Treatment:

Prednisone or other corticosteroids help reduce the inflammation. Azathioprine and mercaptopurine are drugs used to treat other autoimmune disorders, which have shown to help patients with autoimmune hepatitis as well.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies. Corticosteroid therapy may slow the disease progression. However, autoimmune hepatitis may progress to cirrhosis and require liver transplant.

Complications:

• Cirrhosis
• Liver cell failure
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Complications related to steroids and other medications

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis.