[Late diagnosis of autoimmune liver disease: causes and consequences]

The article is devoted to the problems of the well-timed diagnosis of autoimmune liver diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and overlap-syndromes. It has been shown that diagnosis verification influences on the course of these conditions and the patient's longevity. The causes of last diagnosis and clinical and laboratory data have been analyzed. The authors based on literature facts, obtained results and their experience have advised the number of recommendations to improve the diagnosis of autoimmune liver disease. The well-timed diagnosis permits to elevate the longevity and to advance the quality of life.