Abstract |
Auto-immune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic progressive hepatitis of unknown aetiology whose clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic to fulminant hepatic failure. Corticosteroids and azathioprine, which are considered standard therapy for AIH, may, however, be associated with treatment failures and toxicities. Among the alternative medications under investigation, rituximab, used to treat successfully various auto- immune disorders, has fewer side effects. We report herein the case of a 68-year-old woman who developed AIH with worsening clinical, laboratory and histological features despite high-dose prednisone. On rituximab, the patient showed rapid and dramatic clinical improvement, suggesting a therapeutic role for this medication in severe AIH. Indeed, prospective controlled studies are needed to assess and validate this role.
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Authors | Said A Al-Busafi, René P Michel, Marc Deschenes |
Journal | Arab journal of gastroenterology : the official publication of the Pan-Arab Association of Gastroenterology
(Arab J Gastroenterol)
Vol. 14
Issue 3
Pg. 135-8
(Sep 2013)
ISSN: 2090-2387 [Electronic] Egypt |
PMID | 24206745
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2013 Arab Journal of Gastroenterology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Immunologic Factors
- Rituximab
- Prednisone
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Topics |
- Aged
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
(therapeutic use)
- Female
- Hepatitis, Autoimmune
(drug therapy, pathology)
- Humans
- Immunologic Factors
(therapeutic use)
- Prednisone
(therapeutic use)
- Rituximab
- Treatment Failure
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