Frequency of serological results of antibodies related to autoimmune hepatitis in patients with non-viral hepatitis referring to an inpatient clinic in 2019

Abstract

Background Autoimmune hepatitis as a chronic inflammatory disease of the liver can occur when the body's immune system is stimulated against liver cells, but its exact cause is unknown. Autoimmune hepatitis, if left untreated, leads to liver damage or cirrhosis over time, which can eventually cause liver failure. Objective This descriptive-analytical study was done to assess the frequency of serological results of autoimmune hepatitis-related antibodies in patients with non-viral hepatitis referring to an inpatient clinic in 2019 and provide basic information for future studies and assistance in localization of external guidelines performed to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis. Methods All patients were evaluated for age and sex, ANA, ASMA, and LKM antibodies, and immunoglobulin by preparing 5 cc of blood samples using laboratory techniques and electrophoresis. The collected data were recorded in the checklist created by the researcher. Results The total number of 209 patients with non-viral hepatitis, with a mean age of 37.98 years participated in this study. In patients with non-viral hepatitis, 50.2% of patients had polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, in 17.2% ANA was positive, in 16.3% ASMA was positive, and 1.9% LKM was positive. Conclusion hypergammaglobulinemia, ANA, and ASMA are suitable antibodies for autoimmune hepatitis. Moreover, laboratory results of ANA and ASMA in patients with autoimmune hepatitis indicate low levels of these antibodies in Iran and their deficiency in other countries. Conventional diagnostic methods can provide a definitive diagnosis. Therefore, it shows the need for further examination of laboratory instruments and wider use of other diagnostic methods, including biopsy and further assessments.