Overlap syndromes from pediatrics to adulthood

Abstract   Overlap syndromes are autoimmune conditions with mixed immunological, clinical and histological features. The most frequent overlaps are between primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and between AIH and sclerosing cholangitis (SC). True AIH/PBC overlap syndrome is rare and characterized by elevation of transaminases and immunoglobulin G (IgG), positive anti-smooth muscle antibodies and a liver biopsy showing interface hepatitis as well as changes typical of PBC. These patients respond to immunosuppressive treatment that must be given promptly, to avoid progression to liver failure. The so-called 'autoimmune cholangitis' defines a small group of patients with cholestatic and histological features of PBC but negative for anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) and positive for PBC-specific anti-nuclear antibody (ANA). The positivity for ANA in these patients is a consequence of the AMA negativity, since AMA masks ANA on immunofluorescence. These patients' clinical course and response to treatment resemble that of classical PBC. AIH/ASC overlap syndrome is characterised by elevated levels of IgG and circulating autoantibodies, including ANA, SMA and atypical perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, in association with cholangiographic changes typical of SC. This condition affects in particular children and young adults and may represent the early stage of adult primary SC. The parenchymal liver inflammation responds satisfactorily to immunosuppression, while the bile duct damage may progress despite treatment.     

107例自身免疫性肝炎及其重叠综合征患者的临床分析

目的 分析自身免疫性肝炎(AIH)77例及其重叠综合征患者30例的临床表现、免疫学及生物化学特点及其治疗方案.方法 164例自身免疫性肝病患者中,AIH患者77例和AIH胆汁性肝硬化(PBC)重叠综合征患者30例,分析患者的临床特点、生物化学及组织学变化和治疗应答反应等. 结果 AIH患者的发病年龄高峰在50岁左右,肝功能生物化学检查结果显示为肝炎样异常,丙种球蛋白和免疫球蛋白G均明显高于正常.74%的患者抗核抗体阳性,32%的患者抗平滑肌抗体阳性,52%的患者伴发了肝外自身免疫性疾病.肝组织病理变化以界面性肝炎为主(65%),在中、重度患者则出现小叶性肝炎、玫瑰花结样改变、桥接样坏死等.AIH-PBC重叠综合征患者血清ALT、AST、γ谷氨酰转移酶、碱性磷酸酶和抗核抗体、抗线粒体抗体(AMA)/AMA-M2阳性率较高,组织学检查往往还伴有胆管的病变.60例AIH患者接受免疫抑制剂强的松龙联合硫唑嘌呤治疗第1年时,AIH治疗患者达完全缓解者42例(70%),其中26例持续缓解,16例复发(激素减量至≤10 mg/d或停药后),10例部分缓解,8例无应答.持续缓解者的AST、ALT、免疫球蛋白G、丙种球蛋白及血总胆红素水平均显著低于非持续缓解者(34例,JD值均＜0.05),此类患者撤除了硫唑嘌呤,单用激素的剂量均可维持在5～10 mg/d.AIH-PBC重叠综合征组经联合熊去氧胆酸治疗后除碱性磷酸酶和γ谷氨酰转移酶外,其余肝功能指标(ALT、AST、总胆红素)亦明显改善(P值均＜0.01).结论 AIH及AIH-PBC重叠综合征在临床上并不少见,诊断需综合临床、生物化学、免疫学和病理学等检测结果.AIH患者联合应用糖皮质激素、硫唑嘌呤达持续缓解者,可改为单用小剂量激素治疗.AIH-PBC患者加用熊去氧胆酸治疗,亦可获得较好的疗效.     

自身免疫性肝病109例的临床与病理特征分析

目的 分析比较自身免疫性肝炎(AIH)、原发性胆汁性肝硬化(PBC)、原发性硬化性胆管炎(PSC)及AIH重叠综合征的临床特点、生化特征和组织学变化,以提高对自身免疫性肝病(AILD)的认识.方法 收集2004年1月-2008年6月肝穿刺病理学检查确诊的AILD患者共109例,其中AIH 27例、PBC 67例、PSC 4例、AIH-PSC重叠综合征1例和AIH-PBC重叠综合征10例,对患者的临床及实验室检查资料进行回顾性分析.结果 AILD患者多发于中年女性(73.3%,80/109),常见症状为黄疸、乏力、纳差和皮肤瘙痒.AIH患者的发病年龄高峰在50岁左右,肝功能检查结果显示为肝炎样异常,丙种球蛋白和免疫球蛋白G均明显高于正常值,62.9%的患者(17/27)抗核抗体(ANA)阳性.肝组织病理变化以界面性肝炎为主(77.7%),在重度患者则出现重度界面件肝炎、桥样坏死等.PBC患者主要表现为碱性磷酸酶、γ-谷氨酰转肽酶和胆红素明显升高,伴免疫球蛋白M升高,74.6%的患者(50/67)线粒体抗体(AMA)和(或)AMA-M2亚型阳性.所有PBC患者行肝脏病理学检查,早期(Ⅰ、Ⅱ)占28.3%,晚期(Ⅲ、Ⅳ)占71.7%,肝组织病理变化以小胆管减少甚至消失为主(62.6 0A).AIH-PBC重叠综合征患者的临床表现和肝组织病理学具有AlH和PBC的双重特征,其中有3例患者同时检测到ANA和AMA/AMA-M2阳性.结论 AILD在中国人中并非少见,其诊断需综合临床表现、生化、免疫指标和组织学变化.     

慢性肝病中抗肝抗原自身抗体的检测

目的　探讨中国人不同病因所致慢性肝病患者中抗肝抗原自身抗体的存在状况及自身免疫性肝病的自身抗体特征。方法　 166例肝功能异常患者分为 6组 :自身免疫性肝炎 (AIH ) 12例、原发性胆汁性肝硬化 (PBC) 2 0例、原发性硬化性胆管炎 (PSC)13例、HBV组 66例、HCV组 2 2例、肝豆状核变性 (HDL) 3 9例。用间接免疫荧光法检测抗核抗体 (ANA)、平滑肌抗体 (SMA)、抗肝肾微粒抗体I型抗体 (anti LKM1)、抗线粒体抗体 (AMA)和抗中性粒细胞胞浆抗体 (ANCA) ,免疫印迹法检测抗肝细胞胞溶质抗原 1型抗体 (anti_LC1)、抗可溶性肝抗原 /肝胰抗原抗体 (anti_SLA/LP)、抗肝肾微粒抗体 1型 (anti_LKM1)、AMA_M2亚型等多种肝抗原自身抗体。结果　 166例中ANA、AMA、M_2、pANCA阳性率在 7组中有显著差异 (P <0 .0 1)。PBC中AMA、M 2阳性检出率均为 10 0 % ,PSC中pANCA阳性检出率为 5 3 8% ,Fisher精确检验在a =0 .0 0 2水准与其他各组比较有显著差异。AIH与PBC的ANA阳性率分别为10 0 %和 60 % ,Fisher精确检验在a =0 .0 0 2水准二者无显著差异。与其他各组比较有显著差异。在AIH组SMA阳性率为 2 5 % ,LKM 1、LC 1、SLA/LP阳性率均为 8.3 % ,统计学处理与其他组无显著差异 (P >0 0 5 ) ,可能与病例少有关。PBC中分别有 1     

Primary biliary cirrhosis with additional features of autoimmune hepatitis: response to therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid

Patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) may have additional features of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Corticosteroids usually contraindicated in PBC have been advocated for these patients. Patients with antimitochondrial antibody (AMA)-positive PBC from two previous randomized, controlled trials were assessed for features of AIH. Their biochemical, immunologic, and histologic responses to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) versus placebo were compared with those without AIH features. The survival of patients testing positive or negative for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) was also examined. Features of AIH were defined by the presence of 2 or more of the following: 1) alanine transaminase (ALT) > 5 x the upper limit of normal (ULN); 2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) > 2 x ULN or positive anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA); and 3) moderate to severe lobular inflammation on pretreatment liver biopsy. Testing for AMA, ASMA, and ANA was done by immunofluorescence. The change in serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), transaminases, IgM, and IgG from baseline to 2 years was compared. Of the 331 patients randomized, 16 (4.8%) had features of AIH (12 UDCA, 4 placebo). The median percent change in serum biochemistry and immunoglobulin values were similar in patients with PBC +/- features of AIH after 2 years of therapy with UDCA. Over 2 years, little change in histologic features of AIH was observed. Survival was similar for patients with PBC with and without ANA. In conclusion, features of AIH in PBC may be transient and response to UDCA therapy similar to patients with PBC without features of AIH.     

抗可溶性肝抗原/肝胰抗原抗体在自身免疫性肝炎诊断及分型中的意义

目的探讨抗可溶性肝抗原/肝胰抗原抗体（抗-SLA/LP）在AIH诊断及分型中的意义。方法对6000例采用间接免疫荧光法及免疫印迹法进行自身抗体检测的肝功能异常患者进行回顾性分析。结果6000例肝功异常患者中AIH患者84例,抗-SLA/LP阳性患者18例,占肝功能异常患者的0．3%。在18例抗-SLA/LP阳性患者中17例诊断为AIH,其中2例为AIH重叠原发性胆汁性肝硬化,1例诊断为慢性乙型肝炎。84例中AIH-Ⅰ型65例,AIH-Ⅱ型2例,AIH-Ⅲ型17例。抗-SLA/LP诊断AIH灵敏度为20．2%,特异度为99．7%,诊断AIH的阳性预测值为94．4%。17例AIH-Ⅲ型患者与65例AIH-Ⅰ型患者进行临床资料比较：AIH-Ⅲ型患者ANA滴度低于AIH-Ⅰ组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0．05）;抗-SLA/LP阳性组发病年龄在50岁以上者为58．8% （10/19）,而抗SLA/LP阴性组发病年龄在30～50岁者为52．2%（35/67）。但两组患者在性别构成、发病年龄、肝功能损害程度、凝血酶原活动度、IgG水平、肝硬化发生率及对激素治疗的反应方面的差异均无统计学意义。结论抗-SLA/LP对AIH的诊断有高度特异性。AIH-Ⅲ型患者除发病年龄偏高外,与Ⅰ型患者的临床特点比较,尚未发现差异有统计学意义。     

中晚期自身免疫性肝炎-原发性胆汁性肝硬化重叠综合征的临床病理研究

目的探讨中晚期自身免疫性肝炎-原发性胆汁性肝硬化（AIH-PBC）重叠综合征的临床病理特征及治疗直答。方法对具有肝穿刺标本的11例PBC-AIH重叠综合征和13例PBC（Seheuer分期3、4期）患者进行比较，重点分析AIH-PBC重叠综合征的临床、病理特点及治疗应答。结果两组患者的性别、年龄、病程、症状无显著差异；AIH-PBC重叠综合征患者的丙氨酸氨基转移酶、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶、γ-球蛋白、免疫球蛋白IgG以及抗核抗体或抗平滑肌抗体阳性率明显高于PBC（P〈0．05）。肝组织学见汇管区与肝腺泡内以单个核细胞为主的较多炎细胞浸润，其中易见浆细胞的聚积性浸润。可见不同时期小胆管损伤或毛细胆管反应性增生并侵蚀肝界板；重叠综合征患者经熊去氧胆酸治疗可使肝功能改善，与PBC患者无明显差异。结论中晚期AIH-PBC重叠综合征临床、血清学及组织病理学表现出AIH和PBC双重特征，UDCA治疗有助于血生化指标的改善。     

A 38-year-old African-American woman with an unusually rapid progression of "Primary Biliary Cirrhosis": a missed opportunity!

The case discussed is of a 38-year-old African-American woman who developed upper abdominal symptoms and liver test abnormalities. She underwent cholecystectomy for presumed gallstone disease. This was followed by a worsening of her condition, with the development of jaundice in the next 2 weeks. Results of reevaluation included transaminases around 1000 IU/L with minimal elevation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) titer of 1:320, and an elevated immunoglobulin M (IgM). The antinuclear antibodies (ANA) level was positive, but titers were not obtained. There was no suggestion of bile duct obstruction. Liver biopsy findings were believed to be consistent with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). She was therefore started on, but failed treatment with, ursodeoxycholic acid. She was transferred to a transplant center 8 weeks later after a brief episode of encephalopathy and hypoglycemia. The clinical findings were consistent with subfulminant hepatic failure secondary to autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) with an ANA titer of 1:1280, an anti-smooth muscle antibody (SMA) titer of 1:40, and an elevated IgG. Review of the biopsy showed panlobular inflammation and bridging necrosis consistent with severe AIH. On imaging, she had ascites and a nodular appearance of the liver. An immediate drop in transaminases followed corticosteroid therapy, but her disease was already irreversible, and she underwent successful liver transplantation. The explanted liver was shrunken and noncirrhotic with massive hepatocellular collapse and contained multiple regenerating nodules, explaining the ultrasonographic appearances. The inflammatory component had greatly diminished compared with the earlier biopsy. The case illustrates the importance of knowledge of the natural course of a specific disease and the careful interpretation of clinical data, including autoimmune markers. PBC would rarely cause liver failure in a young woman; it is not a rapidly progressive disease. The original clinical diagnosis was unduly swayed by a positive AMA, which can be seen in up to 20% of patients with AIH. Markedly elevated transaminases with minimal elevation of ALP and positive ANA in a young woman should have pointed toward AIH at an earlier stage. The academic discussion of AMA-positive AIH versus PBC/AIH overlap syndrome remains intriguing, but prompt institution of aggressive immunosuppressive therapy aimed at the AIH component should not be deferred. In retrospect, an opportunity was missed.     

Primary biliary cirrhosis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome. Contribution of two new cases

The autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)-primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) overlap syndrome is characterized for clinical, biochemical, immunological, and histological features overlapping those of AIH and PBC, whose pathogenesis and more appropriate treatment are unknown at present. We describe two new patients of this entity, which made debut with cholestasic acute hepatitis accompanied of hypergammaglobulinemia. In the first patient was demonstrated the presence of AMA, ASMA, and anti-LKM1 autoantibodies; and ANA in the second one. The histological findings showed changes suggestive of AIH and PBC. After the start of immunosuppressive treatment, associated to ursodeoxycholic acid in one patient, a successful outcome was observed.     

不明原因肝功能异常患者中自身免疫性肝病的临床分析

背景:自身免疫性肝病(AILD)起病隐匿,临床表现无特异性,早期诊断十分困难。目的:总结不明原因肝功能异常患者随访过程中AILD的诊断情况。方法:回顾性分析161例不明原因肝功能异常患者的临床随访结果,包括AILD相关自身抗体监测,部分患者经本人同意后行肝穿刺活检病理检查。结果:在6个月～6年的随访中,57例患者诊断为AILD,其中自身免疫性肝炎(AIH)28例,原发性胆汁性肝硬化(PBC)21例,PBC-AIH重叠综合征8例。初次入院时,AILD患者临床表现与非AILD患者无明显差异,但无症状者所占比例较大;血生化指标中的GGT、ALP、球蛋白水平、免疫相关指标中的IgG、IgM水平均显著高于非AILD患者。AILD患者自身抗体ANA、AMA/AMA-M2、SMA阳性率显著高于非AILD患者,肝活检病理检查结果与相应疾病的组织病理学改变相符。结论:对于不明原因的反复肝功能异常患者,定期监测AILD相关自身抗体和肝活检病理有助于早期诊断、早期治疗AILD。     

自身免疫性肝炎和原发性胆汁性肝硬化重叠综合征的临床特征及疗效观察

目的观察自身免疫性肝炎和原发性胆汁性肝硬化(AIH-PBC)重叠综合征的临床特征及治疗效果。方法研究1:回顾分析124例PBC、57例AIH、39例AIH-PBC重叠综合征患者的临床特征;研究2:根据不同治疗方案对39例AIH-PBC重叠综合征患者进行分组疗效分析。结果在220例自身免疫性肝病患者中,AIH-PBC重叠综合征占17.73%。3组患者的性别组成差异无统计学意义,但发病年龄AIH组相似文献   

原发性胆汁性肝硬化／自身免疫性肝炎重叠综合征患者的临床和病理学研究

目的分析原发性胆汁性肝硬化（PBC）、自身免疫性肝炎（AIH）和PBC／AIH重叠综合征患者的临床和病理学特点。方法对105例自身免疫性肝病患者的临床资料进行分析,比较PBC／AIH重叠综合征和单纯PBC或AIH患者的临床表现和肝组织病理学变化。结果在105例患者中,包括11例PBC／AIH重叠综合征、60例PBC、33例AIH和1例原发性硬化性胆管炎（PSC）。PBC／AIH重叠综合征与PBC或AIH患者的性别、年龄、症状和并发症无明显差异（P〉0．05）,其实验室检查具有AIH的特点,如血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶、免疫球蛋白IgG的明显升高,同时具有PBC的特点,如GGT、ALP、免疫球蛋白IgM的显著增高,但与PBC或AIH相比,无统计学差异（P〉0．05）;自身抗体检测可见抗核抗体、抗线粒体M2抗体和抗核心蛋白gP210抗体阳性,后两项抗体检出率明显高于AIH患者（P〈0．01）;肝组织病理学检查结果显示,PBC／AIH重叠综合征兼有PBC和AIH的特点,如界面炎和碎屑样坏死,汇管区浆细胞浸润,胆管不同程度的病变等。结论PBC／AIH重叠综合征的临床表现和肝组织病理学具有PBC和AIH的双重特征,应对此病充分认识,并探索有效的治疗方案。     

Overlap syndromes among autoimmune liver diseases

The three major immune disorders of the liver are autoimmune hepatitis（AIH）,primary biliary cirrhosis（PBC） and primary sclerosing cholangitis（PSC）.Variant forms of these diseases are generally called overlap syndromes,although there has been no standardised definition.Patients with overlap syndromes present with both hepatitic and cholestatic serum liver tests and have histological features of AIH and PBC or PSC.The AIH-PBC overlap syndrome is the most common form,affecting almost 10% of adults with AIH or PBC.Single cases of AIH and autoimmune cholangitis（AMA-negative PBC） overlap syndrome have also been reported.The AIH-PSC overlap syndrome is predominantly found in children,adolescents and young adults with AIH or PSC.Interestingly,transitions from one autoimmune to another have also been reported in a minority of patients,especially transitions from PBC to AIH-PBC overlap syndrome.Overlap syndromes show a progressive course towards liver cirrhosis and liver failure without treatment.Therapy for overlap syndromes is empiric,since controlled trials are not available in these rare disorders.Anticholestatic therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid is usually combined with immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids and/or azathioprine in both AIH-PBC and AIH-PSC overlap syndromes.In end-stage disease,liver transplantation is the treatment of choice.     

Prevalence of autoimmune liver disease in Alaska Natives

OBJECTIVE: There is limited information on the prevalence of autoimmune liver disease in nonwhite populations. We conducted a population-based study on the prevalence of autoimmune liver diseases in Alaska natives. METHODS: Clinical records from 1984 to July, 2000 were reviewed to identify Alaska natives with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune cholangitis, and overlap syndromes of two of the above. AIH was defined as definite or probable, based on criteria established by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group. The diagnosis of PBC was based on a positive antimitochondrial antibody of > or = 1: 40, biochemical evidence of cholestasis, and compatible liver biopsy. Autoimmune cholangitis was defined as PBC but without a positive antimitochondrial antibody. Primary sclerosing cholangitis was diagnosed on the basis of cholangiogram. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients with possible autoimmune liver disease were identified. Of these, 42 had definite and seven probable AIH. At presentation, 34.7% of patients with AIH presented with acute icteric hepatitis, and 65.3% were asymptomatic. Persons presenting with mild or no symptoms were more likely to have moderate to severe fibrosis on liver biopsy than those presenting with jaundice. Eighteen persons were diagnosed with PBC, five with autoimmune cholangitis, five with overlap syndrome, and none with primary sclerosing cholangitis. The combined point prevalence of AIH Alaska natives was 42.9/100,000 (95% CI = 31-57.7). The prevalence of PBC was 16/100,000 (95% CI = 12.9-25.4). CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study demonstrates that the prevalence rates of AIH and PBC in Alaska natives are comparable with reported rates in other populations.     

Polymyositis associated with autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura

We describe a 40-year-old woman with polymyositis (PM) who developed autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) concurrently. About 4 years earlier, she suffered from muscle weakness probably due to PM. When she visited our hospital, she had polyarthritis, myalgia, symmetrical proximal limb-muscle weakness, elevated muscle enzymes, and myogenic abnormalities on electromyogram. Pathological findings obtained by muscle biopsy showed histological findings consistent with PM. Her serum liver enzymes were also elevated. The histology obtained by liver biopsy revealed the mixture findings of chronic active hepatitis and biliary cirrhosis. As antibodies to mitochondria M2 and liver/kidney microsome type 1 (LKM-1) were present, we concluded her liver disease was due to an overlap of AIH and PBC. Furthermore, purpura on the legs with thrombocytopenia appeared in parallel with liver dysfunction. She was diagnosed as having AITP by clinical and laboratory findings. Her serum showed a speckled pattern in immunofluorescence antinuclear antibody testing, but the antigen specificities were distinct from those of the known myositis-related autoantigens. This is a first case report of PM accompanied by AIH, PBC, and AITP. It was notable that there was an overlap of disease-associated immunological findings and immunogenetic backgrounds. This case provides a possible insight into the mechanisms and interplay of autoimmune diseases.     

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

We report a 12 years old female patient with an overlap syndrome involving autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The patient presented with jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, malaise, polyarthralgia, arthritis and butterfly rash on the face. Laboratory tests revealed severe liver dysfunction, Coombs positive hemolytic anemia and a positive ANA/anti-dsDNA test. Renal biopsy showed class IIA kidney disease, while liver biopsy showed chronic hepatitis with severe in? ammatory activity. The patient satisfi ed the international criteria for both SLE and AIH. Clinical symptoms and laboratory findings of SLE improved with high dose treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprine, however, remission of the liver disease could not be achieved. Repeat biopsy of the liver after three years of therapy revealed ongoing chronic hepatitis with high level of in? ammatory activity. The present case indicates that children with liver dysfunction and SLE should be investigated for AIH. There is much diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma in patients with AIH-SLE overlap syndrome.     

Case of primary biliary cirrhosis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap which manifested after delivery

A 34-year-old woman showed liver dysfunction for the first time at 3 months after delivery. Two years later, she was referred to our department with continued liver dysfunction. She fulfilled the criteria for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)-autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) overlap. Liver dysfunction improved after administration of ursodeoxycholic acid and bezafibrate. To the best of our knowledge this represents the second report of PBC-AIH overlap after delivery and we discuss immunological changes during the perinatal period.     

Frequency and predictive factors for overlap syndrome between autoimmune hepatitis and primary cholestatic liver disease

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of cholestatic pattern in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and to identify predictive factors associated with the development of the overlap syndrome. METHODS: Eighty-two consecutive patients diagnosed with AIH at the referral centre between January 1998 and June 2002 were included in the study. The new scoring system modified by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group was used to classify patients as definite/probable. Overlap syndrome was considered when the patient had clinical, serological and histological characteristics of two conditions: AIH and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) or AIH and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). RESULTS: From the 82 AIH patients (76 female and six male), 84.1% presented definite AIH (> 15 points) and 15.9% probable AIH (10 - 15 points). The frequency of the overlap syndrome was 20%: 13% with PBC and 7% with PSC. In the univariate analysis the overlap syndrome was associated with male gender (P = 0.01), age < 35 years (P < 0.0001), histopathological aspect of cholestasis (P < 0.0001), suboptimal response to treatment (P < 0.0001) and probable AIH (P < 0.0001). Age < 35 years, probable AIH and the absence of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) have been identified as independent indicators of the overlap diagnosis by the logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Patients with overlap syndrome between AIH and primary cholestatic liver disease are frequently diagnosed in clinical practice, representing 20% of AIH cases in our study. The independent predictive factors associated with the diagnosis of overlap syndrome are young age, ANA(-) profile, and probable diagnosis according with the scoring system for AIH.     

原发性胆汁性肝硬化和自身免疫性肝炎重叠综合征的临床与病理分析

目的 分析原发性胆汁性肝硬化(PBC)和自身免疫性肝炎(AIH)重叠综合征(PBC/AIH重叠综合征)患者的临床表现、肝组织病理学特征。 方法 采用国际自身免疫性肝炎小组新修订的描述性诊断标准和计分系统,从68例PBC患者中筛选出9例PBC/AIH重叠综合征患者,分析比较PBC/AIH重叠综合征和单纯PHC患者的临床表现、肝组织病理学特征。 结果 68例PBC患者中,PBC/AIH重叠综合征9例,单纯PBC 59例,分别占13.2％和86.8％,PBC/AIH重叠综合征血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶、γ-球蛋白、免疫球蛋白G,以及抗平滑肌抗体和(或)抗核抗体阳性率明显高于单纯PBC;PBC/AIH重叠综合征合并其他自身免疫性疾病发生率亦明显高于单纯PBC;PBC/AIH重叠综合征兼有PBC和AIH的双重组织学特点,显示界面炎和碎屑样坏死,肝组织免疫荧光检测显示肝细胞膜、汇管区有免疫球蛋白G沉着。 结论 PBC/AIH重叠综合征表现出A·IH和PBC双重特征,不同于单纯的PBC,两者的临床表现、免疫学及肝组织病理学特征上有差异。     

Recurrence of autoimmune hepatitis after liver transplantation without elevation of alanine aminotransferase

It is controversial whether steroid therapy should be continued to prevent the recurrence of autoimmune hepatitis(AIH)in patients who have undergone liver transplantation(LTx)due to AIH.We report a case of recurrent autoimmune hepatitis after LTx despite a persistently normal range of alanine aminotransferase(ALT).A 50-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of jaundice and severe liver dysfunction,where she was diagnosed with liver failure due to AIH.Steroid therapy was not effective enough and the patient received living-donor LTx in 1999.Following the operation,the level of ALT was maintained within a normal range and anti-nuclear antibody(ANA)became negative,however,the serum level of IgG gradually elevated and ANA became positive,while platelets decreased.A liver biopsy performed 6 years after LTx showed histological findings of AIH and she was diagnosed with recurrent AIH.A recurrence of AIH may occur after LTx even if the level of ALT remains within a normal range.We consider that a protocol liver biopsy should be performed in patients who undergo LTx due to AIH to decide the indication for steroid therapy.