Clinical and immunological characteristics and evaluation of predictors of the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is an immune-mediated inflammatory liver disease of unknown etiology that can affect individuals of any age, gender, or ethnicity. The incidence among the adult population varies between 0.67 and 2 per 100,000 people, depending on geographical location.

Autoimmune hepatitis primarily affects young, working-age individuals and follows a steadily progressive course. At the time of seeking medical attention, approximately one-third of adults and half of children already have severe fibrosis or liver cirrhosis, which in turn increases the rates of disability and mortality.

The aim of the study was to reflect current data on clinical and immunological features and the analysis of factors affecting the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with autoimmune hepatitis worldwide.

Methods and materials. The English–language publications in the PubMed, Google Scholar and Google Academia databases for the period from 1993 to 2024 were analyzed.

Results. The identification of prognostic factors of an unfavorable course of AH plays a crucial role in optimizing therapy: clinical predictors, laboratory markers, concomitant diseases.

Conclusions. This literature review reveals key aspects in the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis and highlights the need for a personalized approach to therapy, taking into account prognostic factors and predictors of the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy.

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