[Differential diagnosis of hepatitis: development of new laboratory tests for autoimmune hepatitis and progress in...

Liver dysfunction has been found in 8.1% of postpartum women in the general population. This dysfunction was speculated to be developed by postpartum aggravation of subclinical autoimmune hepatitis. Therefore, we developed two methods for detection of autoantibodies to liver-specific antigens: an ELISA for anti-liver-specific arginase antibodies, and a highly sensitive radioligand assay for anti-CYP2D6 antibodies. Basic examinations of dilution curve, inhibition study and reproducibility were satisfactory for clinical application in both assays. Anti-arginase antibodies and anti-CYP2D6 antibodies were found in 28.6% and 42.6% of patients with autoimmune hepatitis, respectively. There was no correlation between the two autoantibodies and thus, combined use of these antibodies detects 55.3% of autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis exists frequently when we include mild cases.