Overlap syndromes: How does it differ from pure autoimmune hepatitis?

The overlap syndrome (OS) between autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and/or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare and complex syndrome. It represents a real diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.The objectives of this study were to analyze the epidemiological, clinical-biological, and histological aspects of AIH and SC and to define their evolutionary and prognostic characteristics.Methods: We conducted a retrospective comparative study over a 15-year period, including patients treated for AIH (G1) or SC (G2). We collected and compared epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic, and evolutionary data.Results: According to our study, the diagnosis of pure AIH or in the context of SC is made at a late stage, limiting therapeutic options. However, immunosuppressive treatment resulted in a complete response in the majority of cases.