| [ Summary ] |
In patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), it is important to manage obstructive jaundice and diabetes mellitus. An initial treatment strategy with steroids for AIP has been established. This treatment is usually applied to patients with obstructive jaundice. Although AIP maintenance therapy employing steroids has not become fully accepted, disease relapse is frequently seen in patients with extrapancreatic biliary strictures. Thus, steroidal maintenance therapy is recommended for these patients. In relapsed AIP patients, a rechallenged or increased steroidal dose is usually employed in Japan. Immunosuppresive drugs are sometimes used in Europe and the United States. Although both therapies can achieve remission in the majority of cases, usage indications and treatment regimens are still controversial. |