Successful treatment with rituximab in an infant with giant cell hepatitis with autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Successful treatment with rituximab in an infant with giant cell hepatitis with autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Successful treatment with rituximab in an infant with giant cell hepatitis with autoimmune hemolytic anemia

(포스터):
Release Date : 2017. 10. 26(목)
Young Ho Kim1, Ju Whi Kim1, Eun Joo Lee1, Gyeong Hoon Kang3, Jin Soo Moon2 , Jae Sung Ko2
Seoul National Univesity Children's Hospital Department of Pediatrics1
Seoul National Univesity College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics2
Seoul National Univesity College of Medicine Department of Pathology3
김영호1, 김주휘1, 이은주1, 강경훈3, 문진수2 , 고재성2
서울대학교 어린이병원 소아청소년과1
서울대학교 의과대학 소아과2
서울대학교 의과대학 병리과3

Abstract

Giant cell hepatitis (GCH) with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA) is a rare disease of infancy, characterized by presence of both Coombs positive hemolytic anemia and progressive liver disease with giant cell transformation of hepatocytes. Its exact mechanism is yet to be determined, but B-cell mediated autoimmunity has been proposed. Unlike ‘classical’ autoimmune hepatitis, steroid and azathioprine failed to prove efficacy. Prognosis is poor despite aggressive therapy, but promising results may await with early application of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab. Here we present the 7-month-old Korean male infant who initially presented with autoimmune hemolytic anemia, followed by severe hepatitis. He presented with jaundice, pallor, and red urine. Physical examination showed icteric sclerae, and splenomegaly. Laboratory findings revealed warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia with hepatitis with cholestasis. His total bilirubin level peaked at 15.6 mg/dL, his AST and ALT levels were 1781 IU/L and 4136 IU/L respectively. Liver biopsy showed giant cell transformation of hepatocytes. Hemolytic anemia and hepatitis with giant cell formation of hepatocytes, with absence of infectious, metabolic, and other autoimmune causes suggested the diagnosis of GCH with AHA. He was initially treated with intravenous methylprednisolone, followed by high dose oral prednisolone and ursodeoxycholic acid. During steroid tapering, severe hepatitis progressed, which did not respond to increased steroid dose and Intravenous immunoglobulin. His liver function tests improved after treating with rituximab, and he was successfully treated with 4 doses of rituximab.

Keywords: Giant cell hepatitis, Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, Rituximab