Autoimmune Hepatitis

Abstract

Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic necroinflammatory liver disorder of unknown cause associated with circulating autoantibodies and a high serum globulin level. Since the first descriptions of the disorder in the 1950s, it has been known by a variety of terms, most commonly “autoimmune chronic active hepatitis,” but in 1992 the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group recommended the term “autoimmune hepatitis” as the most appropriate and least redundant for this disease.¹ It is important to distinguish autoimmune hepatitis from other forms of liver disease because a high percentage of cases respond to antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive treatment. Early diagnosis with appropriate management can . . .