[Autoimmune Hepatitis - What is important for clinical practice?] / Autoimmune Hepatitis ­ Was ist wichtig für die Praxis?

ABSTRACT

Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare but chronic autoimmune-mediated liver disease. Key features are elevated transaminases, hypergammaglobulinemia, presence of specific autoantibodies and typical histological features. Diagnostic scores are helpful in establishing the diagnosis. Immunosuppressive therapy should be initiated in every patient with inflammatory activity. First-line therapy includes steroids and azathioprine and results in biochemical and histological remission in the majority of patients. In most cases, lifelong therapy is required. Every patient should receive regular follow-up surveillance including biochemical parameters as well as sonography and elastography.