Chloroquine for the maintenance of remission of autoimmune hepatitis: results of a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Due to the risks related to long-term treatment with prednisone and azathioprine, most clinicians try to withdraw these drugs when patients with autoimmune hepatitis are in remission. However, there is a high probability of relapse, and most patients end up receiving maintenance treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of maintenance treatment with chloroquine in the prevention of autoimmune hepatitis relapses.


METHODS
Classical treatment was stopped after achievement of biochemical and histological remission of autoimmune hepatitis. Chloroquine diphosphate, 250 mg daily, was given for at least 12 months or until the occurrence of relapses defined by levels of aminotransferases at least twice the upper normal values.


RESULTS
Fourteen patients were consecutively treated and compared with 18 historical controls. There was a 6.49 (1.38-30.30) greater chance of relapse in the historical controls when compared with patients treated with chloroquine (72.2% x 23.5%; 0.031).


CONCLUSIONS
The group treated with chloroquine had a lower frequency of relapses. Chloroquine was safe in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and hepatic cirrhosis without decompensation, on 250 mg daily up to 2 years. These preliminary results provide a basis for upcoming controlled studies comparing chloroquine with placebo or for maintenance treatment with prednisone and/or azathioprine for the prevention of autoimmune hepatitis relapses.
Mucenic
Marcos
M
Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Mello
Evandro Sobroza de
ES
Cançado
Eduardo Luiz R
EL
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002738:Chloroquine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D019693:Hepatitis, Autoimmune / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012074:Remission Induction; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; C023676:chloroquine diphosphate; D002738:Chloroquine