Normalization of serum immunoglobulin G levels is associated with improved transplant-free survival in patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence linking achievement of biochemical response with outcomes in Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH), and it is unclear whether normalization of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels influences prognosis.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate factors associated with death or liver transplantation in patients affected by AIH.

METHODS

We undertook a retrospective analysis of all AIH patients attending a tertiary liver unit since 1980. Patients not meeting established diagnostic criteria for AIH or with a follow-up shorter than 18 months were excluded.

RESULTS

107 patients meeting inclusion criteria were included in the study. Mean age at diagnosis was 44 years, 29 patients (27.1%) had cirrhosis at baseline. Median follow-up was 79 months, and 70 patients (79.5%) reached biochemical response. Biochemical response was associated with reduced hazard of liver transplant or death (HR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.46), whereas cirrhosis at diagnosis was an independent predictor of liver transplantation or death (Hazard ratio (HR) 11.8, 95%, confidence interval (CI) 1.18-117.4). Lack of normalization of serum IgG levels was associated with reduced 5-year transplant-free survival (95% in patients normalizing, compared to 86%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Normalization of serum IgG levels alone translates in better transplant-free survival in patients with AIH and should be a treatment target along with transaminases.