A case of chronic active hepatitis type C associated with autoimmune reaction who responded to interferon therapy

Abstract

A 53-year-old woman was admitted because of elevation of transaminase levels (alanine aminotransferases 306 IU/l, asparate aminotransferase 392 IU/l). While anti-HCV antibody (C100-3) and HCV RNA tested positive, serological data including high gammaglobulinemia (3.5g/dl) and presence of antinuclear antibody suggested mechanism of autoimmune reaction for the hepatitis as well as histological findings of chronic active hepatitis. Although she was initially treated with prednisolone, levels of transaminase did not change. Following interferon-α therapy, levels of transaminase simultaneously normalized within 4 weeks of treatment. Furthermore, liver biopsy after treatment demonstrated improvement of lymphocyte infiltration around portal area and piecemeal necrosis. This case represents that some of patients with chronic active hepatitis C respond well to interferon therapy whereas they suggest the presence of autoimmune mechanism.