De Novo Autoimmune Hepatitis After Liver Transplantation: Natural History and Diagnosis

Abstract

De novo autoimmune hepatitis (dnAIH) refers to autoimmune hepatitis manifesting in post-liver transplant patients for whom liver transplant was performed for pathologies other than autoimmune hepatitis. dnAIH, also called plasma cell-rich hepatitis though rare, is a form of graft rejection and is one of the causes of late graft dysfunction. This paper reviews the literature on the subject, focusing on the treatment and outcomes of dnAIH in both pediatric and adult populations. Diagnosis of dnAIH relies on serological and histological examinations however dnAIH should not be ruled out in seronegative patients.