Characteristics and outcome of autoimmune liver disease in Asian children

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease of unknown aetiology which may affect any patient irrespective of age, sex, and ethnicity. At baseline, the clinical spectrum of the disease varies largely from asymptomatic cases to acute liver failure with massive hepatocyte necrosis. The aim of these EASL guidelines is to provide updated guidance on the diagnosis and management of AIH both in adults and children. Updated guidance on the management of patients with variants and specific forms of AIH is also provided, as is detailed guidance on the management of AIH-associated cirrhosis, including surveillance for portal hypertension and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as liver transplantation in decompensated cirrhosis.

Increased IgD and CD27 Double Negative (DN) B cell population in pediatric onset autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic, inflammatory liver disease of unknown aetiology which requires lifelong immunosuppression. Most therapeutic and outcome studies of AIH have been conducted predominantly in Caucasian (European Ancestry, EA) cohorts, with the exclusion of African American (AA) patients due to inadequate sample size. It is known that AA patients have a severe phenotype of autoimmune diseases and demonstrate a poor response to conventional medical therapy. Understanding cellular and molecular pathways which determine AIH severity and progression in AA patients is likely to lead to the discovery of novel, personalised and better tolerated therapies. The aim of the study is to determine the distinct effector B cell phenotypes which contribute to disease severity and progression of AIH in AA children as compared to their EA cohorts. PBMCs were isolated from blood samples collected from patients visiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) and were grouped into AA, (n = 12), EA, (n = 11) and controls (n = 12) and were processed for flow cytometry. Markers of B cell development, maturation and activation were assessed namely CD19, CD21, IgD, CD27, CD38, CD11c, CD24, CD138. AA children with AIH demonstrated an expansion of CD19 + ve, Activated Naïve (aN), (CD19+ IgD-/CD27- Double Negative (DN2) ([CD19+/IgD-/CD27++CD38++) cells. Plasmablasts were significantly higher along with Signalling Lymphocytic activation molecule F7 (SLAMF7). Unswitched memory [CD19+] IgD+CD27+ (USM) B cells were significantly contracted in AA patients with AIH. B cell phenotyping reveals a distinct profile in AA AIH patients with a major skewing towards the expansion of effector pathways which have been previously characterised in severe SLE in AA patients. These results suggest that the quantification and therapeutic target of B cell pathway could contribute substantially to the clinical approach to AIH especially in the AA population.

Juvenile Autoimmune Hepatitis: Recent Advances in Diagnosis, Management and Long-Term Outcome

Juvenile autoimmune hepatitis (JAIH) is severe immune-mediated necro-inflammatory disease of the liver with spontaneous progression to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated. The diagnosis is based on the combination of clinical, laboratory and histological findings. Prothrombin ratio is a useful prognostic factor to identify patients who will most likely require a liver transplant by adolescence or early adulthood. JAIH treatment consists of immune suppression and should be started promptly at diagnosis to halt inflammatory liver damage and ultimately prevent fibrosis and progression to end-stage liver disease. The risk of relapse is high especially in the setting of poor treatment compliance. Recent evidence however suggests that treatment discontinuation is possible after a prolonged period of normal aminotransferase activity without the need for liver biopsy prior to withdrawal.

Long-term outcomes of patients with type 1 or 2 autoimmune hepatitis presenting in childhood

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In children with autoimmune hepatitis, uncertainties include outcomes associated with type 2 hepatitis, the possibility of and criteria for attempting withdrawal of treatment, and long-term outcomes. We report our experience on these issues.

METHODS

From 1973 to 2002, 117 children with type 1 (n = 65) or type 2 (n = 52) hepatitis, excluding fulminant hepatitis, were treated, primarily with prednisone and azathioprine. Median follow-up was 20 years in survivors.

RESULTS

Normalisation of aminotransferases and prothrombin ratio were observed in 93% and 84% of children, respectively; sustained remission after treatment withdrawal was recorded in 24% of the entire population, with a median follow-up of 7 years. Sustained treatment-free remission was obtained in 11 of 24 children with follow-ups of 4-22 years based on durable normalisation of aminotransferases (without histological assessment). Gastrointestinal bleeding from varices and the emergence of extrahepatic autoimmune disorders occurred in 10 and 22 patients, respectively. Liver transplantation was performed in 23 patients at a median age of 21 years. The 30-year probabilities of overall and native liver survival were 81% and 61%, respectively. No differences were observed between type 1 and 2 hepatitis for any of the component parts of outcome. In the multivariate analysis, a persistent abnormal prothrombin ratio was associated with worse probabilities of overall and native liver survival.

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of liver outcome, type 2 hepatitis is not different from type 1. Withdrawal of treatment is possible without prior liver histology. A persistent abnormal prothrombin ratio identifies patients who will require liver transplantation in adolescence or early adulthood.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

In children with autoimmune hepatitis, there are conflicting reports on the differences in outcome between type 1 and type 2 hepatitis, and on the possibility of treatment withdrawal, before which liver histology is required; data concerning >10-year overall and native liver survival rates are limited. In this study, we found no differences in outcomes between type 1 and 2 hepatitis; a durable treatment-free state was achieved in 19% of all patients throughout childhood and early adulthood, and in 45% of children for whom treatment withdrawal was attempted without prior liver histology; prothrombin was found to be predictive of 30-year overall and native liver survival. The results allow for a less-strict approach to treatment withdrawal in children, avoiding the risks of a liver biopsy, and they provide a tool to help anticipate the need for liver transplantation before complications occur.

Presentation and Outcomes of Autoimmune Hepatitis Type 1 and Type 2 in Children: A Single-center Study

OBJECTIVE

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is designated as type 1 or 2 (AIH-1/2) on the basis of serum autoantibody (Ab) profiles. In children, AIH may present as acute or chronic liver failure or cirrhotic AIH (ALF/CLF/CAIH) with or without overlap sclerosing cholangitis (SC). The aim of this study was to compare demographics, presentation, and outcomes between groups in children.

METHODS

A retrospective electronic chart review of children with AIH who met standard diagnostic criteria with histologic confirmation at Texas Children's Hospital was performed, with de novo AIH after liver transplant (LT) excluded. Patients were identified and divided into AIH-1, AIH-2, ALF, CAIH, AIH-SC, and LT and compared using chi-square analysis, Student t-test, and Mood median test.

RESULTS

Among 91 children with AIH, 72 (79.1%) had AIH-1, 19 (20.9%) had AIH-2, 13 (14.3%) had ALF, 25 (27.5%) had CAIH, and 14 (15.4%) had AIH-SC. Both AIH-1/2 had female and Hispanic predominance (72.2/89.5%, 40.3/57.9%). AIH-2 presented at younger mean age in years than AIH-1 (6.8, 12.1, P < 0.05). Both AIH-1/2 had low rates of remission after 1 year of IS (25.4, 35.7%) and most recent (30.6, 54.5%) follow-up. Twenty-two (24.2) patients received LT: 16 had AIH-1 (72.7%), 6 had AIH-2 (27.3%), 9 (40.9%) had ALF, and 13 (59.1%) had CAIH. One-year patient and graft survivals were 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiology and clinical presentation of AIH-1 and -2 had a few subtle differences. AIH-1 was associated with more complications after LT. More data are needed to better characterize the 2 as separate disease entities.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Autoimmune Hepatitis from a Tertiary Paediatric Centre, Cape Town, South Africa

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical characteristics, biochemical and histological features, outcomes and predictors of prognosis of children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) from a paediatric centre in South Africa.

METHODS

Thirty-nine children diagnosed with AIH at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital between 2005 and 2015 were included. Relevant patient's data were retrieved from the hospital's medical records and database. Liver biopsy slides were reviewed. Ethical approval was obtained. Data were analysed using SPSS.

RESULTS

Females were 29 (74%). Mean age at presentation was 7.27 ± 3.35 years and the mean follow-up was 4.5 ± 2.4 years. Jaundice was present in 97% of patients at presentation. An acute presentation was observed in 26 (67%) even though cirrhosis was detected in 22 (56%). Autoantibody screening was completed in 35 patients, 20 (57%) were AIH-1, 1 (3%) was AIH-2 and 14 (40%) were seronegative AIH. Of the 25 patients who underwent magnetic resonance cholangiography 17 (68%) had associated autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis. The remission rate was 79%. However, 11 children relapsed later. One child required liver transplantation and one demised. Seronegative and seropositive patients have comparable characteristics and outcomes. While a higher alanine transaminase (ALT) level at presentation is a significant predictor of remission, a lower ALT level and cirrhosis are significant risk factors for unfavourable outcome. Overall survival rate was 97%.

CONCLUSION

AIH responds well to therapy with excellent survival. Hence, it should be considered in any child presenting with viral screen negative hepatitis and start therapy timeously to prevent disease progression.

Seamless Management of Juvenile Autoimmune Liver Disease: Long-Term Medical and Social Outcome

OBJECTIVES

To report baseline features and long-term medical/social outcomes of juvenile autoimmune liver disease, including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC), managed in a single tertiary center.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study of children diagnosed in 2000-2004 with AIH/ASC followed up to date. Patients with abnormal cholangiogram were classified as ASC. Presentation and outcome features were compared.

RESULTS

Eighty-three children were included (42 female, median age 12.1 years [8.5-14.1 years], AIH = 54, ASC = 29). Most (65%) had antinuclear and/or anti-smooth muscle autoantibodies; 6% presented with acute liver failure; 29% had histologic evidence of cirrhosis. The 1999 and simplified International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group criteria failed to diagnose up to 26% of patients with AIH and 48% with ASC, and the proposed the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition criteria were accurate. Response to treatment was excellent with 95% achieving normal transaminase levels. During follow-up, 31% had at least 1 relapse episode; 3 patients with AIH developed cholangiopathy and 5 patients with ASC developed progressive bile duct injury. At last follow-up (median of 14.5 years, 10.4-16.8), 99% were alive, 11 underwent transplantation and 1 is listed for transplant. Five-, 10-, and 15-year transplant-free survival rates were 95%, 88%, and 83%; patients with ASC and those relapsing being more likely to require transplant. Social outcome was excellent with 93% in employment/education.

CONCLUSIONS

Seamless management of juvenile autoimmune liver disease leads to excellent clinical and social outcomes. Despite good response to immunosuppressive treatment, patients with ASC have a worse prognosis than those with AIH. Diagnostic models developed for adults are unsatisfactory to correctly diagnose juvenile autoimmune liver disease.

Long-term outcomes of pediatric-onset primary sclerosing cholangitis: A single-center experience in Japan

AIM

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is very rare in Japan. Although a large-scale cohort study of 781 pediatric-onset PSC patients in Europe and North America showed that the 5-year survival with native liver was 88%, the long-term outcomes of pediatric-onset PSC in Japan are unknown. Here, we evaluated the clinical outcomes of pediatric-onset PSC in Japan.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective cohort study with a medical records review of pediatric PSC patients diagnosed between 1986 and 2017 at a single center. The PSC diagnoses were based on cholangiography, liver histology, and biochemical findings. The patients' survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS

We identified 39 pediatric-onset PSC patients (22 boys, 17 girls). The median age at diagnosis was 9 years (interquartile range 6.0-13.5 years). The median follow-up period was 5.5 years (interquartile range 3.4-8.7 years). The phenotypes of PSC-autoimmune hepatitis, PSC-inflammatory bowel disease, and small-duct PSC were diagnosed in 13 (33.3%), 36 out of 38 (94.8%), and three (7.7%) patients, respectively. The 5-year liver transplantation-free survival of the whole cohort was 93.5%. Nine patients underwent liver transplantation, and four of these nine cases resulted in death. Both the univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the phenotype of "PSC-autoimmune hepatitis overlap" was an independent poor prognostic factor.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall survival of pediatric-onset PSC in Japan was comparable to those in Western countries. The phenotype of PSC-autoimmune hepatitis was identified as a prognostic factor associated with a poorer long-term outcome.

Long-term follow-up of children and young adults with autoimmune hepatitis treated with cyclosporine

BACKGROUND

Cyclosporine (CSA) is an alternative treatment for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), however, its unknown long-term safety and efficacy have limited its use.

AIMS

Examine the long-term outcome of children and young adults with AIH treated with CSA for at least 4 years.

METHODS

Twenty patients were included in this retrospective study: 15 with classical AIH and 5 with autoimmune hepatitis/autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis overlap syndrome (ASC). CSA was administered as first (12 patients) or second-line (8 patients) treatment, alone or in combination with azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil and/or prednisone.

RESULTS

CSA determined initial clinical and biochemical remission in all patients. At the end of follow-up (median 8.6; range 4-20.4 years), all patients are alive with their native liver; 15 in complete remission (75%), 2 with incomplete response to treatment and 3 listed for liver transplant. Side effects were mild and transitory after dose tapering or, in 1 case, after CSA withdrawal. Hypertrichosis and moderate gingival hyperplasia were the most frequent. Two patients presented mild transient glomerular filtration rate (GFR) reduction. Median GFR at the beginning and end of treatment was not statistically different for all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CSA was effective and safe in the long-term treatment of our cohort of patients with AIH, tailoring the treatment remains key-points during CSA administration.

Racial disparities in presentation and outcomes of paediatric autoimmune hepatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Most studies on autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in children are in predominantly Caucasian cohorts. Paediatric AIH in African Americans (AA) is understudied, with a dearth of clinical predictors of outcome, often leading to serious complications and even mortality. The aim of the study was to define disease presentation, progression, response to therapy and outcomes in paediatric AIH in a well-defined, large, single centre, demographically diverse population.

METHODS

We conducted a review of patients with AIH who were followed at this tertiary liver transplant centre. Clinical and laboratory covariates were assessed with regard to disease presentation, progression and outcomes in AA vs Non-AA children.

RESULTS

African Americans patients constituted 42% of this cohort. At 1-year follow-up, AA children were receiving significantly higher doses of steroids compared to non-AA. More AA presented with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) with high immunoglobulin G and GGT:platelet ratio. After adjusting for other risk factor variables like gender, age at presentation and ESLD, AA children were at 4.5 times higher risk for significant outcome liver transplant/death within the first 12 months of presentation. Post-transplant, recurrent AIH was seen in 50% of AA vs 8% in non-AA.

CONCLUSIONS

African American patients with AIH are more likely to present with ESLD and have an increased early risk for transplantation with high likelihood of disease recurrence post-transplantation. Studies are needed to delineate factors such as inherent biology, genetics and access to care. Early referral and tailored immunosuppressive regimens are required for AA patients with AIH.

Tacrolimus and Mycophenolate Mofetil as Second-Line Therapies for Pediatric Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis

BACKGROUND

We studied the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and tacrolimus as second-line therapy in pediatric patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) who were intolerant or non-responders to standard therapy (corticosteroid and azathioprine).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of data from 13 centers in Europe, USA, and Canada. Thirty-eight patients (< 18 years old) who received second-line therapy (18 MMF and 20 tacrolimus), for a median of 72 months (range 8-182) were evaluated. Patients were categorized into two groups: Group 1 (n = 17) were intolerant to corticosteroid or azathioprine, and group 2 (n = 21) were non-responders to standard therapy.

RESULTS

Overall complete response rates were similar in patients treated with MMF and tacrolimus (55.6 vs. 65%, p = 0.552). In group 1, MMF and tacrolimus maintained a biochemical remission in 88.9 and 87.5% of patients, respectively (p = 0.929). More patients in group 2 given tacrolimus compared to MMF had a complete response, but the difference was not statistically significant (50.0 vs. 22.2%, p = 0.195). Biochemical remission was achieved in 71.1% (27/38) of patients by tacrolimus and/or MMF. Decompensated cirrhosis was more commonly seen in MMF and/or tacrolimus non-responders than in responders (45.5 vs. 7.4%, p = 0.006). Five patients who received second-line therapy (2 MMF and 3 tacrolimus) developed side effects that led to therapy withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term therapy with MMF or tacrolimus was generally well tolerated by pediatric patients with AIH. Both MMF and tacrolimus had excellent efficacy in patients intolerant to corticosteroid or azathioprine. Tacrolimus might be more effective than MMF in patients failing previous therapy.

Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Autoimmune Liver Disease: ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee Position Statement

Paediatric autoimmune liver disease is characterized by inflammatory liver histology, circulating autoantibodies, and increased levels of IgG, in the absence of a known etiology. Three conditions have a likely autoimmune pathogenesis: autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis, and de novo AIH after liver transplantation. Two types of pediatric AIH are recognized according to seropositivity for smooth muscle and/or antinuclear antibody (AIH-1) or liver kidney microsomal type 1 and/or anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibodies (AIH-2).Pertinent issues addressing the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up were formulated by a core group of ESPGHAN members. They have commissioned the first authors with execution of this project. Initially, they have performed a systematic literature search on MEDLINE, ResearchGate, and Mendeley databases during the last 30 years and produced a document focusing on prospective and retrospective studies in children. The ESPGHAN core group and ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee members voted on each recommendation, using a formal voting technique.

Autoimmune hepatitis: Standard treatment and systematic review of alternative treatments

Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare chronic inflammatory liver disease, affecting all ages, characterised by elevated transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels, positive autoantibodies, interface hepatitis at liver histology and good response to immunosuppressive treatment. If untreated, it has a poor prognosis. The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence for standard treatment and to provide a systematic review on alternative treatments for adults and children. Standard treatment is based on steroids and azathioprine, and leads to disease remission in 80%-90% of patients. Alternative first line treatment has been attempted with budesonide or cyclosporine, but their superiority compared to standard treatment remains to be demonstrated. Second-line treatments are needed for patients not responding or intolerant to standard treatment. No randomized controlled trials have been performed for second-line options. Mycophenolate mofetil is the most widely used second-line drug, and has good efficacy particularly for patients intolerant to azathioprine, but has the major disadvantage of being teratogenic. Only few and heterogeneous data on cyclosporine, tacrolimus, everolimus and sirolimus are available. More recently, experience with the anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha infliximab and the anti-CD20 rituximab has been published, with ambivalent results; these agents may have severe side-effects and their use should be restricted to specialized centres. Clinical trials with new therapeutic options are ongoing.

Second-line Agents in Pediatric Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Ten percent to 20% of children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) require second-line therapy to achieve remission. Although current guidelines exist on first-line management, evidence for second-line therapy in treatment-refractory patients is lacking. Our aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of second-line treatments used in this population.

METHODS

Electronic and manual searches were used to identify potential studies for inclusion. Studies were selected based on reported response rates to second-line therapies in children who failed response to prednisone and azathioprine. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by 2 reviewers. Meta-analysis using weighted estimate of response rates at 6 months was performed for each treatment option. Heterogeneity was assessed.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies of 76 pediatric patients with AIH were included in the review. Overall response rates at 6 months were estimated as 36% for mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (N = 34, 95% confidence interval [CI] (16-57)), and 50% for tacrolimus (N = 4, 95% CI (0-100%)) and 83% for cyclosporine (N = 15, 95% CI (66%-100%)). Adverse effects were most frequent with cyclosporine (64% experiencing at least 1 adverse effect) followed by tacrolimus (54%) and MMF (48%). Pooled estimates of adverse events were 78% for cyclosporine (95% CI (54%-100%)), 42% for tacrolimus (95% CI (0%-85%)) and 45% for MMF (95% CI (25%-68%)). Sensitivity analyses were not performed due to small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyclosporine had the highest response rate at 6 months in children with standard-treatment-refractory AIH; however, it also had the highest rate of adverse events. MMF was the second most efficacious option with a low adverse effect rate.

Autoimmune hepatitis and long-term disease course in children in Turkey, a single-center experience

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to determine clinic and laboratory features, treatment protocols, treatment responses, and long term follow-up of children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in a region of Turkey followed at Ege University.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of 47 children with AIH between 1998 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed for clinical profiles, treatment response, relapse rate, and long-term side effects.

RESULTS

The median age of the children was 10±4.1 years (55.3% females). A total of 29 patients presented with chronic hepatitis (61.7%). According to the autoantibody profiles, 40 (85.1%) and seven (14.9%) cases were classified as type 1 and type 2, respectively. Presentation with acute hepatitis and chronic hepatitis was significantly higher in type 1 disease. Laboratory findings at presentation was found similar among races as well as AIH types (P>0.05). The prednisolone was used for remission induction in 37 patients; 86.4% (n: 32) achieved a complete response, 2.7% (n: 1) achieved a partial response, and four patients (10.8%) showed no response. Maintenance was attained by low-dose steroid plus thiopurine and relapse in steroid responders (n: 32) was 9.4% (n: 3) at 8, 12, and 48 months. A total of 36% (n: 24) had neither acute nor chronic treatment side effects. Bone marrow suppression was observed in five patients and hyperglycemia was observed in one patient (10.6 and 2.1%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

AIH type 1 prevails in children in a region of Turkey during the second decade of life. Low-dose corticosteroids combined with azathioprine are found.