Korean J Hepatol.  2006 Sep;12(3):318-332.

Autoimmune Hepatitis: Recent Update on Diagnosis and Treatment

• Lee YS

Abstract

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an unresolving, predominantly periportal hepatitis that is usually displays hypergammaglobulinemia, and tissue autoantibodies, and this malady is responsive to immunosuppressive therapy. Our understanding about this clinical entity has been greatly expanded since the first description by Waldenstrom 50 years ago. The codified diagnostic criteria of AIH prepared by International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group are still valid, but new attempts are being made to overcome the shortcomings of this scoring system. Immunosuppressive therapies using prednisone and azathioprine are currently the mainstay for the treatment of AIH, but there are still many practical questions to be solved.

Keyword

Autoimmune hepatitis; Diagnosis; Treatment; Prognosis

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Autoantibodies
Azathioprine/administration & dosage/*therapeutic use
Child
Child, Preschool
Drug Therapy, Combination
Female
Hepatitis, Autoimmune/*diagnosis/*drug therapy/etiology
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage/*therapeutic use
Male
Middle Aged
Prednisone/administration & dosage/*therapeutic use