An overlap syndrome involving autoimmune hepatitis and systemic lupus erythematosus in childhood

Co-Presentation of Lupus Nephritis with Autoimmune Hepatitis

BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multiorgan immunologic disease which commonly results in systemic manifestations by involving joints, kidneys, skin, heart, hematologic cell lines, pulmonary and central nervous systems. The hepatic involvement of lupus is relatively less common, which creates diagnostic challenges, as the clinical presentations of lupus hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are similar. CASE REPORT A 51-year-old woman presented for multiple joint pain that began 2 years ago. Her work-up, including kidney biopsy, was consistent with a diagnosis of class V lupus nephritis. Subsequently, within a few months, she was admitted with acute elevation of liver enzymes and high immunoglobulin IgG level, and a liver biopsy demonstrated impressive interface hepatitis with many plasma cells and lymphocytes, suggestive of chronic hepatitis with high histological activity. This case illustrates the co-presentation of lupus nephritis and AIH, which is a rare association. The patient was managed with a tapering dose of prednisone, hydroxychloroquine initially, and later with mycophenolate mofetil, with complete resolution of liver enzyme abnormalities by 4-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Lupus hepatitis is hepatic involvement of SLE, which should be distinguished from AIH. Accurate diagnosis is important, as management and prognosis of these immunologic conditions can differ. Although both entities share clinical and biochemical markers, the presence of anti-ribosomal P antibodies and liver histology features of predominant lymphoid infiltrates with lobular inflammation favor lupus hepatitis. A multidisciplinary approach involving rheumatologists, hepatologists, and pathologists can improve disease outcomes by properly differentiating the 2 entities and guiding the selection of appropriate immunosuppressive therapy.

Gastrointestinal Involvement in Children with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disorder. When it presents before the age of 18 years (childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus, cSLE), the disease course tends to be more severe with a higher rate of organ involvement and requires an early diagnosis. Gastrointestinal involvement in cSLE is rare and scarcely reported in the literature. Any organ of the gastrointestinal system may be affected, either as a direct consequence of the disease, as a subsequent complication, or as an adverse drug event. Abdominal pain is the most common GI symptom, it can be diffuse or well localized, and can underline different conditions such as hepatitis, pancreatitis, appendicitis, peritonitis, or enteritis. cSLE may have an alteration of the intestinal barrier with features of protein-losing enteropathy or, in genetically predisposed patients, may develop associated autoimmune disorders such as Coeliac Disease or Autoimmune Hepatitis. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a narrative review of gastrointestinal manifestations in cSLE focused on hepatic, pancreatic, and intestinal involvement. A comprehensive literature search based on the PubMed database was performed.

Co-occurrence of Wilson's disease and systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report and literature review

Background

Wilsons disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive disease associated with defective biliary excretion of copper. The simultaneous occurrence of WD and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has seldom been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to report the co-occurrence of SLE and WD with hepatic involvement in a patient so as to improve the understanding of the coexistence of these two conditions.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old woman with SLE was found to have liver fibrosis during a routinely abdominal ultrasound examination. Her laboratory evaluation showed low serum ceruloplasmin and high 24h urine copper levels. The slit-lamp examination revealed the presence of KayseriFleischer ring in her cornea. Liver biopsy demonstrated the enlargement of the portal area with hyperplasia of the fibrous tissue, infiltration of lymphoid plasma cells, swelling of hepatocytes, and steatosis, demonstrating liver fibrosis. Ensuing genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of WD.

Conclusions

Clinicians should bear in mind that unexplained liver fibrosis in patients with SLE may be related to WD, so as to avoid a missed or delayed diagnosis.

Case of autoimmune hepatitis with overlap systemic lupus erythematosus

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an autoimmune liver disease characterised by the presence of autoantibodies including antinuclear antibodies, anti-smooth muscle antibody and hypergammaglobulinaemia. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic disease that can affect multiple organs. Coexistence of AIH and SLE as an overlap syndrome occurs in about 1%-2.6% of the AIH cases. Since both conditions share common autoimmune features, their coexistence can pose a diagnostic dilemma which can result in a delay in treatment. We present here a challenging case of a middle-aged woman with AIH in remission who later developed new-onset fatigue, pleural effusion and splenomegaly.

Lupus hepatitis, more than just elevated liver enzymes

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a multisystem autoimmune inflammatory disease, may involve any organs, including the liver. Liver involvement in SLE is not part of the American College of Rheumatology criteria and is relatively rare. Liver disease is usually mild, manifesting as subtle elevation of liver enzymes. Jaundice and hepatomegaly can be seen in some patients; advanced liver disease with cirrhosis is extremely rare. Precise pathology remains obscure. SLE may cause non-specific changes, including hepatocellular, cholestatic, or vascular changes. Alcohol, drugs, viral infections, metabolic disorders, autoimmune hepatitis, and other common causes of liver dysfunction should be excluded. Corticosteroids may expedite the recovery process, but may lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver damage. Several large-scale multicentre studies have shown that liver involvement is not the major cause of morbidity and mortality in SLE patients. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, clinical manifestations, management, complications, and prognosis of lupus hepatitis.

Overlap Syndrome Involving Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Autoimmune Hepatitis in Children: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: The diagnosis of overlap syndrome involving systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is not easily established because of its similar clinical presentations and biochemical features to those of lupus hepatitis. The term overlap syndrome is usually used in the context of overlap of autoimmune hepatitis with PSC (primary sclerosing cholangitis) or PBC (primary biliary cholangitis). Few cases of AIH complicated by SLE have been reported in the literature, and the condition is even rarer in childhood. Case presentation: Here we report the case of a 16-year-old girl with SLE who initially presented with autoimmune (cholestatic) hepatitis. According to American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases practice guidelines, the diagnosis was made based on aggregated scores including female (+2); ALP:AST (or ALT) ratio <1.5(+2); elevated serum IgG level(+3); ANA > 1:80 (+3); negative hepatitis viral markers and drug history (+3, +1); average alcohol intake <25 g/day (+2); and histological interface hepatitis features (+3). She then developed a malar rash, ANA positivity, anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies, and a low complement level. She met 4 of 17 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria (1) for SLE. Our patient responded very well to corticosteroid at an initial dose of methylprednisolone 40 mg Q12H for 4 days tapering to 1 mg/kg/day according to liver function test results and bilirubin level. No relapse occurred during the 3-year follow-up course. Conclusions: Overlapping of SLE and AIH should be suspected when children with SLE have impaired liver function or AIH patients present with a malar or other skin rash. Liver biopsy plays an important role in establishing the differential diagnosis of SLE with liver impairment or overlap with AIH. The prompt diagnosis and adequate further treatment plans can improve disease outcomes.

Anti-CD20 Treatment of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Refractory to Corticosteroids and Azathioprine: A Pediatric Case Report and Mini Review

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a relatively uncommon hematological entity in children and sometimes is characterized by a severe course requiring more than one line course therapy. Treatment decisions depend on the severity and chronicity of the anemia and the characteristics of the autoantibodies. Immunosuppression with corticosteroids is the first-line treatment, especially in warm-reactive AIHA. Refractory cases are treated with immunosuppressive drugs, cytotoxic agents, androgens, or splenectomy, with various side effects and questionable efficacy. Another second-line option is rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, which has been used as an off-label agent with encouraging results from small limited studies or case reports. Herein, we add our experience on the safety and clinical efficacy of rituximab by presenting the case of a boy with warm-type AIHA resistant to corticosteroids and azathioprine, successfully treated with rituximab. We also offer a review of the relevant literature.

Similarity Network Fusion: A Novel Application to Making Clinical Diagnoses

Similarity Network Fusion (SNF) is a novel methodological tool that integrates multiple different types of data to identify homogeneous subsets of patients in whom disease classification may be otherwise unclear or challenging. In this review article, the authors hope to provide insight into how SNF can be used in clinical decision making where the aim is to have little influence on the data prior to obtaining the results of the analysis.

Severe transaminitis in a paediatric patient with systemic lupus erythaematosus and a discussion of the literature

A 15-year-old African-American girl with known systemic lupus erythaematosus (SLE) presented to the emergency room with fever, abdominal distension, pain and vomiting. She was found to have severe transaminitis on laboratory examination, which prompted further work up including imaging and liver biopsy. Although complete diagnostic criteria were not met, histology was suggestive of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). She was treated with steroids and azathioprine with good response and resolution of liver function tests. Availability of the literature discussing patients of any age with SLE and AIH is minimal, and consists mostly of small case series and some case reports. The juvenile literature on SLE and AIH occurring in the same patient is even scarcer and should be further studied at a multicentre level.

Liver involvement in children with collagen vascular diseases

Liver injury such as hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and various degrees of biochemical abnormalities are quite common in children with collagen vascular diseases. They may be primary or secondary, particularly due to drug therapy (drug toxicity, fatty infiltration), superadded infections, diabetes or overlap with autoimmune hepatitis.

Spectrum of autoantibodies for gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Background

Organ-specific autoimmune diseases may appear in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Gastrointestinal symptoms are well documented in SLE and may be similar to those related to autoimmune gastrointestinal diseases.

Objective

Our aim was to search for gastrointestinal organ-specific autoantibodies in 194 patients with systemic lupus and 103 healthy controls from Southern Brazil.

Methods

Anti-endomysium antibodies (IgA-EmA), anti-gastric parietal cells (GPC) antibodies, anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA), anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) and anti-LKM-1 (liver-kidney microsomal) were searched for using indirect immunofluorescence in the sera of patients and controls.

Results

The total positivity of antibodies in SLE patients was 14.4% (28/194) and differed significantly from healthy individuals (0.97%; p < 0.001). IgA-EmA was more common in lupus patients than in controls (11/194; p = 0.009), and one of these patients had dermatitis herpetiformis. Clinical association revealed that IgA-EmA was more common in SLE patients with discoid lesions. The frequency of anti-GPC ( p = 0.10), ASMA ( p = 0.16) and AMA ( p = 0.55) did not differ significantly between groups. No patient presented LKM-1 autoantibodies. One patient presenting anti-GPC was diagnosed with atrophic gastritis and pernicious anemia.

Conclusion

Only IgA-EmA was significantly associated with lupus and with the presence of discoid lesions. Until now, no obvious association with celiac disease has been found.

Autoimmune hepatitis in diverse ethnic populations and geographical regions

Autoimmune hepatitis has diverse clinical phenotypes and outcomes in ethnic groups within a country and between countries, and these differences may reflect genetic predispositions, indigenous etiological agents, pharmacogenomic mechanisms and socioeconomic reasons. In the USA, African-American patients have cirrhosis more commonly, treatment failure more frequently and higher mortality than white American patients. Survival is poorest in Asian-American patients. Autoimmune hepatitis in other countries is frequently associated with genetic predispositions that may favor susceptibility to indigenous etiological agents. Cholestatic features influence treatment response; acute-on-chronic liver disease increases mortality and socioeconomic and cultural factors affect prognosis. Ethnic-based deviations from classical phenotypes and the frequency of late-stage disease can complicate the diagnosis and management of autoimmune hepatitis in non-white populations.

A patient of lupus presenting with myocarditis and overlapping autoimmune hepatitis

Systemic lupus erythematosus has myriad presentations. Symptomatic myocarditis and/or symptomatic autoimmune hepatitis associated with lupus are rare at presentation. Here we report a young Asian girl, who presented to us with features of symptomatic myocarditis and overlapping autoimmune hepatitis. She was eventually diagnosed to be harboring systemic lupus erythematosus, in whom rigorous management led to gratuitous recovery.

Determination of ADAMTS13 and Its Clinical Significance for ADAMTS13 Supplementation Therapy to Improve the Survival of Patients with Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis

The liver plays a central role in hemostasis by synthesizing clotting factors, coagulation inhibitors, and fibrinolytic proteins. Liver cirrhosis (LC), therefore, impacts on both primary and secondary hemostatic mechanisms. ADAMTS13 is a metalloproteinase, produced exclusively in hepatic stellate cells, and specifically cleaves unusually large von Willebrand factor multimers (UL-VWFM). Deficiency of ADAMTS13 results in accumulation of UL-VWFM, which induces platelet clumping or thrombi under high shear stress, followed by sinusoidal microcirculatory disturbances and subsequent progression of liver injuries, eventually leading to multiorgan failure. The marked imbalance between decreased ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13 : AC) and increased production of UL-VWFM indicating a high-risk state of platelet microthrombi formation was closely related to functional liver capacity, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, and intractable ascites in advanced LC. Some end-stage LC patients with extremely low ADAMTS13 : AC and its IgG inhibitor may reflect conditions similar to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) or may reflect "subclinical TTP." Hence, cirrhotic patients with severe to moderate deficiency of ADAMTS13 : AC may be candidates for FFP infusion as a source of ADAMTS13 or for recombinant ADAMTS13 supplementation. Such treatments may improve the survival of patients with decompensated LC.

Concurrent autoimmune diseases in patients with autoimmune hepatitis

BACKGROUND

Although the pathomechanisms of autoimmune diseases in various organs remain unresolved, an accumulation of autoimmune diseases in individual patients has been observed. An overlap of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) or primary sclerosing cirrhosis has been well documented. However, the overlap of autoimmune diseases other than PBC or PSC has not yet been investigated in a large cohort.

GOAL

The goal of our analysis was to investigate the incidence of concurrent autoimmune diseases in patients with AIH.

STUDY

We analyzed our cohort of 278 patients with AIH for concurrent autoimmune diseases.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients (40%) were diagnosed with additional autoimmune diseases. Besides overlap syndromes for PBC and PSC, autoimmune thyroiditis was the most common concurrent disease (28 patients, 10%). Other concurrent autoimmune diseases comprised vitiligo (5 patients), rheumatoid arthritis (5 patients), Sjogren syndrome (4 patients), ulcerative colitis (4 patients), conjunctivitis (4 patients), celiac disease (3 patients), systemic lupus erythematodes (2 patients), type I diabetes (2 patients), multiple sclerosis (2 patients), polymyalgia rheumatica (2 patients), and urticaria (2 patients). One patient each was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, autoimmune gastritis, collagenous colitis, hypophysitis, and sarcoidosis. Investigating 100 patients with polyglandular syndrome and autoimmune thyroid disease for the occurrence of autoantibodies associated with AIH, we identified AIH-associated antibodies only in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent autoimmune diseases are common in patients with AIH and mirror the full range of known autoimmune diseases. Therefore, an extended diagnostic screening for accumulating autoimmune diseases, especially autoimmune thyroiditis, seems reasonable in patients with AIH.

Autoimmune hepatitis and juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are both autoimmune disorders that are rare in children and have a widespread clinical manifestation. A few case reports have shown a JSLE-AIH associated disorder. To our knowledge, this is the first study that simultaneously evaluated the prevalence of JSLE-AIH in a large JLSE and AIH population in groups of Hepatology and Rheumatology of a tertiary Paediatric University Hospital. In a 24-year period, 228 patients were diagnosed with JSLE (ACR criteria). In the same period, 252 patients were diagnosed with AIH according to the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group. In this article, we present the demographic data, clinical features, laboratory exams and treatment of four children with both the diseases. The prevalence was 1.8% in JSLE population and was 1.6% in AIH population. The current median age was 15.5 years and three were females. In three of them, the diagnosis of AIH preceded JSLE. All of them had increased liver enzymes with a characteristic liver biopsy of AIH and responded to the combination of prednisone, azathioprine and antimalarial drugs. In conclusion, the presence of AIH-JSLE associated disorder was rarely observed. The liver biopsy could be necessary in patients with JLSE with a persistent increase of liver enzymes.

The serological profile of the autoimmune hepatitis/primary biliary cirrhosis overlap syndrome

OBJECTIVES

During the last decade patients with concomitant clinical, biochemical, immunoserological, and histological features of both autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) were sporadically described, but definite diagnostic criteria and specific serological markers to support the diagnosis of AIH/PBC overlap syndrome (AIH/PBC OS) are still lacking.

METHODS

Clinical, biochemical, and histological features, autoantibody profile, and treatment response of 15 patients with coexistent hepatitic and cholestatic liver damage, all fulfilling strict diagnostic criteria for both AIH and PBC, were compared with those of 120 patients with pure PBC and 120 patients with pure AIH.

RESULTS

At diagnosis, the AIH/PBC OS patients' median age was 51 years, similar to that of the PBC patients (52 years, P=NS), but significantly higher than that of the AIH patients (40 years, P=0.04). Anti-dsDNA antibodies were detected in 60% of AIH/PBC OS patients, but only in 4% of PBC patients and 26% of AIH patients (P<0.0001 and 0.01, respectively). Double positivity for antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) and anti-dsDNA was present in 47% of those with AIH/PBC OS, but only in 2% of the pathological controls (P<0.0001; specificity: 98; 95% confidence interval (CI): 97-99.2; positive likelihood ratio: 28; 95% CI: 9.8-79.4). Combined therapy (ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) plus steroids) achieved biochemical response in 77% of AIH/PBC OS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant AMA/anti-dsDNA seropositivity can be considered the serological profile of AIH/PBC OS. The combination of UDCA and steroids is effective in achieving persistent biochemical amelioration in most AIH/PBC OS patients.

Non-classical phenotypes of autoimmune hepatitis and advances in diagnosis and treatment

Non-classical manifestations of autoimmune hepatitis can delay diagnosis and treatment. Our aims were to describe the clinical phenotypes that can confound the diagnosis, detail scoring systems that can ensure their recognition, and outline advances in treatment that can improve their outcome. Prime source and review articles in English were selected through Medline from 1970-2008 and assimilated into personal libraries spanning 32 years. Acute severe or asymptomatic presentations and atypical histological findings, including centrilobular zone 3 necrosis and concurrent bile duct changes, are compatible with the diagnosis. Cholangiographic abnormalities may be present in children and adults with the disease, and autoimmune hepatitis must be considered in patients without autoantibodies or with antimitochondrial antibodies and no other cholestatic features. Asymptomatic patients frequently become symptomatic; mild disease can progress; and there are no confident indices that justify withholding treatment. Two diagnostic scoring systems with complementary virtues have been developed to evaluate patients with confusing features. Normal liver tests and tissue constitute the optimal end point of treatment, and the first relapse is an indication for long-term azathioprine therapy. Cyclosporine, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil are promising salvage therapies, and budesonide with azathioprine may be a superior frontline treatment. We conclude that the non-classical phenotypes of autoimmune hepatitis can be recognized promptly, diagnosed accurately, and treated effectively.

Liver in systemic disease

Potential causes of abnormal liver function tests include viral hepatitis, alcohol intake, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune liver diseases, hereditary diseases, hepatobiliary malignancies or infection, gallstones and drug-induced liver injury. Moreover, the liver may be involved in systemic diseases that mainly affect other organs. Therefore, in patients without etiology of liver injury by screening serology and diagnostic imaging, but who have systemic diseases, the abnormal liver function test results might be caused by the systemic disease. In most of these patients, the systemic disease should be treated primarily. However, some patients with systemic disease and severe liver injury or fulminant hepatic failure require intensive treatments of the liver.