Autoimmune hepatitis following influenza virus vaccination: Two case reports

Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Jul;97(30):e11621. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000011621.

Abstract

Rationale: Although immunization could possibly cause autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), to date, no cases of AIH have been reported secondary to influenza virus vaccination. This paper describes 2 women who developed AIH after receiving influenza virus vaccination.

Patient concerns and diagnoses: Two women presented with elevation of liver enzymes after receiving influenza virus vaccination. Both patients were diagnosed with AIH using the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group criteria.

Intervention and outcomes: Both patients were treated with prednisolone. After the initiation of prednisolone, serum aminotransferase levels were observed to return to the reference range in both patients.

Lessons: Influenza virus vaccination could trigger the development of AIH. Clinicians should be mindful of the fact that AIH can occur after influenza virus vaccination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Hepatitis, Autoimmune / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis, Autoimmune / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Prednisolone