HLA-DRB1 as a risk factor in children with autoimmune hepatitis and its relation to hepatitis A infection.

BACKGROUND

The human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are proteins found in the membranes of nearly all nucleated cells. People with certain HLA antigens are more likely to develop certain autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of HLA-DRB1 in children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) as a risk factor for occurrence, its relation to preceding hepatitis A infection and treatment outcome.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

25 children with AIH were subjected to HLA-DRB 1 typing performed by sequence specific oligonucleotide probe technique and compared to HLA-DRB1 found in 548 normal populations.

RESULTS

The most frequent alleles found in our children with AIH were HLA-DRB113 (36%), HLA-DRB104 (18%) and HLA-DRB103 (14%). HLA-DRB113 was significantly more frequent in AIH patients compared to controls. In type I AIH patients HLA-DRB113 was the most frequent allele (32.4%), followed by HLA-DRB104 in (20.6%) and HLA-DRB103 in (14.7%), While in type II, the most frequent alleles were HLA-DRB113 in (40%), HLA-DRB107 (20%) and HLA-DRB115 in (20%). HLA-DRB1*12 was significantly more frequent in AIH patients with positive Hepatitis A IgM than in patients with negative hepatitis A IgM. No statistically significant difference between partial responders and complete responders to treatment as regards HLA-DRB1 subtypes.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded from the previous study that HLA-DRB113 may be a susceptibility allele for the occurrence of autoimmune hepatitis in our population. HLA-DRB107 and HLA-DRB115 may be susceptibility alleles for occurrence of autoimmune hepatitis type 2. HLA-DRB112 association with AIH in patients triggered by hepatitis A needs further studies.