Hepatitis autoinmune

Abstract

Autoimmune hepatitis is a generally progressive, chronic liver disease, normally with fluctuating course, affecting both sexes of any age, mainly young women. Europe prevalence is 15-25 per 100,000 inhabitants. It is linked to other autoimmune conditions in 25% of patients. Although its pathogeny is still unknow, both genetics and environmental factors trigger a disorder of immune system regulation causing liver injury. The presentation of autoimmune hepatitis is heterogeneous, ranging from asymptomatic patients with abnormal liver functions tests to even fulminant hepatic failure. Diagnosis is complex and relies over clinical, biochemical and histologic findings. To rule out other etiologies is mandatory. Corticoids (prednisone) are the first-line treatment. Azathioprine is its maintenance treatment. Other immunosuppressants and even liver transplantation might be required when conventional therapy has failed or when disease progress.