Anti-LKM is an autoantibody which has been said to be found in some liver diseases...generally accepted as a marker of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) type II. The Ab is directed against LKM₁. Classical testing is by IFA on rat liver & kidney. That same substrate can react with similar positive pattern in presence of antibodies to liver cytosol type 1 and to antimitochondrial antibodies.

Associations with undetectable Ab:

• normalcy

Associations with elevated levels:

• autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) type II

• chronic hepatitis C associated AIH

• about 6% of hepatitis C cases (hepatitis C often has other associated antibodies which, too, may not be clinically significant)

REFERENCES:

1. LKM-Positive AIH in the Western US: A Case Series, A. J. Gastroent. 95(11):3238-3241, 2000.