Changing epidemiology and treatment responses in autoimmune liver diseases: a 14-year retrospective analysis from a tertiary care center

Aim This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) over a 14-year period in a tertiary center. Additionally, we assessed factors influencing treatment response and relapse, with a particular focus on the rising incidence rates and gender distribution trends. Materials and methods A total of 120 patients diagnosed with autoimmune liver diseases between January 2005 and December 2018 were included in this single-center study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment responses were evaluated based on established criteria for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Results The study revealed an increasing trend in AIH diagnoses, particularly among males, over across the two 7-year periods analyzed (2005–2011 vs 2012–2018). Despite standard treatment, a notable proportion of patients experienced treatment failure or relapse. Cirrhosis at diagnosis and delayed diagnosis were associated with poorer treatment responses. Furthermore, portal plasma cell infiltration on liver biopsy was significantly associated with relapse. Discussion and conclusion Our findings indicate an increasing prevalence of AIH, particularly among males, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and improved predictive markers for treatment response. The significant association between portal plasma cell infiltration and relapse warrants further investigation. Although limited by the study’s retrospective design and sample size, these results suggest that multicenter studies could provide valuable insights into the management of AILDs.