Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
07:25
Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice
Published on: September 25, 2019
Steroid treatment for severe acute cryptogenic hepatitis
A Potthoff1, K Deterding, C Trautwein
1Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
Zeitschrift Fur Gastroenterologie
|January 20, 2007
Summary
Steroid treatment effectively managed severe acute cryptogenic hepatitis in a small study. This response suggests that autoimmune factors may underlie some cases of this liver condition.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Acute cryptogenic hepatitis can be self-limiting or indicate chronic liver disease.
- The etiology of acute cryptogenic hepatitis remains challenging to determine, often lacking specific diagnostic markers.
Observation:
- A retrospective analysis of four patients with acute cryptogenic hepatitis was conducted.
- Patients presented with elevated ALT and bilirubin, negative viral/autoimmune markers, and minimal histopathological findings suggestive of autoimmune hepatitis.
- Exclusion criteria included alcohol use, hepatotoxic drug intake, metabolic liver disease, and normal gamma globulin levels.
Findings:
- Patients received prednisolone for persistently high aminotransferases and impaired liver function.
- All patients showed a positive response to steroids, with normalized liver function and decreased aminotransferases.
- One patient required azathioprine due to aminotransferase rebound during steroid tapering.
Implications:
- Steroids should be considered for treating severe acute cryptogenic hepatitis.
- A positive response to steroid therapy may indicate an autoimmune basis for the disease.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the role of immunosuppression in managing this condition.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
01:25Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
Assessment:
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...