Autoimmune Hepatitis: Epidemiological and Therapeutic Aspects

Abstract

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a heterogeneous group of diseases of unknown cause, characterized by necro-inflammatory hepatocellular lesions, the presence of specific autoantibodies, and high sensitivity to corticosteroids [1]. The clinical presentation of AIH is heterogeneous; nearly one-third of patients are asymptomatic, and in 25% of cases, cirrhosis is present at diagnosis [5]. Clinical manifestations can range from mild or severe symptoms to fulminant liver failure [6], with up to 40% of patients presenting with acute hepatitis [7]. The aim of our study is to describe its epidemiological and therapeutic aspects.