Safety issues in the management of autoimmune hepatitis.
BACKGROUND
Prednisone and azathioprine are effective in the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis, but diverse side effects can diminish their net benefit.


OBJECTIVE
Describe the frequency and nature of these side effects and propose management strategies to minimize their impact.


METHODS
Pertinent articles published from 1970 to 2007 were identified by Medline search and through a personal library.


RESULTS
Medication is prematurely discontinued in 13% of patients mainly because of cosmetic changes, cytopenia, or osteopenia. Populations at high risk are the elderly, those with pre-existent co-morbidities, patients with near-zero thiopurine methyltransferase activity, individuals who are treatment-dependent, pregnant women, and asymptomatic patients who are over-treated.


CONCLUSIONS
Proper patient selection, effective pre-treatment counseling, preemptive protective measures, realistic treatment objectives, and early identification of problematic patients can reduce complications. Individualized dosing schedules and the emergence of non-steroidal medications are realistic expectations.
Czaja
Albert J
AJ
Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. czaja.albert@mayo.edu
D001379:Azathioprine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019693:Hepatitis, Autoimmune / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018579:Patient Selection; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D001379:Azathioprine; D011241:Prednisone