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Postinfantile giant-cell transformation in hepatitis.
K Devaney1, Z D Goodman, K G Ishak
1Department of Hepatic and Gastrointestinal Pathology Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, D.C. 20306.
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Postinfantile giant-cell hepatitis, rare after infancy, presents with varied liver injury patterns. Autoimmune markers and fibrosis are common, suggesting diverse etiologies beyond viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Giant-cell hepatitis is common in neonates but rare in older individuals.
- Previous attributions include autoimmune disease, non-A, non-B hepatitis, and paramyxovirus.
- Postinfantile giant-cell hepatitis requires better definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the characteristics of postinfantile giant-cell hepatitis.
- To analyze biopsy specimens from patients with this condition.
Main Methods:
- Review of 24 biopsy specimens from 20 patients.
- Histopathological analysis of liver tissue.
- Clinical data review including serological markers and patient history.
Main Results:
- Multinucleated giant cells varied in number; portal and acinar inflammation were common.
- Hepatocellular injury and fibrosis (up to 33% cirrhosis) were frequent findings.
- Autoimmune markers (antinuclear antibody, Coombs test) present in 40%; other causes like lymphoma noted; viral etiology not confirmed.
Conclusions:
- Postinfantile giant-cell hepatitis exhibits diverse histopathological features and is associated with autoimmune markers in a significant proportion of cases.
- Etiology is often unclear, with autoimmune disease being a potential contributor.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific causes and optimal management of this rare condition.