Navigating Through the Course of Autoimmune Hepatitis in Adults: A Case-Series Exploration

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a distinct clinical entity with variable presentations and diverse clinical outcomes, characterized by autoimmune-mediated injury to the liver. The detection of autoantibodies and histological features consistent with autoimmune injury is crucial for diagnosing AIH. Early identification and treatment are essential to prevent progression to cirrhosis. This report describes five cases of AIH diagnosed and managed over one year, with presentations ranging from acute hepatitis to end-stage liver disease. Younger patients demonstrated good clinical and biochemical responses to immunosuppressive therapy, while an older patient with established cirrhosis faced a grim prognosis. AIH should be considered, particularly in female patients and in those without obvious risk factors for liver injury, such as alcohol use, drug-induced liver injury, or viral hepatitis.