Work

#153 - Early and Sustained Biochemical Response in Latin American Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis Patients

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction and Objectives Autoimmune hepatitis is generally associated with a favorable response to immunosuppressive therapy. In 2022, treatment targets were standardized. Biochemical response at 4–6 weeks is defined as a >50% decrease in AST and ALT levels, whereas complete response is defined as normalization of AST, ALT, and IgG within 6 months. We aim to apply those criteria and determine prognostic factors related to biochemical response in 6 months. Materials and Methods We analyzed data from 1,806 patients enrolled in the ALLATIN cohort, including demographic, clinical, laboratory, and histological characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of biochemical response at 6 months. Results Biochemical response at 4–6 weeks, 6 and 12 months were available for 1,283 patients, with response rates of 46.4%, 55%, and 43%, respectively. 73% of patients who achieved an early response maintained at one year, whereas 95% of those who responded at 6 months achieved sustained response at one year. Male sex, younger age at diagnosis, clinically significant portal hypertension, lower ALT levels, and lower albumin levels at diagnosis remained independently associated with insufficient biochemical response at 6 months of treatment. Clinically significant portal hypertension increased the likelihood (OR = 1.82; p < 0.001), whereas higher albumin levels demonstrated a protective effect (OR = 0.83; p = 0.036). Conclusions In this expanded cohort, the rate of biochemical response was lower than previously reported both in our group and in the literature. Male sex, younger age at diagnosis, and greater disease severity at presentation were independently associated with poorer treatment response.

Source: Annals of Hepatology

DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2026.102278