Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

A drug called prednisone is the cornerstone of treatment for autoimmune hepatitis. It is initially given in high doses, which are then tapered when the liver begins to respond. The optimal length of prednisone treatment is uncertain. Because many patients relapse after relatively brief treatment, most doctors recommend prednisone at the lowest effective dose for one to two years before stopping. The long-term outlook depends on the success of the patient's initial treatment. For patients who are resistant to prednisone, other types of immunosuppression may be tried. Liver transplantation is the treatment for cases that progress to liver failure.

Liver Transplantation

The UCSF Liver Transplant Program, which integrates the efforts of gastroenterologists and surgeons, performs over 100 transplants each year, making it one of the leading programs in the U.S. Survival statistics are among the very best in the country. Liver transplant is recommended for people whose autoimmune hepatitis causes severe liver damage or progresses to liver failure. The evaluation for a transplant is complex and generally requires several months. Therefore, even if a patient is feeling well, they should be referred for a transplant at the first sign of liver failure or if they have advanced liver disease diagnosed by X-ray studies or liver biopsy.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007