Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an inflammatory liver disease that is characterized by circulating autoantibodies, hypergammaglobulinemia, and a lymphoplasmocytic infiltration with interface hepatitis on liver biopsy. Treatment with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents is effective and early diagnosis can result in near-normal life expectancy. Untreated patients, however, can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. The clinical presentation is heterogeneous and may pose diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. This case-based review will address the diagnosis and management of this disease, in addition to difficult but commonly encountered clinical scenarios.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Alanine Transaminase / blood
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Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
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Autoantibodies / blood
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Azathioprine / administration & dosage
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Azathioprine / therapeutic use
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Biopsy
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Cyclosporine / administration & dosage
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Cyclosporine / therapeutic use
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Decision Trees
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Diagnosis, Differential
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Female
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Hepatitis, Autoimmune / blood
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Hepatitis, Autoimmune / diagnosis*
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Hepatitis, Autoimmune / drug therapy
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Hepatitis, Autoimmune / pathology
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Humans
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Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
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Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
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Liver / pathology
Substances
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Autoantibodies
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Immunosuppressive Agents
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Cyclosporine
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Aspartate Aminotransferases
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Alanine Transaminase
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Azathioprine