Ľubomír Gürtler, Marian Oltman
Autoimmune hepatitis are divided into a group of typical hepatitis and a group of variant forms or overlap syndromes. These diseases are underdiagnosed. The incidence is higher in women with two peaks (between the age of 10 - 30 and 40 - 50 years). Disease aetiology is unknown. Genetic predisposition and viral infection, drugs and environmental factors are supposed to be the cause. Clinical picture differs according to the age group. Score system for clinical, histological and lab findings establishes the definitive diagnosis or probable diagnosis. Pathognomonic characteristics of the disease are unknown. Differential diagnostics is needed. Treatment is not required in all patients. The patient can recover spontaneously. Criteria for indication for the treatment are elaborated. Corticosteroids represent the initial therapy, added azatioprin can lower their doses. Strategy of the treatment is to get remission, prevent relapse and avoid progression into cirrhosis.