[Frequency and implications of autoantibodies in acute viral hepatitis]

There are interactions between hepatotropic viruses and the host immune system, which could contribute to liver damage in viral hepatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of autoantibodies in patients with acute viral hepatitis and their relationship with biochemical activity, severity of acute illness and chronicity rate. From 1992 to 2000, 156 patients with acute viral hepatitis were enrolled in a prospective study. Among these, hepatitis A was detected in 32%, hepatitis B in 31%, hepatitis C in 8%, hepatitis E in 3% and 24% were considered non A-E hepatitis. During the acute phase, 20.5% of patients presented ANA and 14.8% anti-smooth muscle antibody positive. During convalescence, 6.4% of patients showed ANA and 3.9% anti-smooth muscle positive. Comparison between autoantibodies-positive and negative groups showed no differences regarding ALT and bilirubin levels. In conclusion, autoantibodies can occur in acute viral hepatitis but there are no prognostic consequences.