Abstract | AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of prolonged medical therapy for up to four decades in a cohort of patients with AIH. METHODS: Forty-two patients were followed long term in the Yale Liver Clinics who met the criteria of 'definite autoimmune hepatitis' as defined by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group. Records were reviewed for the dosage of immunosuppression, rate of relapse, steroid side effects, current status of liver function tests and evidence for cirrhosis and its complications. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: AIH can be managed effectively over three to four decades with low-dose immunosuppression resulting in essentially normal lifestyles and minimal side effects. Liver transplantation with an increased risk of rejection and graft failure in this group can be avoided for long periods in most of these patients.
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Authors | Srinivas Seela, Harinath Sheela, James L Boyer |
Journal | Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver
(Liver Int)
Vol. 25
Issue 4
Pg. 734-9
(Aug 2005)
ISSN: 1478-3223 [Print] United States |
PMID | 15998423
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Prednisolone
- Alanine Transaminase
- Azathioprine
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Alanine Transaminase
(analysis)
- Azathioprine
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Hepatitis, Autoimmune
(drug therapy, pathology, surgery)
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Liver Function Tests
- Liver Transplantation
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prednisolone
(therapeutic use)
- Recurrence
- Retrospective Studies
- Treatment Outcome
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