Related Experiment Videos
Autoimmune hepatitis in older patients
J L Newton1, A D Burt, J B Park
1Department of Geriatric Medicine, School of Clinical Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Age and Ageing
|February 18, 1998
Summary
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) rarely affects the elderly, but this study found older patients with AIH had more severe initial histology. Despite delayed diagnosis and less treatment, their prognosis was similar to younger patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is typically diagnosed in younger individuals.
- Limited data exists on AIH presentation and outcomes in elderly populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review patients diagnosed with AIH aged 65 and over.
- To compare diagnostic and histological scores, treatment, and outcomes in elderly versus younger AIH patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 310 chronic hepatitis cases from 1979-1993.
- Identified 54 AIH cases, with 12 patients aged 65 or older at presentation.
Main Results:
- Elderly AIH patients had lower diagnostic scores and higher initial histological grades.
- 42% of elderly patients received no immunosuppressive therapy compared to 12% of younger patients.
- Cirrhosis developed in 26% of both elderly and younger groups; no elderly patients died from liver disease complications.
Conclusions:
- AIH diagnosis can be challenging in the elderly, and treatment may be withheld.
- Despite more severe initial histology and less treatment, elderly AIH patients had a comparable prognosis to younger patients.