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Staicu A, Popa-Stanila R, Albu C, Chira A, Constantin R, Boitor-Borza D, Surcel M, Rotar IC, Cruciat G, Muresan D. Neonatal Hemochromatosis: Systematic Review of Prenatal Ultrasound Findings—Is There a Place for MRI in the Diagnostic Process? J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12072679. [PMID: 37048762 PMCID: PMC10094906 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal hemochromatosis (NH) is an uncommon, severe disorder that results in fetal loss or neonatal death due to liver failure. NH is currently regarded as the phenotypic expression of gestational alloimmune liver disease (GALD). The diagnosis of NH-GALD is rarely prenatally established. In addition to providing a systematic review of the prenatal features that are identifiable using ultrasound (US) and MRI, we suggest a prenatal diagnosis algorithm for use in suspected NH during the first affected pregnancy. From a total of 586 database entries identified in PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, we selected 18 studies published from 1993 to 2021 that reported maternal medical and obstetric history, prenatal ultrasound findings, and postpartum outcomes. We investigated the ultrasound and MRI features of these studies, along with the outcome due to this condition. A total of 74 cases were identified. The main reported prenatal US finding was fetal growth restriction (FGR) (33%), followed by oligohydramnios (13%) and hydrops fetalis (13%), with 13% cases described as uneventful. Other rare prenatal findings were fetal anemia, ascites, and abnormal fetal liver and spleen. Most pregnancies ended with fetal/perinatal death or therapeutic interruption of pregnancy. Favorable evolution with treatment (ensanguine transfusion and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)) was reported for only 7% of fetuses. Using T2-weighted MRI, fetal extrahepatic siderosis confirmed prenatally in two cases and postnatally in 11 cases. IVIG treatment throughout subsequent pregnancies was found to significantly improve fetal prognosis. MRI should be indicated in selected cases of oligohydramnios, fetal hydrops, fetal hepatomegaly, ascites, or unexplained FGR or anemia after ruling out all other more frequently encountered conditions. MRI can be used to detect iron overload in the liver and extrahepatic siderosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Staicu
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 1st Clinics of Obstetrics and Gynecology Cluj-Napoca, Emergency County Clinical Hospital, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Roxana Popa-Stanila
- Department of Radiology, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Centre of Advanced Research Studies, Emergency County Hospital, IMOGEN, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Camelia Albu
- Centre of Advanced Research Studies, Emergency County Hospital, IMOGEN, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Pathology, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandra Chira
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 2nd Medical Clinic, Emergency County Clinical Hospital, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Roxana Constantin
- 1st Clinics of Obstetrics and Gynecology Cluj-Napoca, Emergency County Clinical Hospital, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dan Boitor-Borza
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 1st Clinics of Obstetrics and Gynecology Cluj-Napoca, Emergency County Clinical Hospital, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihai Surcel
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 1st Clinics of Obstetrics and Gynecology Cluj-Napoca, Emergency County Clinical Hospital, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Cristina Rotar
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 1st Clinics of Obstetrics and Gynecology Cluj-Napoca, Emergency County Clinical Hospital, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gheorghe Cruciat
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 1st Clinics of Obstetrics and Gynecology Cluj-Napoca, Emergency County Clinical Hospital, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniel Muresan
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 1st Clinics of Obstetrics and Gynecology Cluj-Napoca, Emergency County Clinical Hospital, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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M R, Purkait S, Satapathy AK, John J, Patra S, Mitra S. Neonatal hemochromatosis in a newborn with Down syndrome. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2020; 39:62-70. [PMID: 31215296 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2019.1627630] [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] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background: Neonatal hemochromatosis (NH) is a cause of neonatal/pediatric acute liver failure. Liver dysfunction/failure in Down syndrome had been described in relation to increased susceptibility to infection and transient myeloproliferative disease (TMD). The occurrence of NH in Down syndrome is described in only a few case reports. Material and methods: A complete autopsy have been performed in a 79-day-old infant with severe liver dysfunction. TMD was suspected antemortem following a report of peripheral blood leukocytosis with 14% atypical cells. Results: The complete autopsy revealed NH-phenotype to be the cause of liver dysfunction and subsequent death. Conclusion: Though TMD is a common cause of liver dysfunction in Down syndrome, NH should also be considered in its differential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasheeda M
- Pathology and Lab Medicine, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Suvendu Purkait
- Pathology and Lab Medicine, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | - Joseph John
- Pediatrics, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Susama Patra
- Pathology and Lab Medicine, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Suvradeep Mitra
- Pathology and Lab Medicine, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
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Reduction of Skeletal Muscle Power in Adolescent Males Carrying H63D Mutation in the HFE Gene. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2017:5313914. [PMID: 29362711 PMCID: PMC5736923 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5313914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Iron overload resulting from the mutation of genes involved in iron metabolism or excess dietary intake has been reported to negatively influence human physical performance. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that adolescents bearing a hemochromatosis gene (HFE) mutation in contrast to adults with the same mutation will not experience iron accumulation and their aerobic capacity will be similar to that of age-matched controls. Thirteen boys participated in the study. Seven of them are carriers of H63D mutation in the HFE gene and six were wild type. Fitness levels were assessed using the cardiopulmonary exercise test. In addition, iron status and inflammatory markers were determined. We observed that cardiovascular fitness was significantly lower in the group bearing the HFE mutation compared to the control group. Moreover, the HFE mutation group achieved lower maximal power output compared to the control group. There were no differences in blood ferritin concentrations between the two groups which indicates similar amounts of stored iron. Obtained data do not confirm our hypothesis. On the contrary, it was demonstrated that HFE mutation is associated with a lower level of aerobic capacity, even in the absence of iron accumulation.
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Taylor SA, Whitington PF. Neonatal acute liver failure. Liver Transpl 2016; 22:677-85. [PMID: 26946058 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal acute liver failure (NALF) is a rare disease about which there is little published data; however, NALF is an extremely important condition as it is distinct from acute liver failure seen in older children and adults. First, unlike acute liver failure in older patients, NALF can be diagnosed in an infant with cirrhosis. This is due to the fetal-neonatal continuum of liver disease, or the principle that neonatal liver failure may be the result of a liver disease that began in utero. Further differences exist in the mechanism of disease, diagnostic principles, and the common etiologies of NALF when compared with pediatric and adult acute liver failure. This review will address many of the distinguishing features of NALF and focus on the most common etiologies of NALF, including gestational alloimmune liver disease (GALD), the most common cause of NALF. Additionally, this review will provide insight into the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare condition. Liver Transplantation 22 677-685 2016 AASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Peter F Whitington
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
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Koura U, Horikawa S, Okabe M, Kawasaki Y, Makimoto M, Mizuta K, Yoshida T. Successful treatment of hemochromatosis with renal tubular dysgenesis in a preterm infant. Clin Case Rep 2015; 3:690-3. [PMID: 26331014 PMCID: PMC4551327 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the first surviving case of neonatal hemochromatosis with renal tubular dysgenesis. Renal failure was treated with peritoneal dialysis. Although hepatic failure from neonatal hemochromatosis was progressive, repeated exchange transfusions improved jaundice and coagulopathy. The patient gained weight and received a liver transplantation from her father.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uta Koura
- Division of Neonatology, Maternal and Perinatal Center, Toyama University Hospital 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Horikawa
- Division of Neonatology, Maternal and Perinatal Center, Toyama University Hospital 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Mako Okabe
- Division of Neonatology, Maternal and Perinatal Center, Toyama University Hospital 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yukako Kawasaki
- Division of Neonatology, Maternal and Perinatal Center, Toyama University Hospital 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Masami Makimoto
- Division of Neonatology, Maternal and Perinatal Center, Toyama University Hospital 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Koichi Mizuta
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University Hospital 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi-ken, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Taketoshi Yoshida
- Division of Neonatology, Maternal and Perinatal Center, Toyama University Hospital 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
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Heissat S, Collardeau-Frachon S, Baruteau J, Dubruc E, Bouvier R, Fabre M, Cordier MP, Broué P, Guigonis V, Debray D. Neonatal hemochromatosis: diagnostic work-up based on a series of 56 cases of fetal death and neonatal liver failure. J Pediatr 2015; 166:66-73. [PMID: 25444000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2014.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define an algorithm to improve diagnosis of neonatal hemochromatosis (NH) related to gestational alloimmune liver disease (GALD), which is diagnosed by immunohistochemistry demonstrating activated complement at hepatocytes (IDACH). STUDY DESIGN We assessed 56 instances of fetal death or neonatal liver failure (NLF; 2006-2009), 29 (7 stillborns, 22 NLF) with NH, and 27 (5 stillborns, 22 NLF) without NH (non-NH). Immunohistochemistry was retrospectively performed in 21 cases. Cases were grouped as follows: (1) GALD as demonstrated by IDACH (n = 17); (2) indeterminate for GALD (n = 28); or (3) alternate diagnosis found (n = 11). We compared cases of immunohistochemically proven GALD with those with an alternate diagnosis. RESULTS Of the 12 stillborns, 7 had NH because of GALD (NH-GALD), one was undeterminate, and 4 had alternate diagnoses (GALD excluded). Of the 22 newborns with NH, 6 had NH-GALD, one had mitochondrial respiratory chain disorder (MRCD), and 15 were indeterminate for GALD. Of 22 non-NH newborns, extrahepatic siderosis (EHS) was not assessed in 13 (3 GALD, 1 alternate diagnosis [MRCD] and 9 indeterminate GALD) and excluded in 9 (5 alternate diagnoses and 4 indeterminate GALD). The only clinical features found to be associated with GALD were intrafamilial recurrence, prematurity, and EHS. CONCLUSIONS In unexplained fetal death or NLF, the diagnosis of subsets of NH requires tissue analysis (autopsy) to assess EHS. In patients with NH, if MRCD is ruled out, NH-GALD is likely. The rate of IDACH in the diagnosis of GALD in cases without NH requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Heissat
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon et Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
| | - Sophie Collardeau-Frachon
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon et Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Julien Baruteau
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Estelle Dubruc
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon et Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Raymonde Bouvier
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon et Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Pierre Broué
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Vincent Guigonis
- Department of Pediatrics, Hôpital Mère et Enfant, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Dominique Debray
- Medical-Surgical Center, Hepatology, and Transplantation AP-HP, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
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Elaboration of tubules with active hedgehog drives parenchymal fibrogenesis in gestational alloimmune liver disease. Hum Pathol 2015; 46:84-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2014.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Abstract
Renal tubular dysgenesis (RTD) is a severe foetal disorder characterised by the absence or poor development of proximal tubules, early onset and persistent anuria (leading to oligohydramnios and the Potter sequence) and ossification defects of the skull. In most cases, early death occurs from pulmonary hypoplasia, anuria and refractory arterial hypotension. RTD may be acquired during foetal development or inherited as an autosomal recessive disease. Inherited RTD is genetically heterogeneous and linked to mutations in the genes encoding the major components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS): angiotensinogen, renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme or angiotensin II receptor type 1. Mutations result in either the absence of production or lack of efficacy of angiotensin II. Secondary RTD has been observed in various situations, particularly in the donor twin of severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, in foetuses affected with congenital haemochromatosis or in foetuses exposed to RAS blockers. All cases result in renal hypoperfusion. These examples illustrate the importance of a functional RAS in the maintenance of blood pressure and renal blood flow for humans during foetal life. The diagnosis of RTD in an anuric foetus with normal renal sonography results is important for the management of the foetus or neonate. Depending on the genetic or secondary cause of the disease, such findings can lead to genetic counselling or the prevention of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies.
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Abstract
Neonatal hemochromatosis is a clinical condition in which severe liver disease in the newborn is accompanied by extrahepatic siderosis. Gestational alloimmune liver disease (GALD) has been established as the cause of fetal liver injury resulting in nearly all cases of NH. In GALD, a women is exposed to a fetal antigen that she does not recognize as "self" and subsequently begins to produce IgG antibodies that are directed against fetal hepatocytes. These antibodies bind to fetal liver antigen and activate the terminal complement cascade resulting in hepatocyte injury and death. GALD can cause congenital cirrhosis or acute liver failure with and without iron overload and siderosis. Practitioners should consider GALD in cases of fetal demise, stillbirth, and neonatal acute liver failure. Identification of infants with GALD is important as treatment is available and effective for subsequent pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy G. Feldman
- Address for correspondence. Amy G. Feldman, MD, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 East Chicago Avenue, Box 57, Chicago, IL 60611-2605, United States. Tel.: +1 312 227 7600; fax: +1 312 227 9645.
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Collardeau-Frachon S, Heissat S, Bouvier R, Fabre M, Baruteau J, Broue P, Cordier MP, Debray D, Debiec H, Ronco P, Guigonis V. French retrospective multicentric study of neonatal hemochromatosis: importance of autopsy and autoimmune maternal manifestations. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2012; 15:450-70. [PMID: 22901025 DOI: 10.2350/12-02-1155-oa.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal hemochromatosis is a rare disease that causes fetal loss and neonatal death in the 1st weeks of life and is one of the most common causes of liver failure in the neonate. The diagnosis is mostly made retrospectively, based on histopathologic features of severe liver fibrosis associated with hepatic and extrahepatic siderosis. Several etiologies may underlie this phenotype, including a recently hypothesized gestational alloimmune disease. Fifty-one cases of liver failure with intrahepatic siderosis in fetuses and neonates were analyzed retrospectively. Maternal and infant data were collected from hospitalization and autopsy reports. All available slides were reviewed independently by 3 pathologists. Immunologic studies were performed on maternal sera collected immediately after delivery. The diagnosis of neonatal haemochromatosis was retained in 33 cases, including 1 case with Down syndrome and 1 case with myofibromas. Liver siderosis was inversely proportional to fibrosis progression. In fetuses, iron storage was more frequent in the thyroid than in the pancreas. Perls staining in labial salivary glands was positive in 1 of 5 cases. Abnormal low signal intensity by magnetic resonance imaging was detected in the pancreas in 2 of 7 cases. Renal tubular dysgenesis was observed in 7 of 23 autopsy cases. Chronic villitis was seen in 7 of 15 placentas. Half of the mothers presented with an autoimmune background and/or autoantibodies in their sera. Our work highlights the importance of autopsy in cases of neonatal hemochromatosis and marshals additional data in support of the hypothesis that neonatal hemochromatosis could reflect maternal immune system dysregulation.
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Bonilla S, Prozialeck JD, Malladi P, Pan X, Yu S, Melin-Aldana H, Whitington PF. Neonatal iron overload and tissue siderosis due to gestational alloimmune liver disease. J Hepatol 2012; 56:1351-5. [PMID: 22322235 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2012.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Revised: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Gestational alloimmune liver disease is the main cause of the neonatal hemochromatosis phenotype, wherein severe neonatal liver disease is associated with iron overload and extrahepatic tissue siderosis. How fetal liver disease produces extrahepatic siderosis is not known. We hypothesized that fetal liver injury causes deficient hepcidin production and poor regulation of placental iron flux. Under the resulting conditions of iron overload, the tissue pattern of extrahepatic siderosis is determined by the normal expression of proteins involved in the import of non-transferrin-bound iron and the export of cellular iron. METHODS Liver and extrahepatic tissues from infants with gestational alloimmune liver disease were examined and compared to normal age-appropriate tissues. RESULTS Serum iron indices indicate iron overload and excess non-transferrin bound iron in gestational alloimmune liver disease. The diseased liver showed significantly reduced hepcidin, hemojuvulin, and transferrin gene expression compared to the normal fetal and neonatal liver. Those extrahepatic tissues that are typically involved in pathological siderosis in neonatal hemochromatosis, whether from normal or diseased newborns, consistently expressed solute carrier family 39 (zinc transporter), member 14 (ZIP14) for non-transferrin-bound iron uptake and expressed little ferroportin for iron export. CONCLUSIONS Excess non-transferrin-bound iron in gestational alloimmune liver disease may result from fetal liver injury that causes reduced synthesis of key iron regulatory and transport proteins. Whereas, the pattern of extrahepatic siderosis appears to be determined by the normal capacity of various tissues to import non-transferrin-bound iron and not export cellular iron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Bonilla
- Children's Memorial Research Center, The Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
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Whitington PF, Pan X, Kelly S, Melin-Aldana H, Malladi P. Gestational alloimmune liver disease in cases of fetal death. J Pediatr 2011; 159:612-6. [PMID: 21592512 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2011.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Revised: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether alloimmune liver disease can be identified as a cause of fetal death. STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective examination of the autopsy tissue of 6 stillborn fetuses and 2 extreme preterm infants (gestational age, 20 to 34 weeks) drawn from families referred for suspected neonatal hemochromatosis. Thirteen appropriate nondisease controls and 8 cases of neonatal acute liver failure with known etiology were also examined. Liver sections were immunostained using anti-human C5b-9 complex. RESULTS All of the study cases had died with no preceding evidence of fetal distress. Histopathology showed findings of acute liver injury, including global hepatocyte necrosis with minimal reticulum collapse and no fibrosis. Hepatocytes in cases stained strongly positively for C5b-9 complex, suggesting premortem lgG complement-mediated liver injury. Hepatocytes in acute liver failure case controls did not demonstrate a similar mechanism of liver injury. CONCLUSIONS Alloimmune liver disease is sometimes associated with fetal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter F Whitington
- Children's Memorial Research Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Smyk D, Grammatikopoulos T, Daponte A, Rigopoulou EI, Bogdanos DP. Fetomaternal alloimmunity as a cause of liver disease. AUTOIMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 2011; 2:21-8. [PMID: 26000116 PMCID: PMC4389071 DOI: 10.1007/s13317-011-0019-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Fetomaternal alloimmune disease has traditionally been associated with haematological disease such as fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopaenia and Rh haemolytic anaemia, but is now known to also be organ specific. Alloimmune membranous glomerulonephritis (AMG) is one of the most well understood organ-specific alloimmune diseases. Neonatal haemochromatosis (NH) is a rare condition characterised by early liver failure in infants, with evidence suggesting that it is also alloimmune. Both AMG and NH appear to involve the passive transfer of alloantibodies to the fetus, which bind a specific alloantigen, fix complement and activate the terminal complement cascade. Although differences between AMG and NH are known, and evidence of the presence of antigen-specific alloantibodies in NH is still missing, we will use AMG as an example of fetomaternal organ specific alloimmune disease, and critically compare this to other emerging evidence that indicates that NH is also alloimmune.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Smyk
- Liver Immunopathology and Immunodiagnostics, Institute of Liver Studies and Liver Unit, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill Campus, London, SE5 9RS UK
| | - Tassos Grammatikopoulos
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS UK
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Thessaly Medical School, 41222 Larissa, Thessaly Greece
| | - Eirini I Rigopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University of Thessaly Medical School, 41222 Larissa, Thessaly Greece
| | - Dimitrios P Bogdanos
- Liver Immunopathology and Immunodiagnostics, Institute of Liver Studies and Liver Unit, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill Campus, London, SE5 9RS UK
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Pan X, Kelly S, Melin-Aldana H, Malladi P, Whitington PF. Novel mechanism of fetal hepatocyte injury in congenital alloimmune hepatitis involves the terminal complement cascade. Hepatology 2010; 51:2061-8. [PMID: 20512994 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Evidence suggests that most neonatal hemochromatosis (NH) is the phenotypic expression of gestational alloimmune fetal liver injury. Gestational alloimmune diseases are induced by the placental passage of specific reactive immunoglobulin G and often involve the activation of fetal complement by the classical pathway leading to the formation of membrane attack complex (MAC) as the effector of cell injury. We examined liver specimens from cases of NH, from cases of non-NH liver disease, and from infants without liver disease to determine if they would provide evidence that MAC is involved in hepatocyte injury. Sections were immunostained with anti-human C5b-9 complex, the terminal complement cascade (TCC) neoantigen formed in the assembly of MAC. Fetal liver injury in NH cases is associated with a severe loss of hepatocytes. In all NH cases examined, most remaining hepatocytes showed intense staining for TCC neoantigen, whereas hepatocytes in non-NH liver disease cases showed variable light staining. The percentage of hepatocytes containing TCC neoantigen in NH was much greater than that in non-NH liver disease, and there was no overlap between the groups. Findings in both groups suggest that hepatocytes have mechanisms to protect against MAC, including a biliary pathway for its excretion. CONCLUSION The finding that all cases of proven NH contained TCC neoantigen far in excess of cases of other neonatal liver diseases suggests that a single process, namely congenital alloimmune hepatitis, is the principal cause of NH. MAC-mediated alloimmune injury in congenital alloimmune hepatitis is a novel mechanism of liver injury that results from an interplay of maternal adaptive immunity and fetal innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Pan
- Children's Memorial Research Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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