Clinical features and management of autoimmune hepatitis.
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic hepatitis of unknown etiology which can progress to cirrhosis. Its clinical manifestations are highly variable and sometimes follow a fluctuating course. Diagnosis is based on characteristic histologic, clinical, biochemical and serological findings. Anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive treatment frequently induces remission but long-term maintenance therapy is often required. Liver transplantation is generally successful in patients with decompensated cirrhosis unresponsive to or intolerant of medical therapy.
Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Given C-246 Burlington, Vermont 05405-0068, USA. edward.krawitt@uvm.edu
Edward-L
EL
Krawitt
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D018450:Disease Progression; D019693:Hepatitis, Autoimmune / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents