OBJECTIVETo explore the distribution of the main clinical symptoms and signs of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) in a population of individuals with positivity for anti-mitochondrial antibody-M2 (AMA-M2).

METHODSA total of 20 970 persons who participated in routine health examinations at our hospital were tested for presence and level of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) using an indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay and of AMA-M2 by western blotting. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTSTiters of ANAs more than 1:320 were detected in 1 243 of all the study participants, with 156 of those individuals having detectable AMA-M2.The overall rate ofAMA-M2 positivity was 0.74%, with a significantly higher rate among female subjects (males:0.3% (32/10 550) vs.females:1.2% (124/10 420); x2=55.85, P less than 0.05). Among the AMA-M2-positive population there were 66 cases of abnormal liver function, 58 cases of increased alkaline phosphatase, 72 cases of abnormal findings for routine blood testing, 47 cases of gallbladder disease history, 49 cases of diabetes history, 22 cases of allergy, 75 cases of abdominal discomfort, 38 cases of weakness, 3 cases of jaundice, and 11 cases of pruritus. There were significant differences between the AMA-M2-negative individuals and the AMA-M2-positive individuals.

CONCLUSIONAmong the general population, individuals with substandard states of health, such as those with abnormal findings in routine blood tests and abnormal liver function, should be screened for AMA-M2. This screening will facilitate early diagnosis of PBC and timely initiation of disease management, improving the patient's life quality of life and prolonging their life.