| [ Summary ] |
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is characterized by female predominance, hyperglobulinemia (over 2.0g/dl), positive circulating autoantiboides (ANA, ASMA, LKM-1 and SLA), and is associated with HLA-DR4. Liver diseases due to hepatitis virus, drugs and alcohol should be excluded. Histological findings specific for AIH include massive hepatic necrosis and plasma cell infiltration. The disease usually responds to corticosteroid treatment. Severe forms of AIH, such as fulminate hepatitis and terminal stage AIH require liver transplantation. Recent topics of study concerning AIH are the 2,3 type AIH, acute-onset AIH and AIH in children. |