[Autoimmune Hepatitis - What is important for clinical practice?]

Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2022 Apr;147(8):470-480. doi: 10.1055/a-1520-4214. Epub 2022 Apr 11.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare but chronic autoimmune-mediated liver disease. Key features are elevated transaminases, hypergammaglobulinemia, presence of specific autoantibodies and typical histological features. Diagnostic scores are helpful in establishing the diagnosis. Immunosuppressive therapy should be initiated in every patient with inflammatory activity. First-line therapy includes steroids and azathioprine and results in biochemical and histological remission in the majority of patients. In most cases, lifelong therapy is required. Every patient should receive regular follow-up surveillance including biochemical parameters as well as sonography and elastography.

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Hepatitis, Autoimmune* / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis, Autoimmune* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Liver Diseases* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Azathioprine