Clinical significance of conventional serum autoantibodies for various liver diseases in a Chinese population

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of autoantibodies in various liver diseases and evaluate the performance parameters of AMA, ANA and their combinations for PBC.Design and methodsThis study enrolled 115 PBC patients, 695 patients with other liver diseases and 105 healthy subjects.ResultsAMA were detected mainly in PBC patients, while ANA were detected in all categories. The high titer and multiple nuclear dot, rim-like and centromere (MRC) patterns of ANA were found in the majority of PBC patients, in contrast to moderate titers and other patterns. All the liver diseases but HAV and NAFLD had significantly independent association with ANA. The combination of MRC patterns and AMA showed superior performance parameters for PBC.ConclusionsAlthough ANA can occur in various liver diseases, high titer and MRC patterns of ANA are more specific for PBC. The combination of MRC patterns and AMA has superior performance for PBC.

► Few studies reported diagnostic performance of combination of AMA and ANA for PBC.
► Our study showed that high titer and MRC patterns of ANA are more specific for PBC.
► The combination of MRC patterns and AMA has superior performance for PBC.