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Open Access 01-10-2021 | Azathioprine

Health-related quality of life in patients with autoimmune hepatitis

Authors: Maurice Michel, Francesca Spinelli, Annette Grambihler, Christian Labenz, Michael Nagel, Leonard Kaps, Yvonne Huber, Peter R. Galle, Marcus-Alexander Wörns, Jörn M. Schattenberg

Published in: Quality of Life Research | Issue 10/2021

Abstract

Background

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare chronic liver disease. Impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL) contributes to the overall disease burden. At current, only limited data related to the impact of treatment response on HRQL are available.

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of biochemical remission on HRQL.

Methods

Patients with AIH were prospectively enrolled between July 2018 and June 2019. A liver disease-specific tool, the chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) and the generic EQ-5D-5L were used to quantify HRQL. Treatment response was assessed biochemically by measurement of immunoglobulin G, ALT and AST. The cohort was divided into two groups according to their biochemical remission status in either complete vs. incomplete remission. Clinical as well as laboratory parameters and comorbidities were analysed using univariable and multivariable analysis to identify predictors of poor HRQL.

Results

A total of 116 AIH patients were included (median age: 55; 77.6% female), of which 9.5% had liver cirrhosis. In this cohort, 38 (38.4%) showed a complete and 61 (61.6%) an incomplete biochemical remission at study entry. The HRQL was significantly higher in patients with a complete as compared to an incomplete biochemical remission (CLDQ overall score: 5.66 ± 1.15 vs. 5.10 ± 1.35; p = 0.03). In contrast, the generic EQ-5D-5L UI-value was not different between the groups. Multivariable analysis identified AST (p = 0.02) and an incomplete biochemical remission (p = 0.04) as independent predictors of reduced HRQL (CLDQ total value).

Conclusion

Patients with a complete biochemical remission had a significantly higher HRQL. Liver-related quality of life in patients living with AIH is dependent on the response to immunosuppressive treatment.

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Title: Health-related quality of life in patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Maurice Michel
Francesca Spinelli
Annette Grambihler
Christian Labenz
Michael Nagel
Leonard Kaps
Yvonne Huber
Peter R. Galle
Marcus-Alexander Wörns
Jörn M. Schattenberg
Publication date: 01-10-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Azathioprine
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Azathioprine
Published in: Quality of Life Research / Issue 10/2021
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-021-02850-0

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Health-related quality of life in patients with autoimmune hepatitis

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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