In approximately 13% of systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE patients, the researchers can detect a hallmark of primary biliary cirrhosis or PBC: antimitochondrial M2 antibodies (AMA‐M2). It has not been determined if AMA‐M2 in SLE patients results in a higher risk of PBC compared to those with AMA but no SLE. Until now, there have been no such analyses among individuals with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus or SCLE. To assess the seropositivity rates for AMA‐M2 and autoantibodies associated with autoimmune hepatitis in patients with newly diagnosed SCLE and determine the coexistence and risk of autoimmune liver disease development these patients within one year of follow‐up, data from 33 patients with newly diagnosed SCLE were analyzed.
AMA‐M2 was found in 20% of SCLE patients. Significantly higher cholestatic liver enzymes characterized patients from the AMA‐M2‐positive group compared to those without AMA‐M2. After introducing therapy with hydroxychloroquine and prednisone, the hepatocellular enzymes’ levels increased significantly only in AMA‐M2 positive patients. A high prevalence of AMA‐M2 was found in patients with SCLE. Patients with SCLE and AMA‐M2 had considerably higher values of cholestatic enzymes than patients without AMA. Newly diagnosed patients with SCLE should be screened for AMA and should be clinically followed up. Avoiding drugs with potential liver toxicity should be recommended in patients with SCLE and AMA.
Ref: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijd.15225
