A case of PBC-AIH overlap syndrome deteriorated autoimmune hepatitis during the administration of ursodeoxycholic acid

Abstract

A 54-year-old woman diagnosed as PBC-AIH overlap syndrome had been treated with UDCA. She was admitted to our hospital due to acute exacerbation of serum transaminase levels on January, 2004. Serum IgG level was normal but liver biopsy showed worsened AIH. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR4 was positive. According to the IAHG scoring system her score was 11 points, indicating probable AIH. The serum transaminase levels effectively decreased after administration of corticosteroid. It is suggested that HLA DR4-positive patients with PBC-AIH overlap syndrome may develop worsened AIH during UDCA treatment. © 2006 The Japan Society of Hepatology.