Objective: Acute cryptogenic hepatitis may represent both a self-limited disease as well as the onset of chronic hepatitis. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the effect of steroid treatment in patients with acute cryptogenic hepatitis.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed four patients with acute cryptogenic hepatitis. Histories were negative for alcohol and hepatotoxic drug intake. Markers of metabolic liver disease, liver-related autoantibodies, and viral markers were negative in all patients. Gamma globulins were in the normal range. ALT rose above 1000 U/L in all patients and bilirubin levels were elevated to more than 400 micromol/L. Histopathological assessment revealed minimal infiltration with plasma cells, eosinophils and bile duct lesions. Using the international scoring system for the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis, all patients were classified as 'probable disease' in the absence of specific markers.
Results: We started immunosuppressive treatment with prednisolone because of persisting high aminotransferases and impaired liver function. All patients responded to steroids with normalization of liver function and a rapid decrease of aminotransferases. In one patient, additional treatment with azathioprine was necessary due to rebounding aminotransferases during steroid tapering.
Conclusion: Steroids have to be taken into account in the therapy for severe acute cryptogenic hepatitis. The response to steroid treatment could be indicative for an autoimmune genesis of the disease.