Clinical Profile of Autoimmune Hepatitis Among Filipino patients

Significance: Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) has not been extensively described among Filipinos. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence rate, demographic, clinical and laboratory findings of Filipinos diagnosed with AIH .
Methodology: This is a retrospective prevalence study of patients diagnosed with AIH from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2014.
Results: The prevalence rate of AIH among those with liver diseases was 0.62% CI 95% [0.4%-0.95%] (20 cases/3,243). The average age was 38.55 years old + 17.62 with a female:male ratio of 1.85:1. The most common initial clinical presentation were jaundice (55%) and asymptomatic transaminitis (25%). The autoimmune markers were ASMA (80%), ANA (20%), Anti-LKM1 (20%), and Anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) (5%). Prednisone as monotherapy was given in 11 cases (55%). There was a decrease in mean pre- and post-treatment levels in the liver biochemistries: ALP from 144.33[87.72] to 102.85[28.86] IU/L, ALT from 192.32[311.97] to 97.12[121.4] IU/L, AST from 201.1[365.67] to 107.35[239.41] IU/L, total bilirubin levels from 11.77[14.37] to 5.2[7.67] mg/dL, and serum globulin levels from 3.75[0.64] to 3.36[0.62]. Seventeen patients (85%) were reported to be alive with good follow up.
Conclusion: AIH is rare among Filipinos. Jaundice was the most common initial presenting manifestation. Only a reduction in total bilirubin showed clinical significance. A majority were given Prednisone with good response.