title: [Immunological aspects of acute viral hepatitis treated with corticosteroids].
abstract: Acute viral B-hepatitis is the consequence of an effective specific immune response against the hepatitis B-virus with elimination of the virus. Corticosteroids decrease this immune reaction and thereby inhibit virus elimination. In principle, therefore, corticosteroid therapy promotes a transition to chronicity. This theoretical concept is documented practically by 8 patients treated with steroids in the early phase of acute viral hepatitis. Transition to some form of chronic liver disease is documented by serial liver biopsies in all 8 patients. The immunohistological findings showed the presence of HBsAg and HBcAg, as theoretically expected. These 8 selected cases, although uncontrolled, together with the theoretical concept of B-virus elimination, provide evidence against the use of corticosteroids in acute B-hepatitis.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
vernacular_title: Immunologische Aspekte der mit Corticosteroiden behandelten akuten Virushepatitis.