[LKM (Liver-Kidney-Microsome) antibodies and hepatitis C virus. Description of a clinical case].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Diagnostic and therapeutic issues related to hepatitis C virus infection and autoimmune hepatitis are discussed. The authors report a 56 year old female patient with chronic hepatitis and both HCV-RNA positivity and a high titer of LKM-1 antibody on blood samples.

METHODS:

In the absence of clinical signs of autoimmunity the patient was started on interferon treatment. After four months she experienced a flare-up with a sharp increase of transaminases and a concomitant rise in LKM-1 titer. Viremia was persistently detected by PCR. As interferon therapy was discontinued transaminases and autoantibody titer fell to baseline values. A few months later she received immunosuppressive therapy, that resulted in a decrease in LKM1 titer and complete normalization of liver enzymes. Anti LKM-1 antibody was detected by indirect immunofluorescence, serum immunoblot assay (Western Blot), and enzyme immunoassay (ELISA).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:

Therapy of patients with HCV/LKM positive chronic hepatitis should be settled on an individual basis. Patients eligible for interferon treatment should be carefully selected and closely monitored because of the risk of adverse reaction.

• Authors: M Durazzo, M A Biava, L Scaglione, M Laget, A Smedile, G Pagano, M Rizzetto
• Journal: Minerva gastroenterologica e dietologica (Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol) Vol. 43 Issue 2 Pg. 95-9 (Jun 1997) ISSN: 1121-421X [Print] Italy
• Vernacular Title: Anticorpi LKM (Liver-Kidney Microsome) e virus C. Descrizione di un caso clinico.
• PMID: 16501475 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)