Liver-Kidney Microsomal (LKM) Antibodies

The detection of LKM-1 antibodies is an aid in the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis, type 2 (AIH-2). LKM antibodies are markers of AIH-2 which usually begins in childhood and generally affects children younger than 18 years of age. LKM antibodies are associated with a more serious progression of the disease. The disease is most common between the ages of 2 to 14 and is more frequent in females than males (8:1). LKM-1 antibodies have been reported in up to 8% of patients with chronic HCV infection.

A negative LKM-1 result does not rule out the presence of autoimmune hepatitis type 2. LKM-1 may be detected in some patients as a result of HCV infection and may not be the result of AIH-2.