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©2008 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jun 7, 2008; 14(21): 3301-3305
Published online Jun 7, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.3301
Published online Jun 7, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.3301
Clinical features and management of autoimmune hepatitis
Edward L Krawitt, Departments of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, and Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, Vermont 05405-0068, United States
Correspondence to: Edward L Krawitt, MD, Departments of Medicine, University of Vermont, Given C-246 Burlington, Vermont 05405-0068, United States. edward.krawitt@uvm.edu
Telephone: +1-802-6564290
Fax: +1-802-6560168
Received: January 3, 2008
Revised: March 31, 2008
Accepted: April 7, 2008
Published online: June 7, 2008
Revised: March 31, 2008
Accepted: April 7, 2008
Published online: June 7, 2008
Abstract
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.
Keywords: Autoimmunity, Autoimmune hepatitis, Chronic hepatitis, Cirrhosis, Liver disease