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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
11:36
Induction of Drug-Induced, Autoimmune Hepatitis in BALB/c Mice for the Study of Its Pathogenic Mechanisms
Published on: May 29, 2020
Mycophenolate mofetil as second line therapy in autoimmune hepatitis?
Elke M Hennes1, Ye H Oo, Christoph Schramm
1First Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|October 16, 2008
Summary
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) shows promise as a second-line treatment for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in patients intolerant to azathioprine. However, MMF is less effective for patients who did not respond adequately to azathioprine.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) requires effective immunosuppression to prevent cirrhosis.
- No standard second-line therapy exists for AIH patients unresponsive to steroids and azathioprine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as a potential second-line treatment for AIH.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 36 AIH patients failing standard therapy.
- Assessed MMF efficacy based on remission criteria (AST < 2x UNL).
- Compared MMF response in patients intolerant versus non-responsive to azathioprine.
Main Results:
- 14 out of 36 patients (39%) achieved remission with MMF.
- MMF response was lower in patients with prior azathioprine non-response (25% remission).
- MMF showed a higher remission rate in azathioprine-intolerant patients (43% remission).
Conclusions:
- MMF is a viable alternative for AIH patients intolerant to azathioprine due to its tolerability.
- MMF appears less effective for AIH patients with insufficient response to azathioprine.
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