Clinical analyses of primary biliary cirrhosis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome

Objective To evaluate clinical characteristics of primary biliary cirrhosis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome(PBC/AIH overlap syndrome) and its prevalence in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC). Methods We reviewed 123 patients with PBC according to the revised International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) scoring system. Results Of the 123 patients,6(4.8%) were diagnosed with PBC/AIH overlap syndrome.They all fulfilled a score ≥10 for the diagnosis of probable or definitive AIH. Four of six patients were accompanied with autoimmune disorders.All patients had the elevation of alkaline phosphatase,alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,immunoglobulinG,immunogolobulinM.Most of them were positive for anti-nuclear antibody.Liver biopsies in these patients showed piecemeal and biliary changes. Conclusion PBC/AIH overlap syndrome is not uncommon,this condition should not be misdiagnosed.