Identification and characterization of IgG4‐associated autoimmune hepatitis

Background: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) share clinical and pathological features such as high serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) G and autoantibodies, and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, suggesting the presence of common immunological abnormalities. However, little is known about the possible involvement of IgG4, a hallmark of AIP, in AIH. Aims: In this study, we examined whether the IgG4 response contributes to the histopathological and clinical findings in AIH. Methods: Liver sections from 26 patients with AIH, 10 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), three patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and 20 chronic hepatitis patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were immunostained for IgG4. We investigated the relationship among the histopathology, the responses to steroid therapy and the IgG4 staining. Results: Nine of the 26 liver specimens from patients with AIH showed positive staining for IgG4 whereas none of the 10 samples from patients with PBC, the three samples from patients with PSC or the 20 samples from patients with HCV hepatitis were positive. Patients with IgG4‐positive AIH also showed increased serum levels of IgG. The numbers of T cells, B cells and plasma cells were significantly increased in the livers of patients with IgG4‐positive AIH as compared with those patients with IgG4‐negative AIH. Patients with IgG4‐positive AIH also showed a marked response to prednisolone therapy. Conclusions: AIH may be classified into either an IgG4‐associated type or an IgG4 non‐associated type with the former showing a marked response to prednisolone treatment.     

Improvement of rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune hepatitis in a patient treated with the tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, etanercept

We report a case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and Sjogren syndrome (SjS) that was treated with the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, etanercept (ETN). Both RA activity and transaminase levels improved as a result of treatment. Follow-up liver biopsy showed improvement of hepatitis. Although the efficacy of anti-TNF for RA patients with AIH remains controversial, this case suggests that treatment with ETN may result in a favorable clinical course in a certain subset of patients with RA and AIH.     

Development of autoimmune hepatitis in patients with typical primary biliary cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)-autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) overlap syndrome is a clinical entity characterized by the occurrence of both conditions at the same time in the same patient. In addition to PBC-AIH overlap syndrome, transitions from one autoimmune disease to another have been reported, but no systematic series have been published. We report a series of 12 patients with consecutive occurrence of PBC and AIH (i.e., PBC followed by AIH). Among 282 PBC patients, 39 were identified who fulfilled criteria for probable or definitive AIH. AIH developed in 12 patients (4.3%). The baseline characteristics of the patients were similar to those of patients with classical PBC. Time elapsed between the diagnosis of PBC and the diagnosis of AIH varied from 6 months to 13 years. Patients with multiple flares of hepatitis at the time of diagnosis of AIH had cirrhosis on liver biopsy. Ten patients were given prednisone +/- azathioprine; short-term as well as sustained remissions were obtained in 8 of these, while two had multiple relapses and eventually died 8 and 7 years after diagnosis of AIH. In conclusion, the development of superimposed AIH could not be predicted from baseline characteristics and initial response to UDCA therapy. If not detected early, superimposed AIH can result in rapid progression toward cirrhosis and liver failure in PBC patients.     

Development of autoimmune hepatitis in primary biliary cirrhosis.

AIM/BACKGROUND: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease of unknown aetiology. Up to 10% of patients with typical features of PBC will have additional features of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). A subset, however, have no such features but go on to develop a 'sequential' AIH overlap syndrome. Objectives: Describe our experience with eight patients who developed AIH after the diagnosis of PBC was made. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of all PBC patients over a 9-year period (from 1996 to 2005). Only PBC patients with no features of AIH were included. RESULTS: There were 1476 patients with PBC. Of these, eight patients developed features of AIH overlap syndrome based on biochemical and histological parameters. Treatment included prednisone and azathioprine for 24 or more months. The majority of patients remained on ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) throughout treatment. Response to therapy was defined by improvement in enzymes, and was rapid for all patients. One patient was able to discontinue treatment with prednisone and azathioprine, while seven have continued on therapy to date. CONCLUSIONS: A 'sequential' overlap syndrome of AIH with PBC can occur. Treatment with prednisone and azathioprine may lead to a rapid improvement in aminotransferase levels.     

Autoimmune hepatitis overlapping with primary sclerosing cholangitis

A case of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) complicated by primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in a 36-year-old woman is reported. AIH overlapping with PSC has been rarely reported, and to the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports in Japan. Based on the criteria for diagnosis of AIH and on typical endoscopic retrograde cholangiograph (ERC) findings, the patient was diagnosed as having AIH overlapping with PSC. Her transaminase levels normalized within 1 month after administration of prednisone, azathioprine and ursodeoxycholic acid, but her cholestatic enzyme level remained elevated. The effect of treatment on the cholestatic features is thought to be an important factor for predicting the prognosis of AIH overlapping with PSC.     

Overlap of primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis: Characteristics,therapy, and long term outcomes

Background: Coexistence of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is referred to as PBC‐AIH overlap. Pathogenesis of PBC‐AIH is not well understood and its diagnosis is challenging. We previously reported the clinical characteristics of 10 patients diagnosed with PBC‐AIH overlap. Aims: The aim of the study was extend the earlier series and evaluate the diagnostic criteria, biological characteristics, potential therapy, and long‐term outcomes of patients with PBC‐AIH overlap. Methods and Results: We retrospectively analyzed clinical, biochemical, and histological characteristics of 144 patients diagnosed with PBC and 73 diagnosed with AIH. We identified 16 cases of PBC‐AIH overlap, according to criteria established by Chazouillères et al. and other studies. PBC preceded AIH in 6 patients and both diseases occurred simultaneously in the remaining 10 patients. PBC‐AIH overlap has clinical, biochemical, and histological characteristics of both PBC and AIH. Thirteen patients treated with both ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and immunosuppressive therapy responded well, with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. The remaining three patients treated with either prednisolone (PSL) or UDCA alone developed cirrhosis, varices, ascites, encephalopathy, or died of liver‐related causes at the 5, 12, and 14‐year follow up. Conclusions: PBC‐AIH overlap is not a rare entity; it was observed in 11% of PBC patients in this study. Further studies will be required to investigate whether PBC‐AIH overlap is distinct from the two individual diseases in terms of long‐term outcomes and therapeutic implications.     

Overlap syndrome of primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis: a retrospective study of 115 cases of autoimmune liver disease

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare clinical, biological, and histological features and treatment response in 115 patients with overlap syndrome (OS), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) or primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). METHODS: Consecutive patients with AIH, PBC or OS followed between 1984 and 2005 in five different centers were included. All data were re-evaluated using current diagnostic criteria of each disease. RESULTS: Fifteen patients had OS (13 females), 48 AIH (40 females) and 52 PBC (49 females). Patients with OS were significantly younger than patients with PBC (median age: 44 vs 59 years). Jaundice (20%) and pruritus (20%) were the main initial symptoms in OS. Patients with OS had serum transaminase and gammaglobulin levels significantly higher than patients with PBC; serum alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase and IgM levels were significantly higher in OS than in patients with AIH. Histological analysis showed moderate or severe piecemeal necrosis in 86% and destructive cholangitis in 93% in OS group. Among 11 patients with OS treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) or immunosuppressors alone, only 6 had a complete biochemical response. In contrast, all patients with OS receiving combined therapy, as first or second line, responded, 5 patients to the combination corticosteroids-azathioprine-UDCA and 2 to the combination cyclosporine-UDCA. CONCLUSION: OS is not rare and accounts for 13.9% of patients with autoimmune liver disease in our series. Combination of immunosuppressors and UDCA appears the most efficient treatment in these patients.     

Clinical and pathological characteristics of the autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis overlap syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The defining of the autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) overlap syndrome as a separate clinicopathological entity has been controversial and temporally and geographically subjective. METHODS: From 1979 until 2000, 227 patients diagnosed with AIH, PBC or the overlap thereof were treated. Cases with genuine AIH/PBC overlap syndrome were sorted out using close clinical follow up and serial liver biopsies. RESULTS: Of the 227 patients, 19 (8.4%) were diagnosed with the AIH/PBC overlap syndrome. They all cleared a score >10 for the diagnosis of AIH, and tested positive for antimitochondrial antibodies during their courses. Long-term follow up with frequent histological examinations, however, established the diagnosis of AIH/PBC overlap syndrome in only two (0.8%) patients. The most powerful factor distinguishing AIH from PBC was acidophilic bodies in lobules that were detected significantly more frequently in patients with AIH than PBC or spurious overlap syndrome (39/46 [85%]vs 3/85 [4%], P < 0.001). It was more reliable than bile-duct lesions for the distinction of PBC from AIH. CONCLUSIONS: Although AIH/PBC overlap syndrome does exist, it is infrequent and needs to be diagnosed carefully using close clinical and histological follow up to enable timely and effective treatment.     

Primary biliary cirrhosis - Autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome: A rationale for corticosteroids use based on a nation-wide retrospective study in Japan

Aims: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) may simultaneously coexist in some patients, designated as PBC‐AIH overlap syndrome. Previous studies suggest that combination therapy of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and corticosteroids may be effective. In the current study, we aimed to describe clinical features of these cases and to propose a rationale for combination treatment in PBC‐AIH overlap. Methods: We enrolled patients with PBC‐AIH overlap from eight referral centers for liver diseases in Japan, and clinical, biochemical and immunological features were examined. Liver histology of all patients at diagnosis were analyzed altogether in detail. Eighty‐nine and 44 patients with PBC and AIH alone were included and served as controls. Results: We identified 33 patients with PBC‐AIH overlap. The mean follow‐up period was 6.1 years. On liver histology, the HA (hepatitis activity) score was significantly higher than the CA (cholangitis activity) score (P < 0.001). At the end of the follow‐up period, corticosteroids were used in 23 patients (72%), and neither liver‐related death nor liver transplantation had been noted. The sensitivity and specificity of the simplified AIH scoring system for prediction of patients who required corticosteroids during clinical course was 92% and 75% in the training set (n = 17), and 91% and 80% in the validation set (n = 16) of overlap. Only 3% of PBC patients were diagnosed as having indication for corticosteroid use. Conclusion: In PBC‐AIH overlap, AIH‐like features are dominant in liver histology. The simplified AIH scoring system could predict patients who needed corticosteroids with a higher specificity.     

Intrahepatic status of regulatory T cells in autoimmune liver diseases and chronic viral hepatitis.

Aim: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) maintain immunological tolerance and suppress autoreactive immune responses. We evaluated the intrahepatic status of Tregs in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), chronic hepatitis C (CH-C), or chronic hepatitis B (CH-B). Methods: We analyzed 85 patients (20 AIH, 22 PBC, 27 CH-C, and 16 CH-B) and 14 controls. Using liver tissue samples obtained by needle biopsy or from marginal parts of resected metastatic liver tumors in the controls, immunohistochemical analyses of forkhead box P3(+), which is a specific marker for Tregs, CD4(+), and CD8(+) cells were performed. Results: Intrahepatic Tregs were significantly more infiltrated in patients with liver diseases than in the controls. There were significantly fewer intrahepatic Tregs in the AIH patients than in the PBC patients (P = 0.037). Patients with alow frequency of intrahepatic Tregs were detected significantly more in the AIH and CH-B groups than in the PBC and CH-C groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the frequency of Tregs decreased in the liver of PBC patients as the pathological stage of the disease advanced. We found significantly less infiltration of CD4(+) T cells in AIH than in other diseases (P < 0.05). Liver-infiltrating CD8(+) T cells were detected more frequently in the CH-B group than in other groups (P < 0.003). Conclusion: Intrahepatic Tregs were increased in both patients with autoimmune liver diseases and those with viral hepatitis. In autoimmune liver diseases, intrahepatic Tregs were fewer in the AIH patients than in the PBC patients.     

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.     

Rapid-onset primary biliary cirrhosis resembling drug-induced liver injury

A 54-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of acute liver injury. Since she had a history of having used a diet product, drug-induced liver injury (DILI) was initially considered. However, the patient was subsequently diagnosed as suffering from primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) based on the findings of liver histology and serum anti-mitochondrial antibody positivity. Overlap syndrome between PBC and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was also suspected, however, serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase became normal three months later, after treatment with combination therapy comprising ursodeoxycholic acid plus bezafibrate. We therefore concluded that the liver disease in this patient was actually PBC, but that it resembled overlap syndrome or DILI. In cases of PBC, a rapid onset, as frequently seen in the case of DILI, viral hepatitis or AIH, is not common. We herein report a rare case of PBC which resembled DILI.     

Clinicopathological study of primary biliary cirrhosis with interface hepatitis compared to autoimmune hepatitis

AIM:To investigate histological and immunohistochemical differences in hepatitis between autoimmune hepatitis(AIH)and primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC)with AIH features.METHODS:Liver needle biopsies of 41 PBC with AIH features and 43 AIH patients were examined.The activity of periportal and lobular inflammation was scored0(none or minimal activity)to 4(severe),and the degree of hepatitic rosette formation and emperipolesis was semiquantatively scored 0-3.The infiltration of mononuclear cells positive for CD20,CD38,CD3,CD4,and CD8 and positive for immunoglobulins(IgG,IgM,and IgA)at the periportal areas(interface hepatitis)and in the hepatic lobules(lobular hepatitis)were semiquantitatively scored in immunostained liver sections(score 0-6).Serum aspartate aminotransferase(AST),immunoglobulins,and autoantibodies at the time of liver biopsy were correlated with the histological and immunohistochemical scores of individual lesions.RESULTS:Lobular hepatitis,hepatitic rosette formation,and emperipolesis were more extensive and frequent in AIH than in PBC.CD3+,CD4+,and CD8+cell infiltration scores were higher in the hepatic lobules and at the interface in AIH but were also found in PBC.The degree of mononuclear cell infiltration correlated well with the degree of interface and lobular hepatitis in PBC,but to a lesser degree in AIH.CD20+cells were mainly found in the portal tracts and,occasionally,at the interface in both diseases.Elevated AST correlated well with the hepatocyte necroinflammation and mononuclear cell infiltration,specifically CD38+cells in PBC.No correlation existed between autoantibodies and inflammatory cell infiltration in PBC or AIH.While most AIH cases were IgG-predominant at the interface,PBC cases were divided into IgM-predominant,IgM/IgGequal,and IgG-predominant types,with the latter sharing several features with AIH.CONCLUSION:These results suggest that the hepatocellular injuries associated with interface and lobular hepatitis in AIH and PBC with interface hepatitis may not be identical.     

原发性胆汁性胆管炎-自身免疫性肝炎重叠综合征的诊治

自身免疫性肝病(AILD)包括原发性胆汁性胆管炎(PBC)、自身免疫性肝炎(AIH)、原发性硬化性胆管炎(PSC)。患者可在初诊时或随访的过程中出现2种AILD的特征,通常将这种情况称为“重叠综合征”,其中以PBC重叠AIH最为常见。与单纯PBC或AIH相比,PBC-AIH重叠综合征门静脉高压、消化道出血、腹水、死亡及肝移植发生率明显升高,病情进展也更迅速,因此,其早诊早治显得尤为重要。对近年PBC-AIH重叠综合征的诊治进展进行综述。     

Diagnostic and therapeutic questions in overlap syndromes of autoimmune hepatitis

The term 'overlap syndromes of liver diseases' includes coexistence of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Due to their unknown etiology, as well as their variable presentation with mixed clinical and biochemical features, these overlap syndromes are often a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for hepatologists. The most frequent association reported occurs between AIH and PBC. More rare is the overlap between AIH and PSC, typical in young age and often concomitant with an inflammatory bowel disease as ulcerative colitis. The treatment of choice is based on ursodeoxycholic acid and immunosoppressive drugs, used at the same time or consecutively, according to the course of disease. Histological examination seems an important tool, but often does not help for a correct diagnosis due to lack of specificity. Two particular forms of variant syndrome are the so called outlier syndromes, without clear characteristics of overlap: the autoimmune cholangitis, probably a form of PBC anti-mitochondrial antibodies negative, and the hepatitis C virus related with stigmata of autoimmunity, such as nonspecific autoantibodies at low titer. The diagnostic score system elaborated in 1999 by the International AIH Group can help for diagnosis, even if its definite validity is lacking.     

Diagnostic and therapeutic implications of bile duct injury in autoimmune hepatitis.

BACKGROUND: Bile duct injury is not a feature of classical autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), but it has been described in variant forms of the disease. AIMS: Our goals were to assess the similarity of AIH with bile duct injury to classical disease and to evaluate the possibility of concurrent primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). METHODS: Fifteen patients with bile duct injury were compared with 151 patients with classical AIH. Patterns of nuclear immunofluorescence and the frequency and nature of autoantibodies associated with AIH and PBC were determined. RESULTS: Patients with bile duct injury had the same nuclear-staining patterns, frequency and nature of autoantibodies, and genetic risk factors as the comparison group. Features specific for PBC, including the multiple nuclear dot pattern of immunofluorescence and antibodies to the M2 antigens, Sp100 and nuclear pore complex antigen, gp210, did not distinguish them from classical disease. Remission and treatment failure occurred with similar frequencies in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AIH and bile duct injury lack features of PBC, and they respond as well to corticosteroid therapy as patients with classical disease. Background bile duct changes should not alter the diagnosis or treatment of AIH.     

A case of primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis overlap showing acute presentation and transient seropositivity for immunoglobulin G and anti-nuclear antibody

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is generally regarded as a clinically and histologically “chronic” hepatitis. It often shows acute presentation like acute hepatitis without typical clinicopathological features of AIH, especially in a case of overlap with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). A 52-year-old man showed mild liver dysfunction for the first time at an annual medical check. Two months later, he showed jaundice, and laboratory tests revealed elevation of liver enzymes, hyperbilirubinemia and prolonged prothrombin time activity like acute liver failure. Anti-mitochondrial antibody was positive and other viral and autoimmune markers were negative. His liver function tests improved upon treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid and maximum intravenous glycyrrhizin (IVGL), but liver dysfunction was again exacerbated after the gradual reduction of IVGL. He showed transient elevation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) at only one point, and liver histology was compatible with PBC and AIH overlap syndrome. Corticosteroid was administered and his liver function tests returned to normal. It is important for the diagnosis of acute onset AIH to monitor IgG level and ANA titer, especially in patients without IgG and ANA elevations at first appearance.