Clinical and pathological studies on the autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis overlap syndrome:an analysis of 11 cases

Objective To explore the clinical and pathological features and responses to therapy of autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis overlap syndrome.Methods 11 cases with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome and 13 cases with PBC(Scheuer stage 3 and 4),were included,and the emphases 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 between the 2 groups.In AIH-PBC group,the levels of alanine aminotransaminase,aspartic aminotransaminase,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 pathological findings in the AIH-PBC group included moderate to severe interface hepatitis with plasma cell predominated mixed inflammatory cells infiltration in hepatic and portal tracts,as well as the damage and obvious reactive proliferation of small bile ducts.The liver function tests improved by UDCA treatment in AIH-PBC patients.Conclusion A combined features of both AIH and PBC exists in overlap syndrome,differrent from AIH or PBC alone.The administration of UDCA may benefit.