, and etiology (e.g., drug-induced liver injury or etiology unknown) as independent factors for increased serum M2BPGi. In patients with infectious mononucleosis, the serum M2BPGi level was higher relative to the degree of increase of serum ALT or T-bil levels in comparison to other etiologies. Conclusion The serum M2BPGi level in patients with acute liver injury reflects the magnitude and duration of liver injury. However, it should be noted that the degree of increase of serum M2BPGi in patients with acute liver injury may differ according to the etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Seike
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Kanazawa Medical Center, Japan
- System Biology, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Japan
| | - Takuya Komura
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Kanazawa Medical Center, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Kanazawa Medical Center, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Omura
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Kanazawa Medical Center, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Kumai
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Kanazawa Medical Center, Japan
| | - Takashi Kagaya
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Kanazawa Medical Center, Japan
| | - Hajime Ohta
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Kanazawa Medical Center, Japan
| | - Atsuhiro Kawashima
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Hospital Organization Kanazawa Medical Center, Japan
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Japan
| | - Shuichi Kaneko
- System Biology, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Japan
| | - Masashi Unoura
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Kanazawa Medical Center, Japan
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14
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Takahashi A, Ohira H, Abe K, Zeniya M, Abe M, Arinaga-Hino T, Torimura T, Yoshizawa K, Takaki A, Kang JH, Suzuki Y, Nakamoto N, Inui A, Tanaka A, Takikawa H. Differences in autoimmune hepatitis based on inflammation localization. Med Mol Morphol 2020; 54:8-13. [PMID: 32410010 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-020-00255-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Histopathology is essential for the diagnosis and evaluation of disease activity of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). We aimed to elucidate the characteristics of AIH from the localization of inflammation. We re-evaluated a nationwide survey that was performed in Japan in 2018 of AIH patients diagnosed between 2014 and 2017. A total of 303 patients were enrolled, and the clinical and treatment characteristics were compared between the patients with predominantly portal inflammation (230 patients) or lobular inflammation (73 patients). AIH patients with lobular inflammation had a higher probability of being diagnosed with acute hepatitis than those with portal inflammation. Liver enzyme levels were higher in patients with lobular inflammation, whereas immunoglobulin G levels were higher in patients with portal inflammation. The prevalence of an alanine aminotransferase level < 30 U/L after 6 months of treatment was significantly higher in patients with lobular inflammation than in those with portal inflammation (81.7% vs. 67.3%, P = 0.046). The localization of inflammation may be useful for evaluating the onset of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kazumichi Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Mikio Zeniya
- Sanno Medical Center, International University of Health and Welfare, 8-10-16 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0052, Japan
| | - Masanori Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, To-on, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Teruko Arinaga-Hino
- Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Takuji Torimura
- Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Kaname Yoshizawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Shinshu Ueda Medical Center, 1-27-21 Midorigaoka, Ueda-City, Nagano, 386-8610, Japan
| | - Akinobu Takaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama-City, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Jong-Hon Kang
- Center for Gastroenterology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, 1-12 Maeda, Teine-ku, Sapporo, 006-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Suzuki
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital, Toranomon 2-2-2 Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8470, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nakamoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ayano Inui
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, 3-6-1 Shimosueyoshi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0012, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
| | - Hajime Takikawa
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
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15
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Ikura A, Chu PS, Nakamoto N, Ojiro K, Taniki N, Yoshida A, Shinoda M, Morikawa R, Yamataka K, Noguchi F, Hoshi H, Usui S, Ebinuma H, Kitagawa Y, Saito H, Kanai T. CLIF-C Organ Failure Score and Liver Volume Predict Prognosis in Steroid-Treated Severe Acute Autoimmune Hepatitis. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:1019-1033. [PMID: 32626834 PMCID: PMC7327221 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Controversies and debates remain regarding the best management of severe acute‐onset autoimmune hepatitis (SA‐AIH) due to the lack of useful outcome or complication prediction systems. We conducted this clinical practice‐based observational study to clarify whether Chronic Liver Failure Consortium Organ Failure scores (CLIF‐C OFs) and the computed tomography–derived liver volume to standard liver volume (CTLV/SLV) ratio at admission to a tertiary transplant center can predict outcomes and complications due to infection. Thirty‐four consecutive corticosteroid‐treated patients with SA‐AIH from 2007 to 2018 were included. Severe hepatitis was defined as an international normalized ratio (of prothrombin time) over 1.3 any time before admission. Of the 34 corticosteroid‐treated patients with SA‐AIH inclusive of 25 (73.5%) acute liver failure cases, transplant‐free survival was observed in 24 patients (70.6%). Any infection was noticed in 10 patients (29.4%). CLIF‐C OFs, at the cutoff of 9, significantly predicted survival (P = 0.0002, log‐rank test), outperformed the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease system in predicting outcome (P = 0.0325), and significantly discriminated between liver transplant and death in a competing risk analysis. SA‐AIH was characterized as having decreased CTLV/SLV, which was also predictive of survival (P < 0.0001). Interestingly, CLIF‐C OFs, especially the subscores for respiratory dysfunction, also predicted infection (P = 0.007). Conclusion: In corticosteroid‐treated patients with SA‐AIH, CLIF‐C OFs and CTLV/SLV ratios predicted both survival outcome and complications due to infection. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether making decisions based on CLIF‐C OFs or CTLV/SLV ratios is useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Ikura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Po-Sung Chu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nakamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Keisuke Ojiro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital Ichikawa City Japan
| | - Nobuhito Taniki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Aya Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinoda
- Department of Surgery Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Rei Morikawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Karin Yamataka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Fumie Noguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Hitomi Hoshi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Shingo Usui
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology National Hospital Organization Saitama Hospital Wako City Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Ebinuma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine Narita City Japan
| | - Yuko Kitagawa
- Department of Surgery Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Hidetsugu Saito
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Division of Pharmacotherapeutics Keio University School of Pharmacy Tokyo Japan
| | - Takanori Kanai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
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16
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Zipprich A. Rheumatologie und Hepatologie: Diagnostik und Therapie von
autoimmunen Lebererkrankungen. AKTUEL RHEUMATOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1055/a-0885-9314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungUnter autoimmunen Lebererkrankungen werden im klassischen Sinne 3 verschiedene
Entitäten, die Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH), die Primär biliäre Cholangitis (PBC)
und die Primär sklerosierende Cholangitis (PSC) verstanden. Der nachfolgende
Übersichtartikel fokusiert auf die Diagnostik und die Therapie dieser 3
autoimmunen Lebererkrankungen und gibt eine Übersicht zu möglichen zusätzlich
assoziierten Autoimmunerkrankungen.
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17
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Dalekos GN, Koskinas J, Papatheodoridis GV. Hellenic Association for the Study of the Liver Clinical Practice Guidelines: Autoimmune hepatitis. Ann Gastroenterol 2019; 32:1-23. [PMID: 30598587 PMCID: PMC6302199 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2018.0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare acute or chronic liver disease of unknown etiology characterized by large heterogeneity. Its distribution is global, covering all ages, both sexes and all ethnic groups. The aim of the present Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) of the Hellenic Association for the Study of the Liver was to provide updated guidance and help to gastroenterologists, hepatologists, internists and general practitioners for AIH diagnosis and management. AIH diagnosis is based on clinicopathological characteristics: namely, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, particularly of immunoglobulin G (IgG), circulating autoantibodies, interface hepatitis on liver histology, absence of viral hepatitis, and a favorable response to immunosuppression. Clinical manifestations at disease onset are variable, ranging from asymptomatic to the acute/severe form. Aminotransferase and bilirubin levels vary, while the presence of hepatitis at the histological level is a prerequisite for diagnosis. Autoantibodies are the hallmark for AIH diagnosis; therefore, the CPG describe the appropriate serological algorithm for their detection. AIH therapy should aim to achieve complete biochemical (normalization of IgG and aminotransferases) and histological remission. All patients who have active disease, even those with cirrhosis, should be treated with individualized and response-guided induction therapy using prednisolone in combination with azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil as first-line therapy. Immunosuppression should be given for at least 3 years and for at least 2 years after the achievement of complete biochemical response, while a liver biopsy should be recommended before treatment discontinuation. Current CPG are also provided for several specific conditions and difficult-to-treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N. Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa (George N. Dalekos)
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa (George N. Dalekos)
| | - John Koskinas
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Hippokratio” General Hospital of Athens, Athens (John Koskinas)
| | - George V. Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Laiko” General Hospital of Athens, Athens (George V. Papatheodoridis), Greece
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18
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Zachou K, Arvaniti P, Azariadis K, Lygoura V, Gatselis NK, Lyberopoulou A, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. Prompt initiation of high-dose i.v. corticosteroids seems to prevent progression to liver failure in patients with original acute severe autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatol Res 2019; 49:96-104. [PMID: 30248210 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Zachou
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece.,Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Arvaniti
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Azariadis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Lygoura
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece.,Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Lyberopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - George K Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - George N Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece.,Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
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19
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Clinical features of autoimmune hepatitis with acute presentation: a Japanese nationwide survey. J Gastroenterol 2018; 53:1079-1088. [PMID: 29476251 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-018-1444-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is characterized by progressive inflammation and necrosis of hepatocytes and eventually leads to a variety of phenotypes, including acute liver dysfunction, chronic progressive liver disease, and fulminant hepatic failure. Although the precise mechanisms of AIH are unknown, environmental factors may trigger disease onset in genetically predisposed individuals. Patients with the recently established entity of AIH with acute presentation often display atypical clinical features that mimic those of acute hepatitis forms even though AIH is categorized as a chronic liver disease. The aim of this study was to identify the precise clinical features of AIH with acute presentation. METHODS Eighty-six AIH patients with acute presentation were retrospectively enrolled from facilities across Japan and analyzed for clinical features, histopathological findings, and disease outcomes. RESULTS Seventy-five patients were female and 11 were male. Patient age ranged from adolescent to over 80 years old, with a median age of 55 years. Median alanine transaminase (ALT) was 776 U/L and median immunoglobulin G (IgG) was 1671 mg/dL. There were no significant differences between genders in terms of ALT (P = 0.27) or IgG (P = 0.51). The number of patients without and with histopathological fibrosis was 29 and 57, respectively. The patients with fibrosis were significantly older than those without (P = 0.015), but no other differences in clinical or histopathological findings were observed. Moreover, antinuclear antibody (ANA)-positive (defined as × 40, N = 63) and -negative (N = 23) patients showed no significant differences in clinical or histopathological findings or disease outcomes. Twenty-five patients experienced disease relapse and two patients died during the study period. ALP ≥ 500 U/L [odds ratio (OR) 3.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-9.10; P < 0.030] and GGT ≥ 200 U/L (OR 2.98; 95% CI 1.01-8.77; P = 0.047) were identified as independent risk factors of disease relapse. CONCLUSIONS AIH with acute presentation is a newly recognized disease entity for which diagnostic hallmarks, such as ALT, fibrosis, and ANA, are needed. Further investigation is also required on the mechanisms of this disorder. Clinicians should be mindful of disease relapse during patient care.
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Dong Y, Potthoff A, Klinger C, Barreiros AP, Pietrawski D, Dietrich CF. Ultrasound findings in autoimmune hepatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:1583-1590. [PMID: 29686465 PMCID: PMC5910541 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i15.1583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound findings in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have not been reported systematically so far. The use of reliable and accurate noninvasive methods for determining fibrosis stage is important in evaluation of treatment efficacy and fibrosis regression in AIH. Imaging plays an important role in detection of complications and ruling out other possible causes of chronic liver diseases. Ultrasound elastography cut-off values in AIH patients are not the same as those in patients with chronic viral hepatitis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. AIH is characterized by wide fluctuations in inflammatory activity. Here we report on current knowledge of ultrasound findings in AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Andrej Potthoff
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover D-30625, Germany
| | - Christoph Klinger
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, Klinikum Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg D-71634, Germany
| | - Ana Paula Barreiros
- German Organ Transplantation Foundation, Region Mitte, Mainz D-55131, Germany
| | - Dariusz Pietrawski
- Department of Internal Medicine 2, Caritas-Krankenhaus Bad Mergentheim, Bad Mergentheim D-97980, Germany
| | - Christoph F Dietrich
- Department of Internal Medicine 2, Caritas-Krankenhaus Bad Mergentheim, Bad Mergentheim D-97980, Germany
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Clinical and Pathological Characteristics of Autoimmune Hepatitis with Acute Presentation. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:3513206. [PMID: 29744332 PMCID: PMC5878912 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3513206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim. To study the differences between acute presentation-autoimmune hepatitis (A-AIH) and chronic autoimmune hepatitis (C-AIH). Methods. Through long-term follow-up, 80 patients were included in our study by using the revised international autoimmune hepatitis group (IAIHG) score and were divided into acute and chronic groups for comparison. Results. No significant difference was found in the gender, age, IAIHG score (pretreatment/posttreatment), definite diagnosis rate, extrahepatic autoimmune disease, onset time, or treatment before biopsy between the acute and chronic groups. In terms of clinical symptoms, A-AIH patients were more prone to jaundice, anorexia, yellow urine, and detesting oil than C-AIH patients, but melena only occurred in chronic group (P < 0.05). The acute group exhibited more severe injury upon histological evaluation, with lobular inflammation and bile duct injury, especially central necrosis of the lobule, more pronounced in this group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. A-AIH had manifestations of acute hepatitis and presented cholestasis. Serum indicators could preliminarily distinguish A-AIH and C-AIH. Histologically, the primary manifestation of A-AIH was lobular inflammation, which was usually accompanied by lobular central necrosis. For the diagnosis of A-AIH, more attention should be paid to long-term follow-up. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02994537).
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis occurs in genetically susceptible individuals as a result of loss of immunological tolerance to hepatic autoantigens that can be precipitated by environmental triggers. The clinical manifestation is usually insidious but can be also acute with liver failure. The diagnosis is made on the basis of antibody positivity, elevated immunoglobulin G levels and interface hepatitis on liver histology. Induction of remission is achieved with high-dose steroids in the majority of cases, and maintenance of remission with azathioprine. Treatment withdrawal is achievable only in a small proportion of patients. Patients with acute liver failure unresponsive to steroids or those with end-stage liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma may require liver transplantation. Variant forms of overlapping autoimmune hepatitis with either primary biliary cholangitis or sclerosing cholangitis are associated with worse outcomes. New insights into the pathophysiology of the disease may provide novel therapeutic targets and a more individualized approach to treatment of autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Theocharidou
- Senior Clinical Fellow, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Consultant Hepatologist, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 9RS
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Taneja S, Kumar P, Mitra S, Duseja A, Minz R, Das A, Dhiman RK, Chawla Y. Acute Exacerbation to Autoimmune Hepatitis Mimicking Acute Viral Hepatitis-A Case Series and Review of Literature. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2018; 8:98-103. [PMID: 29743801 PMCID: PMC5938335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute exacerbation of Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) poses a significant challenge for diagnosis as it can mimic acute viral hepatitis especially in absence of autoantibodies and hypergammaglobulinemia. AIM To determine the clinical, laboratory, histopathological characteristics and response to treatment in AIH patients with acute exacerbation. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 16 patients with acute exacerbation of AIH diagnosed over a period of eight years (2008-2016). RESULTS Out of the 111 patients diagnosed with AIH, acute exacerbation of AIH was diagnosed in 16 (14.4%) patients. All patients were females with median age of 35 years. Nine patients (56%) had Type 1 AIH and seven (44%) patients were diagnosed with seronegative AIH. All 16 (100%) patients had acute viral hepatitis like illness at presentation. The median bilirubin was 4.2 mg/dl (range, 2.2-20), aspartate transaminase was 568 IU/L (range, 390-908), alanine transaminase was 430 IU/L (range, 257-1026) and serum alkaline phosphatase was 395 IU/L (range, 112-890) during symptomatic period. The histopathological examination showed underlying chronic hepatitis in 10 (71.4%) patients, only fibrosis in 2 (14.2) patients and cirrhosis with activity in 2 (14.2%). All 16 (100%) patients were treated with a combination of steroids and azathioprine. Thirteen (81%) patients achieved complete biochemical remission and three (19%) patients achieved partial remission out of which one (6%) patient succumbed to illness because of the complications of cirrhosis. CONCLUSION A suspicion of acute exacerbation of AIH should be considered in patients with unexplained acute hepatitis mimicking acute viral hepatitis in the absence of positive viral markers. Through evaluation with immunoserological markers and liver biopsy can clinch the diagnosis of acute exacerbation of AIH in such cases.
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Key Words
- AASLD, American Association of Study of Liver
- AIH, Autoimmune Hepatitis
- ALKM-1, Liver/Kidney Microsomes
- ALT, Alanine Transaminase
- AMA, Antimitochondrial Antibody
- ANA, Antinuclear Antibodies
- ANCA, Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody
- ASMA, Anti-smooth Muscle Antibodies
- AST, Aspartate Transaminase
- CBR, Complete Biochemical Response
- CT, Computed Tomography
- ELISA, Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay
- IAIHG, International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group
- IIF, Indirect Immunofluorescence
- INR, International Normalized Ratio
- MRCP, Magnetic Response Cholangiopancreatography
- PBC, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
- PBR, Partial Biochemical Response
- PSC, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
- SAP, Serum Alkaline Phosphatase
- acute exacerbation
- autoimmune hepatitis
- primary biliary cirrhosis
- primary sclerosing cholangitis
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Taneja
- Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India,Address for correspondence: Sunil Taneja, Assistant Professor, Department of Hepatology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. Tel.: +91 9592160444/172 2756344; fax: +91 1722756344.
| | - Pramod Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Suvradeep Mitra
- Department of Histopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ajay Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ranjana Minz
- Department of Immunopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ashim Das
- Department of Histopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Radha K. Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Yogesh Chawla
- Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
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Dohmen K, Tanaka H, Haruno M, Aishima S. Immunoserological and histological differences between autoimmune hepatitis with acute presentation and chronic autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:1375-1382. [PMID: 28219122 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM The histological features of clinically chronic autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have been well established, with interface hepatitis and plasma cell infiltration as hallmark lesions, however, the immunoserological and histological features of recent-onset and acute AIH remain undefined. The goal of this study was to define the immunoserological and histological differences between AIH with acute presentation and chronic AIH. METHODS Thirty-two consecutive patients with well-characterized AIH who had undergone a liver biopsy were identified at our institution. These patients were divided into two groups. Sixteen patients whose liver dysfunction had persisted for at least 12 months were defined as chronic AIH (C-AIH) patients, and 16 patients whose liver dysfunction had been within normal limits for >12 months previously, and had only recently been found to have abnormal function for the first time, were defined as AIH with acute presentation (AIH-a) patients. Various biological and histological characteristics were compared between these two patient groups. RESULTS No significant differences were found between the groups for age, body mass index, serum levels of total bilirubin, transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, prothrombin activity, immunoglobulin, titers of antinuclear antibody, or diagnostic scores between the groups. Histologically, there was no significant difference in the degree of interface hepatitis, plasma cell infiltration, or centrilobular necrosis between AIH-a and C-AIH patients. However, histological active findings such as activity, lobular inflammation, rosette formation, spotty necrosis, seroid-laden macrophages, and single cell necrosis were significantly more frequent in AIH-a patients, whereas portal fibrosis was significantly more frequent in C-AIH patients. Only one case among the 16 AIH-a patients was confirmed as acute AIH, showing massive centrilobular necrosis with a mild degree of portal inflammation and interface hepatitis. All patients with AIH-a and C-AIH responded well to corticosteroid or ursodeoxycholic acid treatment. CONCLUSIONS Patients with AIH-a could not be distinguished from C-AIH patients clinically or immunoserologically. Based on the histopathological findings of the liver, almost all cases of AIH-a might be exacerbations of non-symptomatic pre-existing C-AIH.
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Harada K, Hiep NC, Ohira H. Challenges and difficulties in pathological diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:963-971. [PMID: 28675685 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) with acute presentation is widely recognized as a distinct clinical entity, and its clinicopathology has been extensively studied. In most cases, AIH with acute presentation is merely acute exacerbation of classical chronic AIH, but pure acute-onset AIH without previous symptoms of chronic liver disease is also encountered. Rapid diagnosis and initiation of immunosuppressive treatment are necessary for both acute exacerbation and acute-onset to prevent fatal liver failure. The diagnostic criteria commonly used for classical AIH are generally applicable to acute exacerbation, but acute-onset AIH may present with additional pathological features. These features include an acute hepatitis phase characterized by centrilobular necrosis. However, centrilobular necrosis is also a feature of drug-induced liver injury, and there are no known histological characteristics exclusive to acute-onset AIH. Moreover, the possibilities of drug-induced AIH and immune-mediated drug-induced liver injury make diagnosis even more difficult. At present, liver biopsy is mandatory for the diagnosis of AIH with acute presentation, but careful consideration of all clinicopathological signs is necessary for differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Nguyen Canh Hiep
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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26
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Nguyen Canh H, Harada K, Ouchi H, Sato Y, Tsuneyama K, Kage M, Nakano M, Yoshizawa K, Takahashi A, Abe M, Kang JH, Koike K, Inui A, Fujisawa T, Takaki A, Arinaga-Hino T, Torimura T, Suzuki Y, Fujiwara K, Zeniya M, Ohira H, Tanaka A, Takikawa H. Acute presentation of autoimmune hepatitis: a multicentre study with detailed histological evaluation in a large cohort of patients. J Clin Pathol 2017; 70:961-969. [PMID: 28428284 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2016-204271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Although liver biopsy is crucial to diagnose and guide treatment decisions, a detailed histological analysis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) with clinically acute presentations has not yet been performed. This study aimed to characterise the histological features and explore potential histological hallmarks to diagnose the acute presentation of AIH. METHODS We systematically evaluated liver specimens of 87 adult patients with acute presentation of AIH retrospectively enrolled from Japanese multicentre facilities. Each histological feature was predefined by consensus based on the diagnostic criteria. RESULTS Key findings were that acute presentation of AIH revealed histological features of both acute hepatitis and chronic hepatitis accompanying various degrees of fibrosis. The prominent features were lobular necrosis/inflammation (97.7%), plasma cell infiltration (96.4%), emperipolesis (89.3%), pigmented macrophages (84.5%), cobblestone appearance of hepatocytes (82.6%) and perivenular necroinflammatory activity, including centrilobular necrosis (81.4%). CONCLUSIONS The acute presentation of AIH represents the entire histological spectrum of acute hepatitis and chronic hepatitis with various activity grades and fibrosis stages that clinically correspond to acute-onset AIH and acute exacerbation of classic AIH, respectively. Although there are no pathognomonic features for the pathological diagnosis, the prominent presence of lobular and perivenular necroinflammatory activity, pigmented macrophages and cobblestone appearance of hepatocytes in addition to the classic AIH features, such as plasma cell infiltration and emperipolesis, are useful for the pathological diagnosis of the acute presentation of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiep Nguyen Canh
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Ouchi
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yasunori Sato
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology Lab. Med., Tokushima University, Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Kage
- Kurume University Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume, Japan
| | - Masayuki Nakano
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Shonan Fujisawa Tokushukai Hospital, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Kaname Yoshizawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Shinshu Ueda Medical Center, Ueda, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masanori Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Jong-Hon Kang
- Center of Gastroenterology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Third Hospital of Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayano Inui
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Eastern Yokohama Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomoo Fujisawa
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Eastern Yokohama Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Akinobu Takaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | | | - Takuji Torimura
- Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | | | - Keiichi Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Mikio Zeniya
- Sanno Medical Center, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Takikawa
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Suzuki H, Harada S, Takao S, Takahashi M, Kato M, Kotoh K. Low-grade elevation of fibrinogen-degradation products is an important parameter to identify acute presentation of autoimmune hepatitis. Scand J Gastroenterol 2016; 51:986-93. [PMID: 27161820 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2016.1168865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diagnosing early-stage acute autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) without pathological findings is difficult. Recent reports indicated that macrophages are not activated during disease development, unlike in other acute liver injuries. We suggest that hepatitis without macrophage activation should lack sinusoidal fibrin deposition, which might help diagnose the acute presentation of AIH. MATERIAL AND METHODS To test this hypothesis, 295 consecutive patients with acute liver injury enrolled into this study. Their clinical data on admission were analyzed to verify the differences between acute presentation of AIH and other liver injuries. RESULTS The distribution of plasma fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) showed two clusters: patients without elevated FDP and those with measurable FDP levels of various degrees. Most AIH patients are included in the former. Multivariate logistic analysis of patients' laboratory data was performed for useful parameters to identify the acute presentation of AIH. FDP, alanine transaminase, zinc sulfate turbidity test and HBsAg levels were significant. Based on the odds ratio obtained from the analysis, we assigned each result individual points and constructed a convenient scoring system, which showed high sensitivity and specificity to identify AIH. Additionally, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.928. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that the process of macrophage activation and subsequent sinusoidal fibrin deposition was not involved in the development of the acute presentation of AIH. Our new scoring system including FDP levels could contribute to rapid diagnosis of the acute presentation of AIH without liver biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Suzuki
- a Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences , Kyushu University , Fukuoka , Japan
| | - Shigeru Harada
- a Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences , Kyushu University , Fukuoka , Japan
| | - Shinichiro Takao
- a Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences , Kyushu University , Fukuoka , Japan
| | - Motoi Takahashi
- a Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences , Kyushu University , Fukuoka , Japan
| | - Masaki Kato
- a Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences , Kyushu University , Fukuoka , Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kotoh
- a Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences , Kyushu University , Fukuoka , Japan
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Zachou K, Gatselis NK, Arvaniti P, Gabeta S, Rigopoulou EI, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. A real-world study focused on the long-term efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil as first-line treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 43:1035-47. [PMID: 26991238 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Front-line therapy with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has shown high on-treatment remission rates. AIM To study prospectively in a real-world fashion the long-term outcome of a large group of consecutive treatment-naïve AIH patients. METHODS Between 2000 and 2014, 158 patients were recruited but only 131 were eligible for treatment (109 MMF/prednisolone; 22 prednisolone ± azathioprine). Long-term data on outcome after drug withdrawal were evaluated. Patients stopped treatment after having achieved complete response (normal transaminases and IgG) for at least the last 2 years. RESULTS At diagnosis, 31.6% of patients had cirrhosis and 72.8% insidious presentation. A total of 102 of 109 (93.6%) responded initially to MMF within 2 (1-18) months. A total of 78 of 109 (71.6%) had complete response on treatment and 61 of 78 (78.2%) maintained remission off prednisolone. MMF-treated patients had increased probability of complete response compared to those receiving azathioprine (P = 0.03). Independent predictors of complete response were lower ALT at 6 months (P = 0.001) and acute presentation (P = 0.03). So far, treatment withdrawal was feasible in 40/109 patients and 30 (75%) are still in remission after 24 (2-129) months. Remission maintenance was associated with longer MMF treatment (P = 0.005), higher baseline ALT (P < 0.02), lower IgG on 6 months (P = 0.004) and histological improvement. CONCLUSIONS Mycophenolate mofetil proved to be an efficient first-line treatment for AIH, achieving so far the highest rates of remission maintenance off treatment (75%) ever published for at least a median of 2 years, although the remission criteria used were strict. However, the risk of potential bias and overestimation of intervention benefits from MMF cannot be completely excluded as this is a real world and not a randomised controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - N K Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - P Arvaniti
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - S Gabeta
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - E I Rigopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - G K Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - G N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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29
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Affiliation(s)
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- EASL office, 7 Rue Daubin, CH 1203 Geneva, Switzerland,
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30
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Sato H, Tomita K, Yasue C, Umeda R, Ebinuma H, Ogata S, Du W, Soga S, Maruta K, Yasutake Y, Narimatsu K, Usui S, Watanabe C, Komoto S, Teratani T, Suzuki T, Yokoyama H, Saito H, Nagao S, Hibi T, Miura S, Kanai T, Hokari R. Pregnant woman with non-comatose autoimmune acute liver failure in the second trimester rescued using medical therapy: A case report. Hepatol Res 2015; 45:349-55. [PMID: 24739014 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We present the case of a 25-year-old woman at 16 weeks of gestation who presented with non-comatose autoimmune acute liver failure and was at high risk of developing fulminant hepatitis. Predictive formulas indicated a high probability of developing fulminant hepatitis. Unenhanced computed tomography showed marked hepatic atrophy and broadly heterogeneous hypoattenuating areas. The course of her illness was subacute, and the etiology of liver injury was unclear. Considering all of the above, we predicted a poor prognosis. Plasma exchange (PE) and continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) therapy were initiated just after admission. A few days after admission, a high titer (×80) of antinuclear antibody was noted. Because autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was considered a cause of liver failure, treatment with moderate prednisolone (30 mg/day) doses was administrated, with careful consideration of her pregnancy. Thereafter, her laboratory findings and clinical course gradually improved without the need for liver transplantation. A liver biopsy at 18 days after admission indicated a diagnosis of AIH. She continued the pregnancy and delivered a healthy baby without any complications. Eventually, prednisolone doses were decreased to 10 mg, after which her liver function worsened. The second liver biopsy also indicated a diagnosis of AIH. Accordingly, low-dose prednisolone and azathioprine doses (50 mg/day) were administrated to recover her liver function, after which her liver function regained normalcy. This case illustrates that a pregnant woman with non-comatose autoimmune acute liver failure in the first or second trimester of pregnancy and her fetus can be rescued by PE/CHDF therapy and safe moderate doses of prednisolone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan
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Gatselis NK, Zachou K, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. Autoimmune hepatitis, one disease with many faces: Etiopathogenetic, clinico-laboratory and histological characteristics. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:60-83. [PMID: 25574080 PMCID: PMC4284362 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an unresolving progressive liver disease of unknown etiology characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, autoantibodies detection and interface hepatitis. Due to the absence of specific diagnostic markers and the large heterogeneity of its clinical, laboratory and histological features, AIH diagnosis may be potentially difficult. Therefore, in this in-depth review we summarize the substantial progress on etiopathogenesis, clinical, serological and histological phenotypes of AIH. AIH has a global distribution affecting any age, both sexes and all ethnic groups. Clinical manifestations vary from asymptomatic to severe or rarely fulminant hepatitis. Hypergammaglobulinemia with selective elevation of IgG is found in most cases. Autoimmune attack is perpetuated, possibly via molecular mimicry, and favored by the impaired control of T-regulatory cells. Histology (interface hepatitis, emperipolesis and hepatic rosette formation) and autoantibodies detection although not pathognomonic, are still the hallmark for a timely diagnosis. AIH remains a major diagnostic challenge. AIH should be considered in every case in the absence of viral, metabolic, genetic and toxic etiology of chronic or acute hepatitis. Laboratory personnel, hepato-pathologists and clinicians need to become more familiar with disease expressions and the interpretation of liver histology and autoimmune serology to derive maximum benefit for the patient.
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Ohira H, Abe K, Takahashi A, Watanabe H. Autoimmune hepatitis: recent advances in the pathogenesis and new diagnostic guidelines in Japan. Intern Med 2015; 54:1323-8. [PMID: 26027981 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.54.4125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is thought to be associated with various genetic and immunological abnormalities. Concerning the pathogenesis of AIH, increasing attention has been paid to genome-wide association studies, toll-like receptors and Treg/Th17 balance. For Japanese patients with AIH, novel diagnostic guidelines have been proposed in view of the differential clinical features between Japanese and Caucasian patients. However, the diagnosis of some patients in acute hepatitis phase is not easy. Histologically, centrilobular necrosis without portal inflammation is particularly characteristic in the acute hepatitis phase. Some patients become resistant to steroid therapy and have a very poor prognosis once they progress to acute hepatic failure. Therefore, additional revision of the current diagnostic criteria, including severity grading, will be needed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
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Yeoman AD, Westbrook RH, Zen Y, Bernal W, Al-Chalabi T, Wendon JA, O'Grady JG, Heneghan MA. Prognosis of acute severe autoimmune hepatitis (AS-AIH): the role of corticosteroids in modifying outcome. J Hepatol 2014; 61:876-82. [PMID: 24842305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS No standardised definition exists for acute, severe AIH (AS-AIH). However, rapid identification of AS-AIH and early corticosteroid therapy may prevent the need for liver transplantation (LT). We set out to determine the clinical outcomes of patients with AS-AIH presenting to our institution with particular focus on the role of corticosteroids. METHODS Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collated database identified patients presenting with AS-AIH from 1999 to 2009. We defined AS-AIH as an acute presentation with an INR of ⩾1.5 at any time without histological evidence of cirrhosis. RESULTS 32 patients were identified with AS-AIH. Among the 32 AS-AIH patients 23 were treated with corticosteroids of whom 10 (48%) required LT, whilst all 9 untreated patients required LT (p = 0.01). Untreated patients demonstrated higher MELD scores at presentation (34 vs. 28 p = 0.01) and a non-significant decrease in episodes of sepsis but no difference in sepsis or mortality was observed between untreated or treated patients (11% vs. 26% p = 0.6 and 22% vs. 17% p = 0.99 respectively). Among treated patients, no difference in MELD scores was observed between responders or failures. Despite 59% undergoing LT, six deaths (19%) occurred. CONCLUSION In a well characterised cohort of patients with AS-AIH, almost 60% required LT and 20% died. There was no difference in prognostic scores between steroid responders and failures and steroid exposure did not appear to jeopardise survival. Patients with AS-AIH should be considered for a trial of corticosteroids expediently whilst a thorough search for sepsis and assessment for LT should occur if clinical deterioration or encephalopathy develops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Yeoman
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel H Westbrook
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Yoh Zen
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - William Bernal
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Thawab Al-Chalabi
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Julia A Wendon
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - John G O'Grady
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom.
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Kanno Y, Watanabe H, Takahashi A, Abe K, Ohira H. Anti-phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2 antibody in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatol Res 2014; 44:1019-25. [PMID: 24238606 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM To identify a novel autoantibody specific to autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and to evaluate its clinical significance. METHODS Non-nuclear component protein extracted from normal human liver cell CyrohNHpes cultures that reacted with sera from AIH patients on a western blot was identified as an antigenic protein and subjected to N-terminal amino acid analysis to identify phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2 (PCK2). Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for anti-PCK2 antibody was conducted on sera samples from patients with AIH (n = 42), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC; n = 48), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, n = 41), chronic hepatitis C (CHC, n = 20), drug-induced liver injury (DILI, n = 10), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, n = 16) and on sera samples from healthy volunteers (n = 30). Clinical findings were compared for AIH patients testing positive and negative for anti-PCK2 antibody. RESULTS ELISA findings showed that mean anti-PCK2 antibody titer in sera from AIH patients was significantly higher than in PBC, NASH, CHC, DILI and SLE patients, as well as in healthy volunteers. Anti-PCK2 antibody was present in 50.0% (21/42) of AIH, 14.6% (7/48) of PBC, 4.9% (2/41) of NASH, and 10.0% (2/20) of CHC patients, 0% (0/10) of DILI, 12.5% (2/16) of SLE and in 3.3% (1/30) of healthy volunteers. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of using the detection of anti-PCK2 antibody in diagnosing AIH were 50.0%, 91.5% and 83.1%, respectively. None of the AIH patients positive for anti-PCK2 antibody showed characteristic clinical features. CONCLUSION Although further investigations into the clinical usefulness are necessary, anti-PCK2 may have potential as a diagnostic marker for AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Kanno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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A case of primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis overlap showing acute presentation and transient seropositivity for immunoglobulin G and anti-nuclear antibody. Clin J Gastroenterol 2013; 6:465-9. [PMID: 26182138 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-013-0423-9] [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: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is generally regarded as a clinically and histologically "chronic" hepatitis. It often shows acute presentation like acute hepatitis without typical clinicopathological features of AIH, especially in a case of overlap with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). A 52-year-old man showed mild liver dysfunction for the first time at an annual medical check. Two months later, he showed jaundice, and laboratory tests revealed elevation of liver enzymes, hyperbilirubinemia and prolonged prothrombin time activity like acute liver failure. Anti-mitochondrial antibody was positive and other viral and autoimmune markers were negative. His liver function tests improved upon treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid and maximum intravenous glycyrrhizin (IVGL), but liver dysfunction was again exacerbated after the gradual reduction of IVGL. He showed transient elevation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) at only one point, and liver histology was compatible with PBC and AIH overlap syndrome. Corticosteroid was administered and his liver function tests returned to normal. It is important for the diagnosis of acute onset AIH to monitor IgG level and ANA titer, especially in patients without IgG and ANA elevations at first appearance.
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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: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [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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Tanaka A. Acute presentation of autoimmune hepatitis: How to find and manage still remains unsolved. Hepatol Res 2013; 43:577-9. [PMID: 23730706 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Itabashi, Japan
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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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Abe K, Kanno Y, Okai K, Katsushima F, Monoe K, Saito H, Takahashi A, Yokokawa J, Ohira H. Centrilobular necrosis in acute presentation of Japanese patients with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. World J Hepatol 2012; 4:262-7. [PMID: 23060971 PMCID: PMC3468703 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v4.i9.262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [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: 12/26/2011] [Revised: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To compare clinicopathological features of acute presentation of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) with or without centrilobular necrosis (CN). METHODS Our study comprised 41 patients with biopsy-proven acute presentation (acute exacerbation phase 36, acute hepatitis phase 5) of type 1 AIH at our hospital from 1975 to 2009. Elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (> 5x upper limit of normal) identified acute presentation of the disease. We compared clinicopathological features of these AIH patients with or without CN. The data used for analysis included patient background (age, sex, type of disease, presence of complications with other autoimmune diseases, human leukocyte antigen, and International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group score), clinical parameters at presentation (ALT, alkaline phosphatase, IgG, anti-nuclear antibodies, and anti-smooth muscle antibodies), histology and therapy. RESULTS CN was found in 13 (31.7%) patients with acute presentation (acute exacerbation phase 10, acute hepatitis phase 3) of AIH. Serum IgG levels of patients with CN were significantly lower than those of patients without CN (mean: 2307 mg/dL vs 3126 mg/dL, P < 0.05), while antinuclear antibody-negative rates were significantly higher (30.7% vs 3.5%, P < 0.05). However, other clinical features were similar between the two groups. The frequency of advanced fibrosis in patients with CN was significantly lower than in patients without CN (F0-2: 84.6% vs 35.7%, F3-4: 15.4% vs 64.3%, P < 0.05). Other histological features were similar between the two groups. Although there was no significant difference between groups when evaluated using the revised original score (12 vs 14), the simplified AIH score of patients with CN was significantly lower (6 vs 7, P < 0.05). Frequency of DR4 was similar between patients with and without CN. CONCLUSION CN is observed in both Japanese patients with acute hepatitis phase and acute exacerbation phase of type 1 AIH, although AIH with CN often shows clinical features of the genuine acute form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumichi Abe
- Kazumichi Abe, Yukiko Kanno, Ken Okai, Fumiko Katsushima, Kyoko Monoe, Hironobu Saito, Atsushi Takahashi, Junko Yokokawa, Hiromasa Ohira, Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
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IgG4-Related Disease without Overexpression of IgG4: Pathogenesis Implications. Case Rep Rheumatol 2012; 2012:754935. [PMID: 22937457 PMCID: PMC3420564 DOI: 10.1155/2012/754935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
IgG4-related disease is a new disease group that affects multiple organs. It is characterized by high serum IgG4 and abundant infiltration of IgG4-bearing plasma cells in the affected organ. Here, we describe an intriguing case that suggested that IgG4-related disease might present without IgG4 overexpression or infiltration, at least during a relapse. A 47-year-old man had been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus 15 years. He was admitted due to a pituitary mass, systemic lymphadenopathy, and multiple nodules in the lungs and kidneys. The serum IgG4 level was normal and histopathological examination of the pituitary mass showed abundant lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration with very few IgG4-positive cells. When we examined specimens preserved from 15 years ago, we found high serum IgG4 levels and IgG4-bearing plasma cell infiltration. This resulted in a diagnosis of IgG4-related disease, and we considered the current episode to be a relapse without IgG4 overexpression. This case indicated that, to clarify the pathogenesis of IgG4-related disease, current cases should repeat specimen evaluations over the course of IgG4-related disease to define diagnostic markers.
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Abstract
While a certain international consensus has been reached regarding the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), there are some unique clinical characteristics of AIH in Japan. For diagnosis of AIH using the new simplified criteria proposed by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group, it is necessary to re-evaluate the antibody titer determined by using HEp-2 cells, which are widely used in Japan, and the finding of emperipolesis in liver histology, although the criteria are useful for rapid identification of AIH in routine clinical practice. The use of azathioprine as first-line therapy for AIH is limited in Japan because the drug is not covered by the Japanese national health insurance. Concomitant use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to reduce corticosteroids and use of UDCA as monotherapy are therefore considered promising. Moreover, a relatively good survival rate has been reported in patients who developed AIH-induced acute liver failure and underwent living-donor liver transplantation. Current trends in the diagnosis and treatment of AIH in Japan are described in this report with a review of recent findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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Affiliation(s)
- Ersan Ozaslan
- Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
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