Spectrum of Pediatric Autoimmune Hepatitis in a Cohort of Pakistani Children

Abstract

Background. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is increasingly seen in children worldwide and it is more severe in children compared to adults. This study highlights the biochemical and clinical aspect, treatment given and outcome of the disease including pediatric liver transplantation. Study. Retrospective review (2012-2022) was done in Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad. Patients under 18 years diagnosed with AIH were included. Data related to age, gender, clinical features, laboratory investigations including liver function test, liver biopsy findings and imaging modalities were included. Results. Fifteen patients were included 7 (47%) were males and 8 (53%) females. AIH type 1 was the most common type seen in 7 (46%), AIH type 2 in 5 (33%) and seronegative in 3 (20%). Jaundice was the most common symptom. Liver biopsy showed findings characteristic of AIH. Liver transplant performed in 3 patients. Conclusion. The study highlights the varied clinical presentation of AIH in Pakistani children.