| [ Summary ] |
Although ACLF (acute‒on‒chronic liver failure) and/or chronic decompensation may develop in patients with chronic liver diseases due to autoimmune hepatitis, such liver failure can be prevented through glucocorticoids therapy following an exact diagnosis. Thus, acute‒onset autoimmune hepatitis is a crucial problem that should be resolved to improve the outcome of patients with autoimmune hepatitis. The study group sponsored by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare revealed that patients with acute liver failure and LOHF (late‒onset‒hepatic failure) have been increasing in number year by year, and the outcome of patients was unfavorable especially in those manifesting hepatic coma. Patients with acute liver failure due to autoimmune hepatitis showed clinical features almost similar to those in patients with drug allergy‒induced liver disease and those with indeterminate etiology. Immediate intravenous administration of high‒dose glucocorticoids is required to rescue such patients following exact diagnosis. |