Development and validation of a new simplified diagnostic scoring system for pediatric autoimmune hepatitis

Background Children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) often exhibit particular features. Accordingly, seven pediatric-specific criteria have been proposed. Aim To develop a prediction model based on them, transform it into a scoring system and study its accuracy. Methods A cohort of children under study for liver disease was consecutively selected. AIH diagnosis was based on classical criteria. Already proposed pediatric criteria were recorded. The best possible regression model was selected, and the beta coefficient of each criterion was translated into a whole number (points). Total scores were obtained following the points system and the best cut-off was calculated. Subsequently, accuracy of the diagnostic score was studied in the validation set. Results Among 212 included patients, 100 had AIH. The score included 5 criteria: autoantibodies (0–2 points), hypergammaglobulinemia, exclusion of viral hepatitis, exclusion of Wilson’s disease (1 point each) and liver histology (3 points). In addition, a normal cholangiogram is mandatory. The validation set was formed of 70 patients (24 with AIH). In this subsample, a score of ≥6 renders a sensitivity/specificity of 95.8%/100%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 97.1%. Conclusion Pediatric-specific criteria for the diagnosis of AIH can be reliably used as a scoring system.