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Autoimmune hepatitis: a study of 50 patients
Sandeep Gohar1, Devendra Desai, Anand Joshi
1Department of Medicine, P D Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Center, Mumbai 400 016.
Summary
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in India predominantly affects women and often presents as chronic liver disease. Immunosuppressive therapy shows good response, but one-fourth of patients experience complications.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is less studied in India compared to Western countries.
- Limited Indian data exists on the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of AIH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical profile of Indian patients diagnosed with AIH.
- To evaluate the treatment response and complications in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- A part retrospective, part prospective study of 50 AIH patients (1995-2001).
- Diagnosis confirmed using the revised AIH scoring system.
- Analysis of clinical, laboratory data, treatment response, and complications.
Main Results:
- AIH represented 6% of liver disease cases. Most patients (80%) had chronic liver disease, predominantly Type 1 AIH (49/50).
- 90% received immunosuppressive therapy; combination therapy (prednisolone and azathioprine) showed a higher response rate.
- 26% experienced therapy-related complications, including infectious and non-infectious adverse events, with two treatment-related deaths.
Conclusions:
- Type 1 AIH is the most common form in India.
- AIH frequently presents as chronic liver disease.
- Immunosuppressive therapy is effective, but vigilance for complications is crucial.