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Chouik Y, Corpechot C, Francoz C, De Martin E, Guillaud O, Abergel A, Altieri M, Barbier L, Besch C, Chazouillères O, Conti F, Dharancy S, Durand F, Duvoux C, Gugenheim J, Hardwigsen J, Hilleret MN, Houssel-Debry P, Kamar N, Minello A, Neau-Cransac M, Pageaux GP, Radenne S, Roux O, Saliba F, Samuel D, Vanlemmens C, Woehl-Jaegle ML, Leroy V, Duclos-Vallée JC, Dumortier J. Autoimmune hepatitis recurrence after liver transplantation: "Les jeux sont faits". Liver Transpl 2024; 30:395-411. [PMID: 37788303 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) may recur after liver transplantation (LT). The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for recurrent autoimmune hepatitis (rAIH). A multicenter retrospective French nationwide study, including all patients aged ≥16 transplanted for AIH, with at least 1 liver biopsy 1 year after LT, was conducted between 1985 and 2018. Risk factors for rAIH were identified using a multivariate Cox regression model. Three hundred and forty-four patients were included (78.8% women) with a median age at LT of 43.6 years. Seventy-six patients (22.1%) developed recurrence in a median time of 53.6 months (IQR, 14.1-93.2). Actuarial risk for developing rAIH was 41.3% 20 years after LT. In multivariate analysis, the strongest risk factor for rAIH was cytomegalovirus D+/R- mismatch status (HR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.1-3.6; p =0.03), followed by associated autoimmune condition. Twenty-one patients (27.6% of rAIH patients) developed liver graft cirrhosis after rAIH. Independent risk factors for these severe forms of rAIH were young age at LT, IgG levels >20.7 g/L, and LT in the context of (sub)fulminant hepatitis. Immunosuppression, especially long-term maintenance of corticosteroid therapy, was not significantly associated with rAIH. Recurrence of AIH after LT is frequent and may lead to graft loss. Recurrence is more frequent in young patients with active disease at the time of LT, yet systematic corticosteroid therapy does not prevent it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Chouik
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Lyon, France
| | - Christophe Corpechot
- Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Centre de référence des maladies inflammatoires des voies biliaires et des hépatites auto-immunes, Filière de santé FILFOIE, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), INSERM UMRS 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Paris
| | - Claire Francoz
- APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique - Université Paris Diderot - INSERM U1149, Clichy
| | - Eleonora De Martin
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm Unité 1193, Université Paris-Saclay, FHU Hépatinov, Centre de Référence Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires et Hépatites Auto-immunes, Villejuif
| | - Olivier Guillaud
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Armand Abergel
- CHU Estaing, Médecine digestive, Institut Pascal, UMR 6602 UCA CNRS SIGMA, Clermont-Ferrand
| | - Mario Altieri
- Hôpital Côte de Nacre, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Nutrition et Oncologie Digestive, Caen
| | - Louise Barbier
- CHU Tours, Hôpital Trousseau Service de chirurgie digestive, oncologique et endocrinienne, Transplantation hépatique, Tours
| | - Camille Besch
- CHRU Hautepierre, Service de chirurgie hépato-bilio-pancréatique et transplantation hépatique, Strasbourg
| | - Olivier Chazouillères
- Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Centre de référence des maladies inflammatoires des voies biliaires et des hépatites auto-immunes, Filière de santé FILFOIE, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), INSERM UMRS 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Paris
| | - Filomena Conti
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive et Hépato-Biliaire, Transplantation Hépatique, AP-HP Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris
| | | | - François Durand
- APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique - Université Paris Diderot - INSERM U1149, Clichy
| | | | - Jean Gugenheim
- Hôpital universitaire de Nice, service de Chirurgie Digestive et de Transplantation Hépatique - Université de Nice-Sophia-Antipolis, Nice
| | - Jean Hardwigsen
- APHM, Hôpital La Timone, Service chirurgie générale et transplantation hépatique Marseille
| | - Marie-Noëlle Hilleret
- CHU Grenoble-Alpes, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie- INSERM U1209-Université Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche
| | - Pauline Houssel-Debry
- Hôpital Universitaire de Pontchaillou, Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation hépatique, Rennes
| | - Nassim Kamar
- CHU Rangueil, Département de Néphrologie et Transplantation d'Organes, Toulouse
| | - Anne Minello
- CHU Dijon, Service d'Hépato-gastroentérologie et oncologie digestive, Inserm EPICAD LNC-UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, Dijon
| | - Martine Neau-Cransac
- CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut Lévêque, Service de Chirurgie hépatobiliaire et de transplantation hépatique, Bordeaux
| | | | - Sylvie Radenne
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Roux
- APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique - Université Paris Diderot - INSERM U1149, Clichy
| | - Faouzi Saliba
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm Unité 1193, Université Paris-Saclay, FHU Hépatinov, Centre de Référence Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires et Hépatites Auto-immunes, Villejuif
| | - Didier Samuel
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm Unité 1193, Université Paris-Saclay, FHU Hépatinov, Centre de Référence Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires et Hépatites Auto-immunes, Villejuif
| | - Claire Vanlemmens
- Hôpital Jean Minjoz, Service d'Hépatologie et Soins Intensifs Digestifs, Besançon, France
| | - Marie-Lorraine Woehl-Jaegle
- CHU Tours, Hôpital Trousseau Service de chirurgie digestive, oncologique et endocrinienne, Transplantation hépatique, Tours
| | - Vincent Leroy
- CHU Grenoble-Alpes, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie- INSERM U1209-Université Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche
| | - Jean-Charles Duclos-Vallée
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm Unité 1193, Université Paris-Saclay, FHU Hépatinov, Centre de Référence Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires et Hépatites Auto-immunes, Villejuif
| | - Jérôme Dumortier
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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2
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Lee DU, Ponder R, Lee K, Menegas S, Fan GH, Chou H, Jung D, Lee K, Hastie DJ, Urrunaga NH. The differences in post-liver transplant outcomes of patients with autoimmune hepatitis who present with overlapping autoimmune liver diseases. Hepatol Int 2023; 17:720-734. [PMID: 36575337 PMCID: PMC10225314 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-022-10468-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) may co-present with features of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Using a national transplant registry, the outcomes of patients with these autoimmune liver conditions were compared. METHODS The UNOS-STAR registry was used to select a study population of AIH, PSC, and PBC liver transplant (LT) patients. Living and multi-organ transplant cases were excluded. Using the UNOS-registered diagnoses, the study population was subdivided into those with nonoverlapping autoimmune liver diseases and those with overlapping forms (e.g., AIH-PBC). Outcomes were compared, using endpoints such as all-cause mortality, graft failure, and organ-system specific causes of death. RESULTS The main analysis featured 2048 entries, with 1927 entries having nonoverlapping AIH, 52 entries having PSC overlap, and 69 entries having PBC overlap. Patients with PBC overlap were more likely to have graft failure (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.46 95% CI 1.70-7.05), mortality secondary to respiratory causes (aHR 3.57 95% CI 1.23-10.43), and mortality secondary to recurrent disease (aHR 9.53 95% CI 1.85-49.09). Case incidence rates reflected these findings, expressed in events per 1000 person-years. For patients with PBC overlap and nonoverlapping AIH cases, respectively. Graft failure: 28.87 events vs. 9.42 events, mortality secondary to respiratory causes: 12.83 deaths vs. 3.77 deaths, mortality secondary to recurrent disease: 6.42 deaths vs. 1.26 deaths. Those with AIH-PSC overlap experienced a higher risk of death from graft infection (aHR 10.43 95% CI 1.08-100.37; case-incidence rate: 3.89 vs. 0.31 mortalities per 1000 person-years). Supplementary analysis showed similar findings, in which overlapping autoimmune conditions were associated with higher adverse outcome rates. CONCLUSION Patients with AIH-PBC overlap have higher risk of mortality due to recurrent liver disease and respiratory causes, and patients with AIH-PSC overlap have higher risk of mortality due to graft infection. While further prospective studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms related to these findings, our study characterizes the prognostic implications of AIH overlap on post-LT mortality and graft failure risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Uihwan Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S. Greene St N3W50, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Reid Ponder
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Washington St, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Kijung Lee
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Washington St, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Samantha Menegas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S. Greene St N3W50, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Gregory Hongyuan Fan
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Washington St, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Harrison Chou
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Washington St, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Daniel Jung
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keeseok Lee
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Washington St, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - David Jeffrey Hastie
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Washington St, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Nathalie Helen Urrunaga
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S. Greene St N3W50, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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Kelly C, Zen Y, Heneghan MA. Post-Transplant Immunosuppression in Autoimmune Liver Disease. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:350-359. [PMID: 36950491 PMCID: PMC10025678 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) are a group of conditions where immune-mediated liver damage can lead to the need for transplantation. Collectively, they account for almost a quarter of all liver transplants. Outcomes in terms of graft and patient survival for all liver transplants have improved markedly over decades with improvements in patient selection, surgical techniques and longer-term care and this is also seen in patients with AILDs. The current five- and ten-year survival rates post-transplant in autoimmune disease are excellent, at 88% and 78%, respectively. A key factor in maintaining good outcomes post liver transplant for these autoimmune conditions is the immunosuppression strategy. These patients have increased the rates of rejection, and autoimmune conditions can all recur in the graft ranging from 12 to 60% depending on the population studied. Immunosuppressive regimens are centred on calcineurin inhibitors, often combined with low dose corticosteroids, with or without the addition of antimetabolite therapy. There is no clear evidence-based immunosuppressive regimen for these conditions, and a tailored approach balancing the individuals' immunological profile against the risks of immunosuppression is often used. There are disease-specific considerations to optimised graft function including the role of ursodeoxycholic acid in both primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis and the role and timing of colectomy in primary sclerosing cholangitis in inflammatory bowel disease patients. However, unmet needs still exist in the management of AILDs post liver transplantation particularly in building the evidence base for optimal immunosuppression as well as mitigating the risk of recurrent disease.
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Key Words
- AIH, Autoimmune hepatitis
- AILD, Autoimmune liver disease
- CNI, Calcineurin inhibitors
- IBD, Inflammatory bowel disease
- LT, Liver transplantation
- PBC, Primary biliary cholangitis
- PSC, Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- autoimmune liver disease
- immunosuppression
- rAIH, Recurrent autoimmune hepatitis
- rPBC, Recurrent primary biliary cholangitis
- rPSC, Recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis
- transplantation
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Kelly
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Yoh Zen
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, London, UK
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Choudhary NS, Saraf N, Saigal S, Soin AS. Long-term Management of the Adult Liver Transplantation Recipients. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2021; 11:239-253. [PMID: 33746450 PMCID: PMC7953009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2020.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The survival of liver transplantation (LT) recipients has been improved remarkably in short-term. The major causes of mortality in long-term include nonimmunological causes such as cardiovascular, de novo malignancy, chronic kidney disease, and recurrence of primary disease. Rejection-related mortality is rare in the long-term after LT. We discuss nonrejection causes of long-term morbidity/mortality, risk factors, and management strategies in LT recipients. In addition, we discuss osteoporosis, contraception, and pregnancy in LT recipients.
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Key Words
- AIH, autoimmune hepatitis
- BMI, body mass index
- CKD, chronic kidney disease
- CNI, calcineurin inhibitors
- CVD, cardiovascular disease
- DDLT, deceased donor liver transplantation
- DM, diabetes mellitus
- DNM, de novo malignancy
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- HR, hazard ratio
- IUCD, Intrauterine contraceptive devices
- LDLT, living donor liver transplantation
- LT, liver transplantation
- MDRD, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease
- MMF, mycophenolate
- MS, metabolic syndrome
- NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- NASH, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- OR, odds ratio
- PBC, primary biliary cholangitis
- PSC, primary sclerosing cholangitis
- PTDM, posttransplantation diabetes mellitus
- PTMS, posttransplantation metabolic syndrome
- SVR, sustained virological response
- cardiovascular disease
- de novo malignancy
- eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate
- mTORi, Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors
- osteoporosis
- pregnancy
- recurrence
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra S. Choudhary
- Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, Delhi (NCR), India
| | - Neeraj Saraf
- Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, Delhi (NCR), India
| | - Sanjiv Saigal
- Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, Delhi (NCR), India
| | - Arvinder S. Soin
- Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, Delhi (NCR), India
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Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) causes chronic and persistent cholestasis in the liver, eventually resulting in cirrhosis and hepatic failure without appropriate treatment. PBC mainly develops in middle-aged women, but it is also common in young women and men. PBC is considered a model of autoimmune disease because of the presence of disease-specific autoantibodies, that is, antimitochondrial antibodies (AMAs), intense infiltration of mononuclear cells into the bile ducts, and a high prevalence of autoimmune diseases such as comorbidities. Histologically, PBC is characterized by degeneration and necrosis of intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells surrounded by a dense infiltration of mononuclear cells, coined as chronic non-suppurative destructive cholangitis, which leads to destructive changes and the disappearance of small- or medium-sized bile ducts. Since 1990, early diagnosis with the detection of AMAs and introduction of ursodeoxycholic acid as first-line treatment has greatly altered the clinical course of PBC, and liver transplantation-free survival of patients with PBC is now comparable to that of the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Ip S, Bhanji RA, Ebadi M, Mason AL, Montano-Loza AJ. De novo and recurrent liver disease. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2020; 46-47:101688. [PMID: 33158472 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2020.101688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Decompensated cirrhosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) are the most common indications for liver transplantation (LT). AILD include autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). NASH and AILD share some peculiarities as they can recur in the new graft, compromising the quality of life, and graft and patient survival. De novo NASH or AIH connotes the development of these liver diseases in patients transplanted for other indications. The diagnosis of recurrent or de novo liver disease usually requires a liver biopsy aside from recurrent PSC, which can be diagnosed with compatible imaging studies and exclusion of other causes of biliary strictures. The treatment of recurrent NASH is lifestyle modifications aiming for weight loss. Recurrent and de novo AIH is usually treated with corticosteroids with or without azathioprine. Recurrent PBC should be treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. There are no proven treatment options for recurrent PSC. Patients with graft failure should be considered for repeat LT. Future investigations should use standardized diagnostic criteria for each disease, seek diagnostic biomarkers, and evaluate treatments that improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Ip
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Rahima A Bhanji
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Maryam Ebadi
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Andrew L Mason
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Aldo J Montano-Loza
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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7
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Lee JY, Danford CJ, Patwardhan VR, Bonder A. Increased Posttransplant Mortality for Autoimmune Hepatitis Compared With Other Autoimmune Liver Diseases. J Clin Gastroenterol 2020; 54:648-654. [PMID: 31651572 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
GOALS We sought to compare posttransplant outcomes between autoimmune liver disease. BACKGROUND Autoimmune liver diseases, namely primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) generally have favorable posttransplant outcomes. PSC is known to require more retransplantation compared with PBC, however, comparisons to AIH are lacking. We sought to compare graft survival and the need for retransplant in AIH compared with other autoimmune liver disease. STUDY We compared posttransplant graft survival among the 3 entities using Cox regression and competing for risk analyses using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database. RESULTS We found AIH is associated with significantly decreased graft survival compared with PBC [hazard ratio: 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77-0.96] and PSC (hazard ratio: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.8-0.99) after controlling for potential confounders. This is mainly driven by posttransplant death. On competing for risk analysis, AIH was associated with higher risk of death compared with PBC [subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR): 0.79; 95% CI: 0.7-0.89] and PSC (SHR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.64-0.82) and lower risk of retransplant compared with PSC (SHR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.19-1.8). CONCLUSION As prior studies have shown the similar risk of disease recurrence in AIH and PSC, our study indicates at least part of the increased posttransplant mortality in AIH may be due lower retransplantation rate in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher J Danford
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Vilas R Patwardhan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Alan Bonder
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
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8
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Chayanupatkul M, Fiel MI, Schiano TD. The clinical characteristics, pre- and post-liver transplantation outcomes in patients having autoimmune overlap syndromes. Clin Transplant 2020; 34:e13841. [PMID: 32073690 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are little data on the pre- and post-liver transplantation (LT) outcomes of patients having autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis (AIH-PBC), AIH-primary sclerosing cholangitis (AIH-PSC), and AIH-small-duct PSC (AIH-SDPSC). The aim of this study was to analyze pre- and post-LT outcomes and survival of patients having different overlap syndromes (OS) undergoing LT. METHODS Patients with compatible clinical and pathologic features of AIH-PBC (n = 86), AIH-PSC (n = 22), and AIH-SDPSC (n = 9) were included in the study. Demographic, laboratory, clinical, and survival data were analyzed. Multivariable analyses were performed to determine factors predicting transplant-free survival. RESULTS AIH-primary sclerosing cholangitis patients were less treatment-responsive and were more likely to undergo LT than other OS. No survival difference was noted among the 3 groups. Liver decompensation was independently associated with higher mortality (HR 21.78; 95% CI 2.50-190.01). Thirteen patients with OS underwent LT. One-year survival post-LT was 91.7%. Overall recurrence rate for OS post-LT was 8%. CONCLUSIONS AIH-primary sclerosing cholangitis patients were more likely to require LT compared with patients having AIH-PBC. Transplant-free survival was similar among the three AIH-overlap syndromes. Allograft recurrence of OS occurred in about 10% of cases. Patients with OS appear to have good short- and medium-term post-LT outcomes in terms of graft function and overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maneerat Chayanupatkul
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Isabel Fiel
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas D Schiano
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Tanaka A, Kono H, Leung PSC, Gershwin ME. Recurrence of disease following organ transplantation in autoimmune liver disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. Cell Immunol 2019; 347:104021. [PMID: 31767117 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2019.104021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Disease recurrence after organ transplantation associated with graft failure is a major clinical challenge in autoimmune diseases. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) are the three most common (autoimmune liver diseases) ALD for which liver transplantation (LT) is the most effective treatment option for patients with end-stage diseases. Although the 5- and 10-year survival rates of post-LT patients are remarkable (80-84% and 71-79% in PBC, 73-87% and 58-83% in PSC, 76-79% and 67-77% respectively in AIH patients), post-LT disease recurrence is not uncommon. Here, we summarize literature findings on disease recurrence of these ALD with emphasis on the incidence, risk factors and impact on long-term outcome. We noted that the incidence of disease recurrence varies between studies, which ranges from 53% to 10.9% in PBC, 8.2% to 44.7% in PSC and 7% to 42% in AIH. The variations are likely due to differences in study design, such as sample size, duration of studies and follow up time. This is further compounded by the lack of precise clinical diagnosis criteria and biomarkers of disease recurrence in these ALD, variation in post-LT treatment protocols to prevent disease recurrence and a multitude of risk factors associated with these ALD. While recurrence of PBC and AIH does not significantly impact long term outcome including overall survival, recurrent PSC patients often require another LT. Renal transplantation, like LT, is the treatment of choice in patients with end-stage lupus nephritis. While calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) and immunosuppressive drugs have improved the survival rate, post-transplant recurrence of lupus nephritis from surveillance-biopsy proven lupus nephritis range from 30% to 44%. On the other hand, recurrence of post-transplant lupus nephritis from registry survey analysis were only 1.1% to 2.4%. In general, risk factors associated with an increased frequency of post-transplant recurrence of autoimmune diseases are not clearly defined. Large scale multi-center studies are needed to further define guidelines for the diagnosis and clinical management to minimize disease recurrence and improve outcomes of post-transplant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Kono
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Patrick S C Leung
- Division of Rheumatology Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States.
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Bajer L, Slavcev A, Macinga P, Sticova E, Brezina J, Roder M, Janousek R, Trunecka P, Spicak J, Drastich P. Risk of recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis after liver transplantation is associated with de novo inflammatory bowel disease. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:4939-4949. [PMID: 30487703 PMCID: PMC6250922 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i43.4939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate risk factors for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) recurrence (rPSC) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with well-preserved colons.
METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of all patients transplanted for PSC in our center between July 1994 and May 2015 and selected 47 with follow-up of at least 60 mo for further analysis based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. rPSC was confirmed by magnetic resonance or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and liver biopsy. All patients were evaluated by protocolary pre-OLT colonoscopy with randomized mucosal biopsies. Colonoscopy was repeated annually after OLT. Both organ donors and recipients were human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typed by serological and/or DNA methods. All input data were thoroughly analyzed employing relevant statistical methods.
RESULTS Altogether, 31 men and 16 women with a median (range) age of 36 (15-68) years at the time of OLT and a median follow-up of 122 (60-249) mo were included. rPSC was confirmed in 21/47 (44.7%) of patients, a median 63 (12-180) mo after transplantation. De novo colitis [rPSC in 11/12, P ≤ 0.05, hazard ratio (HR): 4.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58-10.98] and history of acute cellular rejection (rPSC in 14/25, P ≤ 0.05; HR: 2.66, 95%CI: 1.03-7.86) showed strong positive associations with rPSC. According to the univariate analysis, overlapping features of autoimmune hepatitis (rPSC in 5/5, P ≤ 0.05) and HLA-DRB1*07 in the donor (rPSC in 10/15, P ≤ 0.05) represent other potential risk factors for rPSC, while the HLA-DRB1*04 (rPSC in 0/6, P ≤ 0.05), HLA-DQB1*03 (rPSC in 1/11, P ≤ 0.05), and HLA-DQB1*07 (rPSC in 0/7, P ≤ 0.05) recipient alleles may have protective roles.
CONCLUSION De novo colitis and acute cellular rejection are clinical conditions significantly predisposed towards recurrence of PSC after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Bajer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague 140 21, Czech Republic
| | - Antonij Slavcev
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague 140 21, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Macinga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague 140 21, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Sticova
- Department of Clinical and Transplant Pathology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague 140 21, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Brezina
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague 140 21, Czech Republic
| | - Matej Roder
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague 140 21, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Janousek
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague 140 21, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Trunecka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague 140 21, Czech Republic
| | - Julius Spicak
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague 140 21, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Drastich
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague 140 21, Czech Republic
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11
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Review the current knowledge about recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis (rPSC) after transplant in children. RECENT FINDINGS Recurrent PSC is a significant complication that afflicts 16% of children after liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) at a median onset of 38 months post-transplant. Possible risk factors include younger age at PSC diagnosis or transplant, the presence of overlap syndrome or IBD, and post-transplant induction with thymoglobulin. rPSC impairs the patient's quality of life and can be detrimental to the graft. Preventive options and therapeutic measures are limited. Ursodeoxycholic acid is widely used, but its effect on long-term outcome is unknown. Vancomycin can improve the biochemical profile of rPSC, but it remains unknown whether it halts the disease progression. Pediatric liver transplant for primary sclerosis cholangitis can be complicated by recurrence of the disease, which portends poor outcomes. Although few risk factors have been implicated, larger studies with longer follow-ups are needed to characterize cardinal risk factors for rPSC, as well as evaluate possible preventative and therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisreen Soufi
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fateh Bazerbachi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mark Deneau
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84113, USA.
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12
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Theocharidou E, Heneghan MA. Con: Steroids Should Not Be Withdrawn in Transplant Recipients With Autoimmune Hepatitis. Liver Transpl 2018; 24:1113-1118. [PMID: 29893056 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) can recur following liver transplantation (LT) despite immunosuppressive therapy, with implications for graft survival. Although the evidence is not robust, disease recurrence seems to occur in the presence of less intense and/or steroid-free immunosuppression (IS) in particular in the case of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The main risk factor for AIH recurrence is the severity of disease activity in the explant and potential donor/recipient human leukocyte antigen D-related 3 (DR3) mismatch. The treatment for AIH recurrence includes reintroduction or increase in the dose of steroids with or without the addition of azathioprine. T cell-mediated rejection episodes are also more common in AILD. Steroid withdrawal is the common practice in LT for non-AILD, eliminating the risks associated with longterm exposure to steroids. In AILD, maintenance of steroids at a low dose in the long term may reduce the risk of disease recurrence and rejection. This strategy is safe when there is vigilance for steroid-related adverse effects. Alternatively, identifying patients who are at the greatest risk for disease recurrence and who would benefit from intensified IS might be an option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Theocharidou
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Puustinen L, Boyd S, Arkkila P, Isoniemi H, Arola J, Färkkilä M. Histologic surveillance after liver transplantation due to autoimmune hepatitis. Clin Transplant 2017; 31. [DOI: 10.1111/ctr.12936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauri Puustinen
- Department of Gastroenterology; Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Sonja Boyd
- Department of Pathology; University of Helsinki; Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Perttu Arkkila
- Department of Gastroenterology; Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Helena Isoniemi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery; Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Johanna Arola
- Department of Pathology; University of Helsinki; Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Martti Färkkilä
- Department of Gastroenterology; Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
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14
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Visseren T, Darwish Murad S. Recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cholangitis and auto-immune hepatitis after liver transplantation. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2017. [PMID: 28624107 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is a well-accepted treatment for decompensated chronic liver disease due to primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and auto-immune hepatitis (AIH). Survival after liver transplantation is generally good with 1 and 5-year survival rates around 90% and 70-85%. After transplantation, however, these diseases recur in 8.6-27% (rPSC), 10.9-42.3% (rPBC) and 7-42% (rAIH), and this poses significant challenges in terms of management and graft outcome in these patients. In this review we discuss the incidence, clinical presentation, challenges in diagnosis, reported risk factors and impact on post-transplant outcomes of recurrence of PSC, PBC and AIH after liver transplantation. We also discuss some of the limitations of current investigations and formulate idea's for future research objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Visseren
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - S Darwish Murad
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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15
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Montano-Loza AJ, Bhanji RA, Wasilenko S, Mason AL. Systematic review: recurrent autoimmune liver diseases after liver transplantation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 45:485-500. [PMID: 27957759 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) constitute the third most common indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. Outcomes post LT are generally good but recurrent disease is frequently observed. AIMS To describe the frequency and risk factors associated with recurrent AILD post-LT and provide recommendations to reduce the incidence of recurrence based on levels of evidence. METHODS A systematic review was performed for full-text papers published in English-language journals, using the keywords 'autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)', 'primary biliary cholangitis and/or cirrhosis (PBC)', 'primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)', 'liver transplantation' and 'recurrent disease'. Management strategies to reduce recurrence after LT were classified according to grade and level of evidence. RESULTS Survival rates post-LT are approximately 90% and 70% at 1 and 5 years and recurrent disease occurs in a range of 10-50% of patients with AILD. Recurrent AIH is associated with elevated liver enzymes and IgG before LT, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in the explants and lack of steroids after LT (Grade B). Tacrolimus use is associated with increased risk; use of ciclosporin and preventive ursodeoxycholic acid with reduced risk of PBC recurrence (all Grade B). Intact colon, active ulcerative colitis and early cholestasis are associated with recurrent PSC (Grade B). CONCLUSIONS Recommendations based on grade A level of evidence are lacking. The need for further study and management includes active immunosuppression before liver transplantation and steroid use after liver transplantation in autoimmune hepatitis; selective immunosuppression with ciclosporin and preventive ursodeoxycholic acid treatment for primary biliary cholangitis; and improved control of inflammatory bowel disease or even colectomy in primary sclerosing cholangitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - R A Bhanji
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - S Wasilenko
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - A L Mason
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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16
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Aguilar-Nájera O, Velasco-Zamora JA, Torre A. Overlap syndromes of autoimmune hepatitis: diagnosis and treatment. REVISTA DE GASTROENTEROLOGÍA DE MÉXICO 2015; 80:150-9. [PMID: 26091564 DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmx.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Some patients with autoimmune liver disease have characteristics of cholestasis, as well as of autoimmune hepatitis. Despite the fact that this is a relatively frequent clinical condition seen in referral centers for liver diseases, there is little evidence as regards the clinical management of these syndromes due to their low prevalence and the lack of standardized definitions and diagnostic criteria. This is relevant, given that published studies report that there is a lower therapeutic response and poorer outcome in patients with overlap syndrome than in those presenting solely with autoimmune hepatitis. Whether overlap syndromes are distinct entities or the presence of 2 concurrent diseases is still a subject of debate. They should be suspected in autoimmune hepatitis patients that present with signs of cholestasis, as it is known that overlap behavior tends to be more aggressive, with higher rates of cirrhosis and the need for liver transplantation. Treatment response is also poorer and should be directed at the predominant component. Standardized definitions are necessary so that these syndromes can be studied in controlled clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Aguilar-Nájera
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, D.F., México
| | - J A Velasco-Zamora
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, D.F., México
| | - A Torre
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, D.F., México.
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17
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Overlap syndromes of autoimmune hepatitis: diagnosis and treatment. REVISTA DE GASTROENTEROLOGÍA DE MÉXICO (ENGLISH EDITION) 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmxen.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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18
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Abstract
Overlapping features between autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and cholestatic disorders (primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), or indeterminate cholestasis), so-called overlap syndromes, usually have a progressive course toward cirrhosis and liver failure without adequate treatment. The diagnosis of overlap syndrome requires the prominent features of classic AIH and secondary objective findings of PBC or PSC. Empiric treatment for patients with AIH-PBC overlap is immunosuppressive therapy plus ursodeoxycholic acid. Empiric treatment for patients with AIH-PSC and AIH-cholestatic overlap is immunosuppressive therapy with or without ursodeoxycholic acid. Liver transplantation is indicated for patients who have end-stage liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chalermrat Bunchorntavakul
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 2 Dulles, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Rajavithi Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Rajavithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - K Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 2 Dulles, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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19
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Diagnosis and management of the overlap syndromes of autoimmune hepatitis. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2014; 27:417-23. [PMID: 23862175 DOI: 10.1155/2013/198070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis may have cholestatic features that are outside the classical phenotype and that resemble findings in other immune-mediated liver diseases. These cholestatic phenotypes have been designated 'overlap syndromes'. OBJECTIVES To recognize the overlap syndromes in adults and manage them appropriately. METHODS The MEDLINE database was reviewed for published experiences from 1984 to 2013. RESULTS Patients with autoimmune hepatitis may exhibit features of primary biliary cirrhosis (7% to 13%), primary sclerosing cholangitis (6% to 11%) or a cholestatic syndrome without other diagnostic features (5% to 11%). These mixed phenotypes may represent classical autoimmune hepatitis with atypical features, transition states in the evolution of classical cholestatic syndromes, concurrent separate diseases or pathogenically distinct disorders. The 'Paris criteria' have been endorsed for the diagnosis of the overlap syndrome with primary biliary cirrhosis, and treatment with conventional immunosuppressive therapy alone or in combination with low-dose ursodeoxycholic acid can be guided by the serum alkaline phosphatase level. The overlap syndrome with primary sclerosing cholangitis or with cholestasis without diagnostic features is commonly treated with immunosuppressive therapy and ursodeoxycholic acid. Responses are variable and commonly incomplete (20% to 100% improvement) depending on the degree of cholestasis. DISCUSSION The overlap syndromes are clinical descriptions rather than pathological entities, and the dominant component of the disease determines its designation and therapy. Cholestatic findings in autoimmune hepatitis influence the response to immunosuppressive therapy. CONCLUSION The overlap syndromes must be considered in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and cholestatic findings, concurrent inflammatory bowel disease or steroid-refractory disease.
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Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) include autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Overlap syndrome (OS) of AILDs is a relatively infrequent disease that has the combined clinical, biochemical, serological, histological and radiological features of AIH and PBC or PSC, mainly comprising AIH-PBC and AIH-PSC overlap syndromes. The AIH-PBC overlap syndrome is common in adults, while the AIH-PSC overlap syndrome is predominantly found in children. Overlap syndromes have a progressive course and may finally lead to liver cirrhosis and liver failure without treatment. High-dose ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) combined with immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids and/or azathioprine (AZA) is usually used in both AIH-PBC and AIH-PSC overlap syndromes. At present, liver transplantation is the only option with known therapeutic benefit for end-stage patients.
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