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Korie U, Joldoshova A, Khandakar B, Zhang X, Liang Y. Histopathology and its clinical correlation of liver biopsy in patients with treated autoimmune hepatitis. Ann Diagn Pathol 2024; 73:152333. [PMID: 38820911 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2024.152333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) relies on well-established criteria encompassing histological, serological, and clinical features. Diagnosing AIH may become challenging when encountering patients who have undergone steroid therapy for other co-existing diseases. Thirty-nine liver biopsies from 25 patients with treated and untreated AIH were classified into three groups: 1) Newly diagnosed untreated biopsies (n = 16); 2) Newly diagnosed partially treated biopsies from patients already on steroid treatment for other co-existing diseases (n = 9); 3) Previously diagnosed biopsies from patients who had undergone complete treatment (n = 14). In the untreated AIH group, at least 50 % of the cases exhibited the following features: at least moderate portal inflammation (81 %), at least moderate lobular inflammation (56 %), ductular reaction (94 %), inflammation gradient from bile duct to interface (88 %), unequivocal interface hepatitis (100 %), emperipolesis (56 %), plasma cell cluster (88 %), apoptosis or necrosis (63 %), pericentral inflammation (63 %), and periportal fibrosis (88 %). Although all these diagnostically sensitive histologic features were present in significantly fewer cases after treatment (p < 0.05), the features of ductular reaction, inflammation gradient from bile duct to interface, pericentral inflammation, and periportal fibrosis were likely to persist after treatment, especially in partially treated cases; these features did not show a significant association with higher transaminase levels (P > 0.05) and were considered as indirect features of hepatocytic injury. Our data suggest categorizing AIH histological features into direct and indirect hepatocytic injuries. Direct hepatocytic injury features significantly correlate with transaminase levels and respond well to treatment, while indirect ones show weaker transaminase correlation and relative treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujunwa Korie
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Albina Joldoshova
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Division of Gastrointestinal Pathology, Porath/Sonic Healthcare Anatomic Pathology, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Binny Khandakar
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Northwell Health Laboratories, Donald Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health, Greenvale, NY, United States of America
| | - Xuchen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Yuanxin Liang
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America.
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Yüksekyayla O, Kina N, Ulaba A, Emin Ergün M, Batibay E, Şimşek C, Yildiz Zeyrek F, Wahlin S, Efe C. The frequency and clinical significance of antibodies to soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas in autoimmune hepatitis: a prospective single-center study. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 36:652-656. [PMID: 38477840 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas antibodies (anti-SLA/LP) are specific markers for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) that have been associated with a distinct clinical phenotype and a more aggressive form of AIH. We prospectively evaluated the frequency and clinical significance of anti-SLA/LP in Turkish patients with AIH. MATERIAL AND METHODS We prospectively included patients diagnosed with AIH between January 2018 and May 2023. Autoantibodies were detected using by immunofluorescence and immunoblot. RESULTS We included 61 (80%, female) AIH patients with a median age of 31 years (15-78) at the time of diagnosis. Anti-SLA/LP was detected in 20% ( n = 12) of the patients. Baseline characteristics, treatment responses and outcomes were similar among anti-SLA/LP-positive and anti-SLA/LP-negative AIH patients. Anti-SLA/LP-positive patients had significantly higher biochemical response rates after 4 weeks (100 vs. 67%, P = 0.027), 3 months (100 vs. 39%, P < 0.001), 6 months (100 vs. 69%, P = 0.041) of therapy but not after 12 months (100 vs. 76%, P = 0.103) and at the end of follow-up (100 vs. 91%, P = 0.328). Relapse rates following treatment response were similar in patients with and without anti-SLA/LP (22 vs. 23%, P = 0.956). Second-line therapies (tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil) were given to seven (11%) patients, all were anti-SLA/LP-negative. Two of these progressed into end-stage liver disease and both underwent liver transplantation. CONCLUSION Our study results suggest that anti-SLA/LP positivity does not entail clinically distinct or severe features in AIH. In our cohort, anti-SLA/LP-positive patients showed a quicker response to immunosuppressive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arjen Ulaba
- Department of Microbiology, Harran University, Şanliurfa
| | | | | | - Cem Şimşek
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Staffan Wahlin
- Hepatology Division, Department of Upper GI Diseases, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Snijders RJALM, Stoelinga AEC, Gevers TJG, Pape S, Biewenga M, Tushuizen ME, Verdonk RC, de Jonge HJM, Vrolijk JM, Bakker SF, Vanwolleghem T, de Boer YS, Baven Pronk MAMC, Beuers U, van der Meer AJ, Gerven NMFV, Sijtsma MGM, van Eijck BC, van IJzendoorn MC, van Herwaarden M, van den Brand FF, Korkmaz KS, van den Berg AP, Guichelaar MMJ, Levens AD, van Hoek B, Drenth JPH. An open-label randomised-controlled trial of azathioprine vs. mycophenolate mofetil for the induction of remission in treatment-naive autoimmune hepatitis. J Hepatol 2024; 80:576-585. [PMID: 38101756 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) almost invariably require lifelong immunosuppressive treatment. There is genuine concern about the efficacy and tolerability of the current standard combination therapy of prednisolone and azathioprine. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has emerged as an alternative option. The aim of this study was to compare MMF to azathioprine as induction therapy for AIH. METHODS In this 24-week, prospective, randomised, open-label, multicentre superiority trial, 70 patients with treatment-naive AIH received either MMF or azathioprine, both in combination with prednisolone. The primary endpoint was biochemical remission defined as normalisation of serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and IgG after 24 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints included safety and tolerability. RESULTS Seventy patients (mean 57.9 years [SD 14.0]; 72.9% female) were randomly assigned to the MMF plus prednisolone (n = 39) or azathioprine plus prednisolone (n = 31) group. The primary endpoint was met in 56.4% and 29.0% of patients assigned to the MMF group and the azathioprine group, respectively (difference, 27.4 percentage points; 95% CI 4.0 to 46.7; p = 0.022). The MMF group exhibited higher complete biochemical response rates at 6 months (72.2% vs. 32.3%; p = 0.004). No serious adverse events occurred in patients who received MMF (0%) but serious adverse events were reported in four patients who received azathioprine (12.9%) (p = 0.034). Two patients in the MMF group (5.1%) and eight patients in the azathioprine group (25.8%) discontinued treatment owing to adverse events or serious adverse events (p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS In patients with treatment-naive AIH, MMF with prednisolone led to a significantly higher rate of biochemical remission at 24 weeks compared to azathioprine combined with prednisolone. Azathioprine use was associated with more (serious) adverse events leading to cessation of treatment, suggesting superior tolerability of MMF. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS This randomised-controlled trial directly compares azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil, both in combination with prednisolone, for the induction of biochemical remission in treatment-naive patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Achieving complete remission is desirable to prevent disease progression. Patients assigned to the mycophenolate mofetil group reached biochemical remission more often and experienced fewer adverse events. The findings in this trial may contribute to the re-evaluation of international guidelines for the standard of care in treatment-naive patients with autoimmune hepatitis. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER #NCT02900443.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romée J A L M Snijders
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Anna E C Stoelinga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom J G Gevers
- Nutrim School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Simon Pape
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Maaike Biewenga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten E Tushuizen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert C Verdonk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik J M de Jonge
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Maarten Vrolijk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd F Bakker
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Ynto S de Boer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, location VU Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Beuers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, location Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Adriaan J van der Meer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole M F van Gerven
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rode Kruis Hospital, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn G M Sijtsma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St. Jansdal Hospital, Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Brechje C van Eijck
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, The Netherlands
| | - Manon C van IJzendoorn
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Bernhoven, Uden, The Netherlands
| | - Margot van Herwaarden
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Deventer Hospital, Deventer, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kerem Sebib Korkmaz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, IJselland Hospital, Capelle aan den Ijssel, the Netherlands
| | - Aad P van den Berg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Maureen M J Guichelaar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Amar D Levens
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joost P H Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany.
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Taubert R, Engel B. [Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis-First-line, second-line and third-line treatment]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 65:325-333. [PMID: 38456902 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-024-01679-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare autoimmune inflammation of the liver mostly with a chronic course, which can also be acutely manifested up to acute liver failure. It affects women 3-4 times more frequently than men and can be diagnosed in all age groups. In one third of the patients a liver cirrhosis is present at the time of diagnosis. It is characterized by a hepatic inflammation pattern, a polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia of immunoglobulin G and the detection of autoantibodies. A liver biopsy is necessary to make the diagnosis. The AIH is histologically characterized in particular by a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in the portal fields. In cases with a relevant disease activity, AIH is typically treated by immunosuppression. The immunosuppressive treatment is associated with a prevention of disease progression to liver cirrhosis and a better survival. The success of treatment is measured by achieving biochemical remission, i.e., normalization of the transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels as a good noninvasive predictor of a histological remission. Another treatment target is an improvement of the symptoms of the patient. The first-line treatment consists of a glucocorticoid, mostly prednisolone or in cases without advanced fibrosis budesonide, and azothioprine. For reduction of steroid-specific treatment side effects the maintenance treatment should be carried out steroid-free whenever possible. In cases of insufficient response to azothioprine or side effects a treatment attempt using antimetabolites, such as 6‑mercaptopurine or mycophenolate mofetil is primarily carried out as second-line treatment. For patients who do not achieve biochemical remission through first-line or second-line treatment, a variety of medications are available for third-line treatment, e.g., rituximab, calcineurin inhibitors or antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) antibodies. Third-line treatment should be carried out in expert centers and registered in the European Reference Network for Rare Liver Diseases in order to improve the currently sparse database for these forms of treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Taubert
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland.
| | - Bastian Engel
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland
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Plagiannakos CG, Hirschfield GM, Lytvyak E, Roberts SB, Ismail M, Gulamhusein AF, Selzner N, Qumosani KM, Worobetz L, Hercun J, Vincent C, Flemming JA, Swain MG, Cheung A, Chen T, Grbic D, Peltekain K, Mason AL, Montano-Loza AJ, Hansen BE. Treatment response and clinical event-free survival in autoimmune hepatitis: A Canadian multicentre cohort study. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00205-8. [PMID: 38527524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Treatment outcomes for people living with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are limited by a lack of specific therapies, as well as limited well-validated prognostic tools and clinical trial endpoints. We sought to identify predictors of outcome for people living with AIH. METHODS We evaluated the clinical course of people with AIH across 11 Canadian centres. Biochemical changes were analysed using linear mixed-effect and logistic regression. Clinical outcome was dynamically modelled using time-varying Cox proportional hazard modelling and landmark analysis. RESULTS In 691 patients (median age 49 years, 75.4% female), with a median follow-up of 6 years (25th-75th percentile, 2.5-11), 118 clinical events occurred. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalisation occurred in 63.8% of the cohort by 12 months. Older age at diagnosis (odd ratio [OR] 1.19, 95% CI 1.06-1.35) and female sex (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.18-3.19) were associated with ALT normalisation at 6 months, whilst baseline cirrhosis status was associated with reduced chance of normalisation at 12 months (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33-0.82). Baseline total bilirubin, aminotransferases, and IgG values, as well as initial prednisone dose, did not predict average ALT reduction. At baseline, older age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.25, 95% CI 1.12-1.40), cirrhosis at diagnosis (HR 3.67, 95% CI 2.48-5.43), and elevated baseline total bilirubin (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.17-1.58) increased the risk of clinical events. Prolonged elevations in ALT (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00-1.13) and aspartate aminotransferase (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06-1.21), but not IgG (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.95-1.07), were associated with higher risk of clinical events. Higher ALT at 6 months was associated with worse clinical event-free survival. CONCLUSION In people living with AIH, sustained elevated aminotransferase values, but not IgG, are associated with poorer long-term outcomes. Biochemical response and long-term survival are not associated with starting prednisone dose. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Using clinical data from multiple Canadian liver clinics treating autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), we evaluate treatment response and clinical outcomes. For the first time, we apply mixed-effect and time-varying survival statistical methods to rigorously examine treatment response and the impact of fluctuating liver biochemistry on clinical event-free survival. Key to the study impact, our data is 'real-world', represents a diverse population across Canada, and uses continuous measurements over follow-up. Our results challenge the role of IgG as a marker of treatment response and if normalisation of IgG should remain an important part of the definition of biochemical remission. Our analysis further highlights that baseline markers of disease severity may not prognosticate early treatment response. Additionally, the initial prednisone dose may be less relevant for achieving aminotransferase normalisation. This is important for patients and treating clinicians given the relevance and importance of side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Ellina Lytvyak
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Surain B Roberts
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marwa Ismail
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aliya F Gulamhusein
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nazia Selzner
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Lawrence Worobetz
- Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Julian Hercun
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier De l'Université De Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Catherine Vincent
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier De l'Université De Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Mark G Swain
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Angela Cheung
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Tianyan Chen
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Kevork Peltekain
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Andrew L Mason
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Aldo J Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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D'Amato D, Carbone M. Prognostic models and autoimmune liver diseases. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2023; 67:101878. [PMID: 38103932 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2023.101878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) are complex diseases with unknown causes and immune-mediated pathophysiology. In primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) disease modifying drugs are available which improve patient quality and quantity of life. In primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) no medical therapy is available and the only accepted treatment is liver transplantation (LT). PBC, PSC and AIH possess features that describe the archetype of patients within each disorder. On the other hand, the classical disorders are not homogeneous, and patients within each diagnosis may present with a range of clinical, biochemical, serological, and histological findings. Singularly, they are considered rare diseases, but together, they account for approximately 20% of LTs in Europe and USA. Management of these patients is complex, as AILDs are relatively uncommon in clinical practice with challenges in developing expertise, disease presentation can be sneaky, clinical phenotypes and disease course are heterogeneous. Prognostic models are key tools for clinicians to assess patients' risk and to provide personalized care to patients. Aim of this review is to discuss challenges of the management of AILDs and how the available prognostic models can help. We will discuss the prognostic models developed in AILDs, with a special focus on the prognostic models that can support the clinical management of patients with AILDs: in PBC models based on ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) response and markers of liver fibrosis; in PSC several markers including biochemistry, disease stage and radiological semiquantitative markers; and finally in AIH, markers of disease stage and disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne D'Amato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
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Díaz-González Á, Hernández-Guerra M, Pérez-Medrano I, Sapena V, Riveiro-Barciela M, Barreira-Díaz A, Gómez E, Morillas RM, Del Barrio M, Escudé L, Mateos B, Horta D, Gómez J, Conde I, Ferre-Aracil C, El Hajra I, Arencibía A, Zamora J, Fernández A, Salcedo M, Molina E, Soria A, Estévez P, López C, Álvarez-Navascúes C, García-Retortillo M, Crespo J, Londoño MC. Budesonide as first-line treatment in patients with autoimmune hepatitis seems inferior to standard predniso(lo)ne administration. Hepatology 2023; 77:1095-1105. [PMID: 36626622 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In patients with non-severe acute or chronic autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) without cirrhosis, clinical practice guidelines recommend indistinct use of prednisone or budesonide. However, budesonide is infrequently used in clinical practice. We aimed to describe its use and compare its efficacy and safety with prednisone as first-line options. APPROACH AND RESULTS This was a retrospective, multicenter study of 105 naive AIH patients treated with budesonide as the first-line drug. The control group included 276 patients treated with prednisone. Efficacy was assessed using logistic regression and validated using inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity score. The median time to biochemical response (BR) was 3.1 months in patients treated with budesonide and 4.9 months in those with prednisone. The BR rate was significantly higher in patients treated with prednisone (87% vs. 49% of patients with budesonide, p < 0.001). The probability of achieving BR, assessed using the inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity score, was significantly lower in the budesonide group (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.11-0.38) at any time during follow-up, and at 6 (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.29-0.89) and 12 months after starting treatment (0.41; 95% CI: 0.23-0.73). In patients with transaminases <2 × upper limit of normal, BR was similar in both treatment groups. Prednisone treatment was significantly associated with a higher risk of adverse events (24.2% vs. 15.9%, p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS In the real-life setting, the use of budesonide as first-line treatment is low, and it is generally prescribed to patients with perceived less disease activity. Budesonide was inferior to prednisone as a first-line drug but was associated with fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Díaz-González
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Clinical and Translational Research in Digestive Diseases Group, Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander, Spain
| | | | - Indhira Pérez-Medrano
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Pontevedra, Pontevedra, España
| | - Víctor Sapena
- Medical Statistics Core Facility, Institut D'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Riveiro-Barciela
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spainand CIBERehd
| | - Ana Barreira-Díaz
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spainand CIBERehd
| | - Elena Gómez
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, España
| | - Rosa M Morillas
- Hepatology Department, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol and Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, IGTP, Badalona, Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Centro de investigación biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBERehd
| | - María Del Barrio
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Clinical and Translational Research in Digestive Diseases Group, Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander, Spain
| | - Laia Escudé
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN-Liver), Institut D'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de investigación biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | - Beatriz Mateos
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, CIBERehd, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Horta
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitari Mutua de Terrassa, Terrassa, España
| | - Judith Gómez
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Burgos, Burgos, España
| | - Isabel Conde
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, España
| | - Carlos Ferre-Aracil
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, España
| | - Ismael El Hajra
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, España
| | - Ana Arencibía
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, España
| | - Javier Zamora
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, España
| | - Ainhoa Fernández
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España
| | - Magdalena Salcedo
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España
| | - Esther Molina
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, España
| | - Anna Soria
- Unidad de Hepatología, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, España
| | - Pamela Estévez
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Álvaro Cunqueiro, Vigo, España
| | - Carmen López
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitari Josep Trueta, Girona, España
| | | | | | - Javier Crespo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Clinical and Translational Research in Digestive Diseases Group, Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander, Spain
| | - María-Carlota Londoño
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN-Liver), Institut D'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de investigación biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, España
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8
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Snijders RJALM, Stoelinga AEC, Gevers TJG, Pape S, Biewenga M, Verdonk RC, de Jonge HJM, Vrolijk JM, Bakker SF, Vanwolleghem T, de Boer YS, Pronk MAMCB, Beuers UHW, van der Meer AJ, van Gerven NMF, Sijtsma MGM, Verwer BJ, Gisbertz IAM, Bartelink M, van den Brand FF, Sebib Korkmaz K, van den Berg AP, Guichelaar MMJ, Soufidi K, Levens AD, van Hoek B, Drenth JPH. Assessing the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil versus azathioprine in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (CAMARO trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:1012. [PMID: 36514163 PMCID: PMC9745715 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06890-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, the standard therapy for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) consists of a combination of prednisolone and azathioprine. However, 15% of patients are intolerant to azathioprine which necessitates cessation of azathioprine or changes in therapy. In addition, not all patients achieve complete biochemical response (CR). Uncontrolled data indicate that mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) can induce CR in a majority of patients. Better understanding of first-line treatment and robust evidence from randomised clinical trials are needed. The aim of this study was to explore the potential benefits of MMF as compared to azathioprine, both combined with prednisolone, as induction therapy in a randomised controlled trial in patients with treatment-naive AIH. METHODS CAMARO is a randomised (1:1), open-label, parallel-group, multicentre superiority trial. All patients with AIH are screened for eligibility. Seventy adult patients with AIH from fourteen centres in the Netherlands and Belgium will be randomised to receive MMF or azathioprine. Both treatment arms will start with prednisolone as induction therapy. The primary outcome is biochemical remission, defined as serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and immunoglobulin G below the upper limit of normal. Secondary outcomes include safety and tolerability of MMF and azathioprine, time to remission, changes in Model For End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)-score, adverse events, and aspects of quality of life. The study period will last for 24 weeks. DISCUSSION The CAMARO trial investigates whether treatment with MMF and prednisolone increases the proportion of patients in remission compared with azathioprine and prednisolone as the current standard treatment strategy. In addition, we reflect on the challenges of conducting a randomized trial in rare diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT 2016-001038-91 . Prospectively registered on 18 April 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romée J. A. L. M. Snijders
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna E. C. Stoelinga
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom J. G. Gevers
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.412966.e0000 0004 0480 1382Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands ,grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Nutrim School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Pape
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maaike Biewenga
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert C. Verdonk
- grid.415960.f0000 0004 0622 1269Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik J. M. de Jonge
- grid.413508.b0000 0004 0501 9798Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, ‘s Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Maarten Vrolijk
- grid.415930.aDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd F. Bakker
- grid.416373.40000 0004 0472 8381Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- grid.411414.50000 0004 0626 3418Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Ynto S. de Boer
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martine A. M. C. Baven Pronk
- grid.413370.20000 0004 0405 8883Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groene Hart Hospital, Gouda, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich H. W. Beuers
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan J. van der Meer
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole M. F. van Gerven
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rode Kruis Hospital, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn G. M. Sijtsma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St. Jansdal Hospital, Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J. Verwer
- grid.416219.90000 0004 0568 6419Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid A. M. Gisbertz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Bernhoven, Uden, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje Bartelink
- grid.413649.d0000 0004 0396 5908Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Deventer Hospital, Deventer, The Netherlands
| | - Floris F. van den Brand
- grid.440209.b0000 0004 0501 8269Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, OLVG Oost, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kerem Sebib Korkmaz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, IJselland Hospital, Capelle aan den Ijssel, The Netherlands
| | - Aad P. van den Berg
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maureen M. J. Guichelaar
- grid.415214.70000 0004 0399 8347Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Khalida Soufidi
- grid.416905.fDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zuyderland, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Amar D. Levens
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van Hoek
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joost P. H. Drenth
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Hamburg, Germany
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9
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Medas R, Liberal R, Cardoso H, Macedo G. 2022 International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group non-response criteria in autoimmune hepatitis: A too early endpoint? J Hepatol 2022; 77:1461-1462. [PMID: 35716845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Renato Medas
- Gastroenterology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rodrigo Liberal
- Gastroenterology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Hélder Cardoso
- Gastroenterology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Guilherme Macedo
- Gastroenterology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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10
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Snijders RJALM, Gevers TJG, Heneghan MA, Drenth JPH. Reply to: "Correspondence on 'Systematic review of response criteria and endpoints in autoimmune hepatitis by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group'": Defining endpoints that guide treatment in autoimmune hepatitis. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1464-1466. [PMID: 35985543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Romée J A L M Snijders
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany.
| | - Tom J G Gevers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
| | - Joost P H Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Germany
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11
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Rapid response predicts complete biochemical response and histological remission in autoimmune hepatitis. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1463-1464. [PMID: 35870704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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12
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Li Y, Sun Y, Liu Y, Wang B, Li J, Wang H, Zhang H, Wang X, Han X, Lin Q, Zhou Y, Hu L, Song Y, Bao J, Gong L, Sun M, Yuan X, Zhang X, Lian M, Xiao X, Miao Q, Wang Q, Li KK, Du S, Ma A, Li Y, Xu J, Tang S, Shi J, Xu Y, Yang L, Zhang J, Huang Z, Zhou L, Cui Y, Seldin MF, Gershwin ME, Yan H, Zou Z, Zuo X, Tang R, Ma X. Genome-wide meta-analysis identifies susceptibility loci for autoimmune hepatitis type 1. Hepatology 2022; 76:564-575. [PMID: 35184318 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare and chronic autoimmune liver disease. While genetic factors are believed to play a crucial role in the etiopathogenesis of AIH, our understanding of these genetic risk factors is still limited. In this study, we aimed to identify susceptibility loci to further understand the pathogenesis of this disease. APPROACH AND RESULTS We conducted a case-control association study of 1,622 Chinese patients with AIH type 1 and 10,466 population controls from two independent cohorts. A meta-analysis was performed to ascertain variants associated with AIH type 1. A single-nucleotide polymorphism within the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region showed the strongest association with AIH (rs6932730: OR = 2.32; p = 9.21 × 10-73 ). The meta-analysis also identified two non-HLA loci significantly associated with AIH: CD28/CTLA4/ICOS on 2q33.3 (rs72929257: OR = 1.31; p = 2.92 × 10-9 ) and SYNPR on 3p14.2 (rs6809477: OR = 1.25; p = 5.48 × 10-9 ). In silico annotation, reporter gene assays, and CRISPR activation experiments identified a distal enhancer at 2q33.3 that regulated expression of CTLA4. In addition, variants near STAT1/STAT4 (rs11889341: OR = 1.24; p = 1.34 × 10-7 ), LINC00392 (rs9564997: OR = 0.81; p = 2.53 × 10-7 ), IRF8 (rs11117432: OR = 0.72; p = 6.10 × 10-6 ), and LILRA4/LILRA5 (rs11084330: OR = 0.65; p = 5.19 × 10-6 ) had suggestive association signals with AIH. CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies two novel loci (CD28/CTLA4/ICOS and SYNPR) exceeding genome-wide significance and suggests four loci as potential risk factors. These findings highlight the importance of costimulatory signaling and neuro-immune interaction in the pathogenesis of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Liver Disease, Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanmin Liu
- Clinical Laboratory Center and Clinical Research Center for Autoimmune Liver Disease, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bangmao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Li
- Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Hepatology, Tianjin, China
| | - Hanxiao Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiping Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory Center and Clinical Research Center for Autoimmune Liver Disease, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xu Han
- Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Hepatology, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiuxiang Lin
- Department of Hepatology, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Hepatology, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lilin Hu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuhu Song
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Bao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ling Gong
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengying Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoling Yuan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinhe Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, ShenYang, China
| | - Min Lian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Miao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Qixia Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke-Ke Li
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyu Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Anlin Ma
- Department of infection disease, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yiling Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, ShenYang, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanhong Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Junping Shi
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOH & MOE), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zuxiong Huang
- Department of Hepatology, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yong Cui
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Michael F Seldin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Huiping Yan
- Clinical Laboratory Center and Clinical Research Center for Autoimmune Liver Disease, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengsheng Zou
- Department of Liver Disease, Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xianbo Zuo
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Dermatology and Department of Dermatology, No. 1 Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ruqi Tang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
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13
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Biewenga M, Verhelst X, Baven-Pronk M, Putter H, van den Berg A, Colle I, Schouten J, Sermon F, Van Steenkiste C, van Vlierberghe H, van der Meer A, van Hoek B. Aminotransferases During Treatment Predict Long-Term Survival in Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis Type 1: A Landmark Analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:1776-1783.e4. [PMID: 34022454 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Biochemical remission, important treatment goal in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), has been associated with better long-term survival. The aim of this study was to determine the independent prognostic value of aminotransferases and immunoglobulin G (IgG) during treatment on long-term transplant-free survival in AIH. METHODS In a multicenter cohort alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and IgG were collected at diagnosis and 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after start of therapy and related to long-term outcome using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis with landmark analysis at these time points, excluding patients with follow-up ending before each landmark. RESULTS A total of 301 AIH patients with a median follow-up of 99 (range, 7-438) months were included. During follow-up, 15 patients required liver transplantation and 33 patients died. Higher AST at 12 months was associated with worse survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.86; P < .001), while IgG was not associated with survival (HR, 1.30; P = .53). In multivariate analysis AST at 12 months (HR, 2.13; P < .001) was predictive for survival independent of age, AST at diagnosis and cirrhosis. Multivariate analysis for AST yielded similar results at 6 months (HR, 2.61; P = .001), 24 months (HR, 2.93; P = .003), and 36 months (HR, 3.03; P = .010). There was a trend toward a worse survival in patients with mildly elevated aminotransferases (1-1.5× upper limit of normal) compared with patients with normal aminotransferases (P = .097). CONCLUSIONS Low aminotransferases during treatment are associated with a better long-term survival in autoimmune hepatitis. IgG was not associated with survival in first 12 months of treatment. Normalization of aminotransferases should be the treatment goal for autoimmune hepatitis to improve long-term survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Biewenga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UZ Ghent, member of European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martine Baven-Pronk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Green Heart Hospital, Gouda, the Netherlands
| | - Hein Putter
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Aad van den Berg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, member of European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Colle
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, ASZ Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Jeoffrey Schouten
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, AZ Nikolaas, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Filip Sermon
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, OLV Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Steenkiste
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, AZ Maria Middelares Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hans van Vlierberghe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UZ Ghent, member of European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Adriaan van der Meer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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14
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Gordon V, Adhikary R, Appleby V, Das D, Day J, Delahooke T, Dixon S, Elphick D, Hardie C, Heneghan MA, Hoeroldt B, Hooper P, Hutchinson J, Jones R, Khan F, Aithal GP, Metcalf J, Nkhoma A, Pelitari S, Prince M, Prosser A, Sathyanarayana V, Saksena S, Vani D, Yeoman A, Abouda G, Nelson A, Gleeson D. Treatment and Outcome of Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH): Audit of 28 UK centres. Liver Int 2022; 42:1571-1584. [PMID: 35286013 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With few data regarding treatment and outcome of patients with AIH outside of large centres we present such a study of patients with AIH in 28 UK hospitals of varying size and facilities. METHODS Patients with AIH were identified in 14 University and 14 District General hospitals; incident cases during 2007-2015 and prevalent cases, presenting 2000-2015. Treatment and outcomes were analysed. RESULTS In 1267 patients with AIH, followed-up for 3.8(0-15) years, 5- and 10-year death/transplant rates were 7.1+0.8% and 10.1+1.3% (all-cause) and 4.0+0.6% and 5.9+1% (liver-related) respectively. Baseline parameters independently associated with death/transplantation for all-causes were: older age, vascular/respiratory co-morbidity, cirrhosis, decompensation, platelet count, attending transplant centre and for liver-related: the last four of these and peak bilirubin All-cause and liver-related death/transplantation was independently associated with: non-treatment with corticosteroids, non-treatment with a steroid-sparing agent (SSA), non-treatment of asymptomatic or non-cirrhotic patients and initial dose of Prednisolone >35mg/0.5mg/kg/day (all-cause only), but not with type of steroid (Prednisolone versus Budesonide) or steroid duration beyond 12-months. Subsequent all-cause and liver-death/transplant rates showed independent associations with smaller percentage fall in serum ALT after 1 and 3-months, but not with failure to normalise levels over 12-months. CONCLUSIONS We observed higher death/transplant rates in patients with AIH who were untreated with steroids (including asymptomatic or non-cirrhotic sub-groups), those receiving higher Prednisolone doses and those who did not receive an SSA. Similar death/transplant rates were seen in those receiving Prednisolone or Budesonide, those continuing steroids after 12-months and patients attaining normal ALT within 12-months versus not.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Guruprasad P Aithal
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases centre and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham
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15
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B-cell activating factor and IL-21 levels predict treatment response in autoimmune hepatitis. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100460. [PMID: 35368991 PMCID: PMC8971938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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16
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Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. Autoimmmune hepatitis. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:158-176. [PMID: 34580437 PMCID: PMC8475398 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a T-cell mediated, inflammatory liver disease affecting all ages and characterized by female preponderance, elevated serum transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels, positive circulating autoantibodies, and presence of interface hepatitis at liver histology. AIH type 1, affecting both adults and children, is defined by positive anti-nuclear and/or anti-smooth muscle antibodies, while type 2 AIH, affecting mostly children, is defined by positive anti-liver-kidney microsomal type 1 and/or anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibody. While the autoantigens of type 2 AIH are well defined, being the cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) and the formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase (FTCD), in type 1 AIH they remain to be identified. AIH-1 predisposition is conferred by possession of the MHC class II HLA DRB1*03 at all ages, while DRB1*04 predisposes to late onset disease; AIH-2 is associated with possession of DRB1*07 and DRB1*03. The majority of patients responds well to standard immunosuppressive treatment, based on steroid and azathioprine; second- and third-line drugs should be considered in case of intolerance or insufficient response. This review offers a comprehensive overview of pathophysiological and clinical aspects of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli
- Epatocentro Ticino & Facoltà di Scienze Biomediche, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Diego Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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17
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Auto-immune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare condition which primarily affects young women. Several diagnostic scoring systems exist based on clinical, biochemical, immunologic and histologic characteristics of AIH. Additionally, prognostic parameters can be identified. The purpose of this literature review is to compare the clinical value, strengths and limitations of these diagnostic and prognostic scoring systems. METHODS A literature search was performed in two databases and selected based on diagnostic and prognostic criteria. Only studies concerning AIH in adults were included. RESULTS The backbone of scoring systems remains the revised AIH criteria published in 1999 and the simplified from 2008. The revised system shows a higher sensitivity, lower specificity and lower diagnostic accuracy compared to the simplified. Limitations to these scoring systems include limited diagnostic accuracy in acute or fulminant liver failure, insufficient inclusion of atypical auto-antibodies and lacking diagnostic power in presence of overlap syndromes. Concerning these overlap syndromes, the Paris criteria show a higher diagnostic accuracy compared to the scoring systems for AIH. Presently, no clinical prognostic scoring systems are available. However, a first system based on response to treatment accurately predicts long-term survival in AIH. CONCLUSION Diagnostic scoring systems are useful in diagnosing AIH and have complementary value. However, they are no substitute for the gold standard of appropriate clinical assessment and are mostly useful in defining cohorts for research purposes. An evolution towards a more dynamic scoring system, using prognostic parameters and the progression of typical features, seems more valuable than the current diagnostic systems.
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18
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Biewenga M, Verhelst XPDMJ, Baven-Pronk MAMC, Putter H, van den Berg AP, van Nieuwkerk KCMJ, van Buuren HR, Bouma G, de Boer YS, Simoen C, Colle I, Schouten J, Sermon F, van Steenkiste C, van Vlierberghe H, van der Meer AJ, Nevens F, van Hoek B. Development and validation of a prognostic score for long-term transplant-free survival in autoimmune hepatitis type 1. United European Gastroenterol J 2021; 9:662-671. [PMID: 34165262 PMCID: PMC8281048 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No prognostic score is currently available for long-term survival in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop and validate such a prognostic score for AIH patients at diagnosis. METHODS The prognostic score was developed using uni- & multivariate Cox regression in a 4-center Dutch cohort and validated in an independent 6-center Belgian cohort. RESULTS In the derivation cohort of 396 patients 19 liver transplantations (LTs) and 51 deaths occurred (median follow-up 118 months; interquartile range 60-202 months). In multivariate analysis age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.045; p < 0.001), non-caucasian ethnicity (HR 1.897; p = 0.045), cirrhosis (HR 3.266; p < 0.001) and alanine aminotransferase level (HR 0.725; p = 0.003) were significant independent predictors for mortality or LT (C-statistic 0.827; 95% CI 0.790-0.864). In the validation cohort of 408 patients death or LT occurred in 78 patients during a median follow-up of 74 months (interquartile range: 25-142 months). Predicted 5-year event rate did not differ from observed event rate (high risk group 21.5% vs. 15.7% (95% CI: 6.3%-24.2%); moderate risk group 5.8% versus 4.3% (95% CI: 0.0%-9.1%); low risk group 1.9% versus 5.4% (95% CI: 0.0%-11.4%); C-statistic 0.744 [95% CI 0.644-0.844]). CONCLUSIONS A Dutch-Belgian prognostic score for long-term transplant-free survival in AIH patients at diagnosis was developed and validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Biewenga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Hein Putter
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Aad P van den Berg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Karin C M J van Nieuwkerk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henk R van Buuren
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gerd Bouma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ynte S de Boer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cedric Simoen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UZ Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Colle
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, ASZ Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Jeoffrey Schouten
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, AZ Nikolaas, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Filip Sermon
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, OLV Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Christophe van Steenkiste
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, AZ Maria Middelares Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Frederik Nevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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19
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Wang G, Tanaka A, Zhao H, Jia J, Ma X, Harada K, Wang FS, Wei L, Wang Q, Sun Y, Hong Y, Rao H, Efe C, Lau G, Payawal D, Gani R, Lindor K, Jafri W, Omata M, Sarin SK. The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver clinical practice guidance: the diagnosis and management of patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:223-257. [PMID: 33942203 PMCID: PMC8144150 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10170-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guiqiang Wang
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China. .,Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | | | - Hong Zhao
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jidong Jia
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine Kanazawa, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lai Wei
- Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qixia Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Hong
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huiying Rao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - George Lau
- Humanity and Health Medical Group, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Diana Payawal
- Department of Hepatology, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Manila, Philippines
| | - Rino Gani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Keith Lindor
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Masao Omata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamanashi Prefectural Central Hospital, Kofu-City, Yamanashi, Japan.,The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Chung Y, Rahim MN, Graham JJ, Zen Y, Heneghan MA. An update on the pharmacological management of autoimmune hepatitis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:1475-1488. [PMID: 33624559 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1895747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune mediated, inflammatory disease affecting the liver as a result of environmental triggers in susceptible individuals leading to loss of self-tolerance. The immunopathogenesis of AIH is not fully understood, which limits targeted therapeutic options.Areas covered: In this review, the authors provide an overview of current practice in the management of AIH, which include induction therapy with corticosteroids (± thiopurines), followed by maintenance therapy. Lack of early response to treatment may serve as a predictor of those at risk of requiring treatment escalation to second- and third-line agents such as mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), calcineurin inhibitors or biologics. Evidence for third-line agents from small retrospective studies or individual centers are reviewed. The nuances of AIH treatment in pregnancy, overlap syndromes, and drug induced liver injury (DILI) warrant further consideration.Expert opinion: Augmenting the balance of regulatory T cells (Treg) and effector T cells is an appealing therapeutic target with a multitude of agents in development. Many of the challenges in AIH research are due to its rarity and lack of randomized data. Management of AIH should strive towards individualized care through risk stratification and use of the best therapeutic modality for each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yooyun Chung
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mussarat N Rahim
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathon J Graham
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yoh Zen
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom
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21
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Li Y, Yan L, Wang R, Wang Q, You Z, Li B, Zhang J, Huang B, Chen Y, Li Y, Lian M, Tang R, Qiu D, Gershwin ME, Xiao X, Miao Q, Ma X. Serum Immunoglobulin G Levels Predict Biochemical and Histological Remission of Autoimmune Hepatitis Type 1: A Single-Center Experience and Literature Review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2021; 62:292-300. [PMID: 33512642 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-021-08833-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is characterized by interface hepatitis, elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, circulating autoantibodies, and elevated predominantly immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels. The goal in the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is complete disease remission. Here we took advantage of a large cohort of AIH patients to clarify predictors associated with biochemical and histological remission. Of 705 patients with complete follow-up, 569 (80.7%) patients achieved complete biochemical remission. Lower IgG levels (17.8 vs. 25 g/L, p < 0.001) and less liver cirrhosis (19.3% vs. 33.1%, p < 0.001) at diagnosis were observed in these patients. They also had lower serum IgG levels (13 vs. 18.9 g/L, p < 0.001) after 3 months of treatment. Histological remission was achieved in 69.4% of 160 patients with complete biochemical remission after 3 years of treatment. Patients with histological remission had lower IgG levels (16.2 vs. 20.1 g/L, p = 0.006) and Ishak fibrosis scores (3.4 vs. 4.1, p = 0.010) at diagnosis, and they appeared to achieve biochemical remission more rapidly (1 vs. 3 months, p < 0.001). Of note, patients with histological remission had higher frequency of fibrosis regression than those with persisting histological activity (87.5% vs. 60%, p = 0.004). In conclusion, lower serum IgG levels, less fibrosis in liver histology at diagnosis, and rapid response to immunosuppressive therapy are reliable predictors of biochemical and histological remission. Our study underscores the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Li Yan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Qixia Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Zhengrui You
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Bo Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Bingyuan Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Yikang Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Min Lian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Ruqi Tang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Dekai Qiu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Qi Miao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China.
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22
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Second-line and third-line therapy for autoimmune hepatitis: A position statement from the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases and the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group. J Hepatol 2020; 73:1496-1506. [PMID: 32707224 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Most patients with autoimmune hepatitis respond well to standard immunosuppressive therapy with steroids and azathioprine, and while untreated disease is usually fatal, patients who respond well to therapy have an excellent prognosis. However, insufficient response to standard therapy or intolerable side effects requiring dose adaptions or treatment changes occur in 10-20% of patients. While there is fairly good agreement on second-line treatment options, there is very wide variation in the indication and use of possible third-line therapies. Herein, the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER) and the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) outline a treatment algorithm for both children and adults that should help to standardise treatment approaches, in order to improve patient care and to enable the comparison of treatment results between scientific publications.
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