Acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in an adult female:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute liver injury(ALI)refers to inflammation of the hepatic parenchyma without hepatic encephalopathy that lasts less than 6 mo.When the etiology is unknown,Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Origin(AHUO)can present as a diagnostic and treatment challenge.AHUO in the adult population is unusual and poorly documented.It has an incidence between 11%and 75%.Currently,no treatment guidelines exist.With no identified cause,treatment is often blind,and the wrong treatment plan may have unintended consequences.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 58-year-old woman who presented to the emergency room for elevated liver function tests(LFTs).Her symptoms started 10 d prior to admission and included nausea,vomiting,jaundice,decreased appetite,weight loss of 10 lbs,and dark urine.She denied drinking alcohol or taking any hepatotoxic agents,including acetaminophen,statins,vitamins,or supplements.She was admitted to the hospital,and an etiologic work-up was carried out.Her initial bloodwork revealed elevated liver enzymes(alanine aminotransferase 2500 U/L,aspartate aminotransferase 3159 U/L,and alkaline phosphatase 714 U/L)and elevated total bilirubin of 6.4 mg/dL.She tested negative for common infectious etiologies such as hepatotropic viruses A,B,C,and E.Further infective work-up revealed negative serology for cytomegalovirus,Epstein-Barr virus,herpes simplex virus 1&2,and human immunodeficiency virus.Her autoanti-body test results were negative,including anti-smooth muscle antibody,anti-mitochondrial antibody,and anti-liver kidney microsome 1 antibody.Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography ruled out biliary causes of elevated LFTs,and her core liver biopsy proved inconclusive.Over the course of her hospital stay,the patient's LFTs improved with supportive care and without steroids.CONCLUSION Idiopathic hepatitis makes treatment challenging.It can leave patients feeling confused and unfulfilled.Thus,educating the patient thoroughly for shared decision-making and management becomes essential.

May 2022 acute hepatitis outbreak,is there a role for COVID-19 and other viruses?

There has been an increasing number of reported cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin in previously healthy children since first reported on March 31,2022.This clinical syndrome is identified by jaundice and markedly elevated liver enzymes with increased aspartate transaminase and/or alanine aminotransa-minase(greater than 500 IU/L).We conducted an inclusive literature review with respect to acute hepatitis outbreaks in children using the search terms acute hepatitis,outbreak,children,severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),and adenovirus.According to the cumulative data presented in four main studies,the median age is 4 years,with a male predominance(1.3:1).Jaundice was the most common clinical manifestation(69%),followed by vomiting(63%),anorexia(52.9%),diarrhea(47.2%),abdominal pain(39%),pyrexia(33.3%),pale stool(30%),and dark urine(30%).Coryza and lethargy were reported in 16.6%,while pruritus was reported in 2%of cases.Acute liver failure was observed in 25%of cases.The exact mechanism of this acute hepatitis outbreak is still not entirely clear.Adenoviruses and SARS-CoV-2 were detected in a significant number of patients.Coinfection with adenovirus and SARS-CoV-2 could be a possible underlying mechanism.However,other possible infections and mechanisms must be considered in the pathogenesis of this condition.Acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children has been a serious problem since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic but has not yet been sufficiently addressed.Many questions remain regarding the underlying mechanisms leading to acute liver failure in children,and it is likely that extensive future research is needed.

An Analysis of Epidemiological Characteristics and the Clinical Features of 394 Cases of Sporadic Acute Hepatitis E in Southwest China from 2008 to 2010

Background and Aims Recently, epidemiology studies of hepatitis E in different areas are attracted more attention. Extensive studies of prevalent status and clinical manifestations could help us to broaden our knowledge, so as to excellently prevent and treat hepatitis E. The study analyzed the epidemiological characteristics and clinical features of 394 cases of sporadic acute hepatitis E(AHE) in Southwest of China from 2008 to 2010. Methods The clinical data of 394 cases with sporadic AHE in Southwest of China from 2008 to 2010 were reviewed.Results In the 394 cases with sporadic AHE, the ratio of male/female was 1.432∶1, and the mean age was(31.53 ± 18.12) years. Totally, 94(23.86%) patients aged under 18, 271(68.78%) patients aged between 18 and 60, and 29(7.36%) patients aged above 60. The incidence rate was significantly increased in summer(P = 0.000), especially in May(14.72%) and July(13.71%). In addition, the characteristics of occupation and ethnic group distribution were migrant laborers(106/394, 26.90%) and Han people(365/394, 92.64%). The length of stay, incidence of jaundice, the peak value of total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase in male patients were all higher than those in female patients significantly(P < 0.05). The prolonged length of stay, decreased levels of ALT/ALB/CHE, increased levels of TBil, and increased incidence of jaundice and fatigue were associated with older age significantly(P < 0.05). The differences in peak values of total bilirubin(TBil), total bile acid(TBA), glutamyltransferase(GGT), cholinesterase(CHE) between AHE group and the groups of AHE accompanied respectively by chronic hepatitis B(CHB), acute alcoholic fatty liver(AFL), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) were significant(P < 0.05). In addition, no significant difference was found in length of stay and biochemical indexes among anti-HEV-Ig G positive group, anti-HEV-Ig M positive group and antiHEV-Ig M/Ig G both positive group(P > 0.05).Conclusions Four epidemiological characteristics, including aged between 18 and 60, male, summer and migrant laborers, are found to be associated with acute hepatitis E. The prognosis of AHE in the majority of patients was favorable, but aged above 60 years and coexistence with CHB, AFL and NAFLD could be considerede as the factors inducing the infaust prognosis.

Acute hepatitis C virus infection in a nurse trainee following a needlestick injury

Hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection after biological accident(needlestick injury) is a rare event.This report describes the first case of acute HCV infection after a needlestick injury in a female nursing student at Padua University Hospital.The student nurse was injured on the second finger of the right hand when recapping a 23-gauge needle after taking a blood sample.The patient who was the source was a 72-year-old female with weakly positive anti-HCV test results.Three months after the injury,at the second step of followup,a relevant increase in transaminases with a low viral replication activity(350 IU/mL) was observed in the student,indicating HCV infection.The patient tested positive for the same genotype(1b) of HCV as the injured student.A rapid decline in transaminases,which was not accompanied by viral clearance,and persistently positive HCV-RNA was described 1 mo later.Six months after testing positive for HCV,the student was treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin for 24 wk.A rapid virological response was observed after 4 wk of treatment,and a sustained virological response(SVR) was evident 6 mo after therapy withdrawal,confirming that the patient was definitively cured.Despite the favourable IL28B gene(rs12979860) CC-polymorphism observed in the patient,which is usually predictive of a spontaneous clearance and SVR,spontaneous viral clearance did not take place;however,infection with this genotype was promising for a sustained virological response after therapy.

Influence of chronic HBV infection on superimposed acute hepatitis E

AIM:To investigate the influence of chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection[based on the status of hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg),HBV DNA,and cirrhosis]on superimposed acute hepatitis E.METHODS:A total of 294 patients were recruited from the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Third Affiliated Hospital,Sun Yat-sen University,from January 2003 to January 2012.The patients were classified into two groups:an HBV+hepatitis E virus(HEV)group(a group with chronic HBV infection that was superinfected with acute hepatitis E,n=118)and an HEV group(a group with acute hepatitis E,n=176).We retrospectively analyzed and compared the clinical features of the two groups.Statistical analyses were performed using theχ2test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and the Student’s t test forcontinuous variables.A P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS:The peak values of prothrombin time,serum total bilirubin,and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores were significantly higher in the HBV+HEV group.More patients in the HBV+HEV group had complications(39.8%vs 16.5%,P=0.000)and developed liver failure(35.6%vs 8.5%,P=0.000).Additionally,the mortality of the HBV+HEV group was significantly higher(20.3%vs 7.4%,P=0.002).Further analysis of the HBV+HEV group showed that there were no significant differences in complication occurrence,liver failure incidence,or mortality between patients with different HBeAg and HBV DNA statuses.However,in patients with underlying cirrhosis,complication occurrence and liver failure incidence significantly increased.In total,12.7%of the patients in the HBV+HEV group received anti-HBV treatment,but this therapy failed to reduce mortality in patients who developed liver failure.CONCLUSION:The presence of underlying cirrhosis in chronic HBV infection results in more severe clinical outcomes with superimposed acute hepatitis E.AntiHBV treatment cannot improve the prognosis of liver failure caused by HBV-HEV superinfection.

Computed tomography findings for predicting severe acute hepatitis with prolonged cholestasis

AIM: To evaluate the significance of computed tomography (CT) findings in relation to liver chemistry and the clinical course of acute hepatitis. METHODS: Four hundred and twelve patients with acute hepatitis who underwent enhanced CT scanning were enrolled retrospectively. Imaging findings were analyzed for the following variables: gallbladder wall thickness (GWT), arterial heterogeneity, periportal tracking, number and maximum size of lymph nodes, presence of ascites, and size of spleen. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time were measured on the day of admission and CT scan, and laboratory data were evaluated every 2-4 d for all subjects during hospitalization. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 34.4 years, and the most common cause of hepatitis was hepatitis A virus (77.4%). The mean GWT was 5.2 mm. The number of patients who had findings of arterial heterogeneity, periportal tracking, lymph node enlargement > 7 mm, and ascites was 294 (80.1%), 348 (84.7%), 346 (84.5%), and 56 (13.6%), respectively. On multivariate logistic regression, male gender [odds ratio (OR) = 2.569, 95%CI: 1.477-4.469, P = 0.001], toxic hepatitis (OR = 3.531, 95%CI: 1.444-8.635, P = 0.006), level of albumin (OR = 2.154, 95%CI: 1.279-3.629, P = 0.004), and GWT (OR = 1.061, 95%CI: 1.015-1.110, P = 0.009) were independent predictive factors for severe hepatitis. The level of bilirubin (OR = 1.628, 95%CI: 1.331-1.991, P < 0.001) and GWT (OR = 1.172, 95%CI: 1.024-1.342,P = 0.021) were independent factors for prolonged cholestasis in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In patients with acute hepatitis, GWT on CT scan was an independent predictor of severe hepatitis and prolonged cholestasis.

Acute hepatitis B of genotype H resulting in persistent infection

A 47-year-old man presented with general fatigue and dark urine.The laboratory data showed increased levels of hepatic transaminases.The patient was positive for hepatitis B virus(HBV)markers and negative for antihuman immunodeficiency virus.The HBV-DNA titer was set to 7.7 log copies/mL.The patient was diagnosed with acute hepatitis B.The HBV infection route was obscure.The serum levels of hepatic transaminases decreased to normal ranges without any treatment,but the HBVDNA status was maintained for at least 26 mo,indicating the presence of persistent infection.We isolated HBV from the acute-phase serum and determined the genome sequence.A phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolated HBV was genotype H.In this patient,the elevated peak level of HBV-DNA and the risk alleles at human genome single nucleotide polymorphisms s3077and rs9277535 in the human leukocyte antigen-DP locus were considered to be risk factors for chronic infection.This case suggests that there is a risk of persistent infection by HBV genotype H following acute hepatitis;further cases of HBV genotype H infection must be identified and characterized.Thus,the complete determination of the HBV genotype may be essential during routine clinical care of acute hepatitis B outpatients.

Clinical features and risk factors of acute hepatitis E with severe jaundice

AIM:To compares the clinical features of patients infected with hepatitis E virus(HEV) with or without severe jaundice.In addition,the risk factors for HEV infection with severe jaundice were investigated.METHODS:We enrolled 235 patients with HEV into a cross-sectional study using multi-stage sampling to select the study group.Patients with possible acute hepatitis E showing elevated liver enzyme levels were screened for HEV infection using serologic and molecular tools.HEV infection was documented by HEV antibodies and by the detection of HEV-RNA in serum.We used χ2 analysis,Fisher's exact test,and Student's t test where appropriate in this study.Significant predictors in the univariate analysis were then included in a forward,stepwise multiple logistic regression model.RESULTS:No significant differences in symptoms,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,al-kaline phosphatase,or hepatitis B virus surface antigen between the two groups were observed.HEV infected patients with severe jaundice had significantly lower peak serum levels of γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase(GGT)(median:170.31 U/L vs 237.96 U/L,P = 0.007),significantly lower ALB levels(33.84 g/L vs 36.89 g/L,P = 0.000),significantly lower acetylcholine esterase(CHE) levels(4500.93 U/L vs 5815.28 U/L,P = 0.000) and significantly higher total bile acid(TBA) levels(275.56 μmol/L vs 147.03 μmol/L,P = 0.000) than those without severe jaundice.The median of the lowest point time tended to be lower in patients with severe jaundice(81.64% vs 96.12%,P = 0.000).HEV infected patients with severe jaundice had a significantly higher viral load(median:134 vs 112,P = 0.025) than those without severe jaundice.HEV infected patients with severe jaundice showed a trend toward longer median hospital stay(38.17 d vs 18.36 d,P = 0.073).Multivariate logistic regression indicated that there were significant differences in age,sex,viral load,GGT,albumin,TBA,CHE,prothrombin index,alcohol overconsumption,and duration of admission between patients infected with acute hepatitis E with and without severe jaundice.CONCLUSION:Acute hepatitis E patients may naturally present with severe jaundice.

Autoimmune hepatitis triggered by acute hepatitis A

The patient was a 57-year-old woman presenting with jaundice as the chief complaint. She began vomiting on July 10, 2003.Jaundice was noted and admitted to our hospital for thorough testing. Tests on admission indicated severe hepatitis, based on: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 1 076 IU/L; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 1 400 IU/L; total bilirubin (TB), 20.9 mg/dL; and prothrombin time rate (PT%), 46.9%. Acute hepatitis A (HA) was diagnosed based on negative hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus RNA and positive immunoglobulin (Ig) M HA antibody, but elevation of anti-nuclear antigen (×320) and IgG (3 112 mg/dL) led to suspicion of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Plasma exchange was performed for 3 d from July 17, and steroid pulse therapy was performed for 3 d starting on July 18, followed by oral steroid therapy. Liver biopsy was performed on August 5, and the results confirmed acute hepatitis and mild chronic inflammation. Levels of AST and ALT normalized,so dose of oral steroid was markedly reduced. Steroid therapy was terminated after 4 mo, as the patient had glaucoma. Starting 3 mo after cessation of steroid therapy,levels of AST and ALT began to increase again. Another liver biopsy was performed and AIH was diagnosed based on serum data and biopsy specimen. Oral steroid therapy was reinitiated. Levels of AST and ALT again normalized.The present case was thus considered to represent AIH triggered by acute HA.

Acute hepatitis induced by an Aloe vera preparation: A case report

AIM: Aloe vera, plant extracts of Aloe barbadensis miller,is widely used in phytomedicine. The first case of acute hepatitis due to this compound was described.METHODS: Description of a clinical case.RESULTS: Hepatitis in a 57-year old female could be linked to the ingestion of Aloe barbadensis miller compounds. The patient's hepatitis resolved completely after discontinuing this medication.CONCLUSION: The case emphasizes the importance of considering phytopharmaceutical over-the-counter drugs as causative agents of hepatitis.

Alverine citrate induced acute hepatitis

Alverine citrate is a commonly used smooth muscle relaxant agent. A MEDLINE search on January 2004 revealed only 1 report implicating the hepatotoxicity of this agent. A 34- year-old woman was investigated because of the finding of elevated liver function tests on biochemical screening. Other etiologies of hepatitis were appropriately ruled out and elevated enzymes were ascribed to alverine citrate treatment.Although alverine citrate hepatotoxicity was related to an immune mechanism in the first case, several features such as absence of predictable dose-dependent toxicity of alverine citrate in a previous study and absence of hypersensitivity manifestations in our patient are suggestive of a metabolic type of idiosyncratic toxicity.

Sertraline Induced Acute Hepatitis: A Case Report

Depression is a common disorder amongst the general population and frequently encountered by most physicians. Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) have become the most commonly prescribed antidepressants due to their superiority compared with other antidepressants in the treatment of acute major depression. Although exceedingly rare, hepatotoxicity resulting from sertraline use has been previously reported. In these case reports, the liver injury pattern was predominately hepatocellular. Unlike previous cases, we report the case of a patient presenting with markedly elevated cholestatic enzymes and painless jaundice while taking sertraline for treatment of depression.

Acute hepatitis associated with increased atypical lymphocyte

To the Editor:Hepatitis A and hepatitis E are acute infectious diseases caused by hepatitis A virus(HAV)and hepatitis E virus(HEV),which are mainly transmitted through the fecal-oral route[1].The early clinical symptoms of patients with hepatitis A or E are nonspecific,including fever,chills,abdominal pain,diarrhea,and rash[2].

Hepato-splenic lymphoma:a rare entity mimicking acute hepatitis:A case report

We reported a case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma where liver involvement was the predominant clinical manifestation. A 27-year old man presented wiht markedly elevated serum aspartate aminotrasferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase, reduced prothrombin activity, thrombocytopenic purpura and hepato-splenomegaly without adenopathy. Viral, toxic,autoimmune and metabolic liver diseases were excluded.Bone marrow biopsy showed an intracapillary infiltration of T-lymphocytes with no evidence of lipid storage disease.Because of a progressive spleen enlargement, splenectomy was performed. Histological examination showed lymphomatous intrasinuses invasion of the spleen.Immunohistochemical investigation revealed the T phenotype of the neoplastic cells: CD45+, CD45RO+,CD3+, CD4-, CD8-, TIA1-. About 50 % of the lymphoid cells expressed CD56 antigen. The diagnosis of hepatosplenic T cell lymphoma was done. The patient was treated with chemotherapy, which induced a complete remission. Eighteen months later, he had a first relapse with increased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase,thrombocytopenic purpura and blast in the peripheral blood.In spite of autologous bone marrow transplantation, he died twenty months after the diagnosis. Even in the absence of a mass lesion or lymphoadenopathy, hepatosplenic Tcell lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient whose clinical course is atypical for acute hepatic dysfunction.

Acute hepatitis C:Prospects and challenges

More than 170 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis C. Acute hepatitis C is rarely diagnosed because it is commonly asymptomatic. Most infected patients are unaware of their condition until the symptoms of chronic infection manifest. Treatment of acute hepatitis C is something of a paradox because spontaneous resolution is possible and many patients do not have symptoms. However, several factors provide a rationale for treating patients who have acute hepatitis C. Compared with acute hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis C is associated with a worse prognosis, the need for more intensive treatment, longer treatment duration, and a decrease in successful treatment outcomes. Conversely, early intervention is associated with improved viral eradication, using a regimen that is better tolerated, less expensive, more convenient, and of shorter duration than the currently approved combination therapies for chronic hepatitis C.

Sustained viral response of a case of acute hepatitis C virus infection via needle-stick injury

有感染由针棍子损害引起了的一个丙肝病毒(HCV ) 的一个 29 岁的护士与在尖锐肝炎的发作以后开始大约一年的干扰素贝它被对待。有一般疲劳，黄疸，和腹水的症状的耐心的发达尖锐丙肝在针棍子损害以后的 4 wk。当这些症状被介绍时，病人由人工授精是怀孕的。她希望了继续她的怀孕。在交货以后，生物化学的肝酶回到了正常层次。不过， HCV RNA 是积极的，病理学的发现显示了前进到慢性。遗传型是有低病毒的负担的 1b。在 600 万个单位的剂量的干扰素贝它的每日的静脉注射被开始并且继续八个星期。没有严重不利效果， HCV 被根除。在尖锐丙肝，推迟治疗被认为减少功效，但是干扰素贝它治疗是为在长期的阶段的丙肝感染的有用治疗之一。

Acute hepatitis C in a chronically HIV-infected patient:Evolution of different viral genomic regions

AIM: To analyze the molecular evolution of different viral genomic regions of HCV in an acute HCV infected patient chronically infected with HIV through a 42-month follow-up.METHODS: Serum samples of a chronically HIV infected patient that seroconverted to anti HCV antibodies were sequenced, from the event of superinfection through a period of 17 months and in a late sample (42nd month). Hypervariable genomic regions of HIV (V3 loop of the gp120) and HCV (HVR-1 on the E2 glycoprotein gene) were studied. In order to analyze genomic regions involved in different biological functions and with the cellular immune response, HCV core and NS5A were also chosen to be sequenced. Amplification of the different regions was done by RT-PCR and directly sequenced. Confirmation of sequences was done on reamplified material. Nucleotide sequences of the different time points were aligned with CLUSTAL W 1.5, and the corresponding amino acid ones were deduced.RESULTS: Hypervariable genomic regions of both viruses (HVR1 and gp120 V3 loop) presented several nonsynonymous changes but, while in the gp120 V3 loop mutations were detected in the sample obtained right after HCV superinfection and maintained throughout, they occurred following a sequential and cumulative pattern in the HVR1. In the NS5A region of HCV, two amino acid changes were detected during the follow-up period, whereas the core region presented several amino acid replacements, once the HCV chronic infection had been established.CONCLUSION: During the HIV-HCV superinfection, each genomic region analyzed shows a different evolutionary pattem.Most of the nucleotide substitutions observed are nonsynonymous and clustered in previously described epitopes,thus suggesting an immune-driven evolutionary process.

SARS-CoV-2:Possible role in children with acute hepatitis of unknown origin

The UK raised an alert with the World Health Organization(WHO)in April 2022 concerning a significant surge in the num-ber of children diagnosed with acute hepatitis of unknown origin(AHUO).Despite an ongoing investigation attributing its etiology to adenovirus infection,the absence of adenovirus inclusions in liver biopsies and the remarkably low viral load raised doubts.Concurrently,reports of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infections in children coincided with the surge in acute hepatitis cases,prompting the need for a thorough examination of the poten-tial connection between current or past SARS-CoV-2 infections and pediatric hepatitis epidemics.Epidemiological data suggests that acute hepatitis is a notable manifestation of the multiple-system inflammatory syndrome in children following the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.However,the precise role of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in liver injury etiology remains uncertain.To shed light on the potential association between SARS-CoV-2 and AHUO in children,we conduct-ed a systematic review of epidemiological links,potential pathogenesis,and recent research findings,aiming to raise awareness and vigilance among clinicians.Convincing and definitive evidence will be essential in the future to confirm the direct impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on children with AHUO.

Hepatitis A virus-associated acute acalculous cholecystitis in an adult-onset Still’s disease patient:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Acute acalculous cholecystitis(AAC)is inflammation of the gallbladder without evidence of calculi.Although rarely reported,its etiologies include hepatitis virus infection(e.g.,hepatitis A virus,HAV)and adult-onset Still’s disease(AOSD).There are no reports of HAV-associated AAC in an AOSD patient.CASE SUMMARY Here we report a rare case of HAV infection-associated AAC in a 39-year-old woman who had a history of AOSD.The patient presented with an acute abdomen and hypotension.Elevated hepatobiliary enzymes and a thickened and distended gallbladder without gallstones on ultrasonography suggested AAC,but there were no signs of anemia nor thrombocytopenia.Serological screening revealed anti-HAV IgM antibodies.Steroid treatment did not alleviate her symptoms,and she was referred for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.The resected gallbladder was hydropic without perforation,and her clinical signs gradually improved after surgery.CONCLUSION AAC can be caused by HAV in AOSD patients.It is crucial to search for the underlying etiology for AAC,especially uncommon viral causes.

Prognostic and diagnostic scoring models in acute alcoholassociated hepatitis:A review comparing the performance of different scoring systems

Alcohol-associated hepatitis(AAH)is a severe form of liver disease caused by alcohol consumption.In the absence of confounding factors,clinical features and laboratory markers are sufficient to diagnose AAH,rule out alternative causes of liver injury and assess disease severity.Due to the elevated mortality of AAH,assessing the prognosis is a radical step in management.The Maddrey discriminant function(MDF)is the first established clinical prognostic score for AAH and was commonly used in the earliest AAH clinical trials.A MDF>32 indicates a poor prognosis and a potential benefit of initiating corticosteroids.The model for end stage liver disease(MELD)score has been studied for AAH prognostication and new evidence suggests MELD may predict mortality more accurately than MDF.The Lille score is usually combined to MDF or MELD score after corticosteroid initiation and offers the advantage of assessing response to treatment a 4-7 d into the course.Other commonly used scores include the Glasgow Alcoholic Hepatitis Score and the Age Bilirubin international normalized ratio Creatinine model.Clinical AAH correlate adequately with histologic severity scores and leave little indication for liver biopsy in assessing AAH prognosis.AAH presenting as acute on chronic liver failure(ACLF)is so far prognosticated with ACLF-specific scoring systems.New artificial intelligence-generated prognostic models have emerged and are being studied for use in AAH.Acute kidney injury(AKI)is one possible complication of AAH and is significantly associated with increased AAH mortality.Predicting AKI and alcohol relapse are important steps in the management of AAH.The aim of this review is to discuss the performance and limitations of different scoring models for AAH mortality,emphasize the most useful tools in prognostication and review predictors of recurrence.