Clinicoimmunological Study of Autoimmune Hepatitis

Abstract

Auto immune hepatitis is associated with characteristic autoantibodies and hypergammaglobulinemia. The aim of study is to see prevalence of various types of AIH. Material: Study included 66 cases of AIH, 16 cases of chronic viral hepatitis [8 hepatitis B, 8 hepatitis C] and 18 healthy control between a period of 1.5 years. Antinuclear antibody [ANA], anti-mitochondrial antibody [AMA], anti smooth muscle antibody [ASMA], anti F-actin antibody, anti parietal cell antibody were done by indirect fluorescent method [IIF] on frozen section of rat liver, stomach, and kidney. It was also done by immunodot method. ANA was repeated by ELISA technique.Result:AIH-1 formed maximum cases [89.39%] followed by AIH-2 [9.09%] and AIH-3 [1.51%]. In AIH-1 23.7% and in AIH-2 66.66% were children. Male predominance was in AIH-1 [59.3%].Weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss and jaundice were common in more than 86% patients in all types of AIH. Ascitis was more common in AIH-1 [61%] than in AIH-2 [33.3%]. ASMA antibody was positive in all cases of AIH-1 while anti LKM was positive in AIH-2. ANA was positive in 16.9% cases of AIH by IFT method and 30.54% by ELISA. APCA was positive in 27% cases. Two cases each of AIH-1 were positive for AMA, endomysium, anticentromere, anti Smith, anti RNP and anti-laminin antibody. All AIH-1 and AIH-2 cases had significantly elevated transaminases, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and serum IgG.Thus, our study concludes that AIH1 is more common than AIH2 and ASMA is more common antibody.