Autoimmune liver disorders in childhood include autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and AIH/sclerosing cholangitis overlap syndrome (henceforth referred to as autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis, ASC). These inflammatory liver disorders are characterised histologically by interface hepatitis, biochemically by elevated transaminase levels, and serologically by autoantibodies and increased levels of immunoglobulin G. AIH is particularly aggressive in children and progresses rapidly unless immunosuppressive treatment is started promptly. With appropriate treatment, 80% of patients achieve remission and long-term survival. For non-responders and difficult-to-treat patients, novel and more effective therapeutic approaches are sought. ASC responds to the same treatment used for AIH in regards to parenchymal inflammation, but bile duct disease progresses in about 50% of cases, leading to a worse prognosis and a higher liver transplantation requirement; moreover, it has a high recurrence rate after transplant. Progression of liver disease and recurrence after transplant are more common in patients with associated poorly controlled inflammatory bowel disease. Though the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of liver autoimmunity are not fully understood, genetic and environmental factors are likely to be involved. A deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of these conditions will contribute to the development of novel treatments, aimed ultimately at the restoration of tolerance to liver-derived antigens.
Keywords: Hepatology; Immunology.