Determining Treatment in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis with Autoimmune Hepatitis Features

In rare instances, chronic liver disease can be caused by two immune-mediated disorders of the liver. Typically, a primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) or primary sclerosing cholangitis presents with features of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). In these overlap syndromes, optimal treatment and outcomes are unclear.

In the current retrospective study, investigators evaluated the treatment strategies and clinical outcomes in 88 patients with PBC with AIH features (PBC-AIH). Patients were identified from seven centers in five countries and were diagnosed with PBC-AIH using the Paris criteria.

Among 30 patients receiving ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) alone, 63% responded to therapy. Severe interface hepatitis was associated with lack of response (P=0.024). A…