Loading...
Diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) requires histologic data, according to criteria proposed by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group and recently released in the form of a simplified scoring system (JW Gastroenterol Oct 30 2008). However, the role of liver biopsy in providing information essential to diagnosis and clinical management of AIH remains unclear.
To determine the value of histologic data in diagnosing AIH, investigators reviewed records of 257 patients (median age, 52; 79% female) who received diagnoses of AIH (without overlapping syndromes or hepatic decompensation) at a single clinic during a 10-year period. Researchers analyzed clinical, biochemical, and histologic information, as well as type and duration of immuno…