Autoimmune hepatitis and anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha therapy: A single center report of 8 cases

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Rodrigues, S (Author) Other; Lopes, S (Author) Other; Magro F (Author) FMUP; Cardoso, H (Author) Other; Horta e Vale, AMHE (Author) Other; Marques, M (Author) Other; Mariz, E (Author) Other; José Bernardes (Author) FMUP; Lopes, J (Author) Other; Carneiro F (Author) FMUP; Macedo G (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: World Journal of Gastroenterology

Vol. 21

Pages: 7584-7588

ISSN: 1007-9327

Publisher: Baishideng Publishing Group

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 69 Citations

Scopus - 82 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-CDY

DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i24.7584

Abstract (EN): This article describes cases of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced autoimmune hepatitis and evaluates the outcome of these patients in relation to their immunosuppressive strategy. A retrospective analysis of medical records was performed in our center, in order to detect cases of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) associated with anti-TNF biologic agents. We describe and analyze eight cases of AIH following anti-TNF therapy, 7 with infliximab and 1 with adalimumab. A distinction should be made between induction of autoimmunity and clinically evident autoimmune disease. Liver biopsy is useful in detecting the role of the TNF-alpha antagonist in the development of AIH. The lack of relapse after discontinuing immunosuppressive therapy favors, as in this case series, an immune-mediated drug reaction as most patients with AIH have a relapse after treatment is suspended. Although AIH related to anti-TNF therapy is rare, a baseline immunological panel along with liver function tests should be performed in all patients with autoimmune disease before starting biologics.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5