Clinical and pathological studies on the autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis overlap syndrome :an analysis of 16 cases

Objective To explore the clinical and pathological features and responses to therapy of autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis overlap syndrome. Methods We included 16 cases with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome, 26 with type I AIH and 25 with PBC (Scheuer stage Ⅰand Ⅱ) , and the emphasis was laid upon the clinical manifestations , pathological features and responses to therapy. Results No significant differences in sex , age and course of diseases were found among the 3 groups. In AIH-PBC group , the serum levels of alkaline phosphatase,γ-glutamyltranspeptidase, IgM and the frequency of positive antimitochondrial antibodies and AMA-M2 were significantly higher than in the AIH type one group ( P 0.05); and the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartic transaminase,γ-globulin and IgG and the presence of positive antinuclear antibody or antismooth muscle antibody were markedly higher than those in PBC group ( P0.05) . The liver biopsy specimens in the AIH-PBC group were characterized by interface hepatitis , piecemeal necrosis and bile duct lesion. UDCA treatment can improve liver function tests in AIH-PBC patients. Conclusion A combined features of both AIH and PBC exists in overlap syndrome. The administration of UDCA may get benefit.