Cirrhosis may develop in more advanced cases and in patients who do not respond to medical treatment. Autoimmune hepatitis should be suspected in any young patient with increased liver enzymes. A liver biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the prognosis. Treatment Long-term medical therapy is the first approach for treating autoimmune hepatitis. Current medical therapies have been shown to decrease symptoms and prolong survival in the majority of patients.
Most common medications used are prednisone and azithioprine.
The 10-year survival rate in untreated patients with autoimmune hepatitis is approximately 10 percent, according to the American Liver Foundation. Studies show that autoimmune hepatitis is more easily controlled than cured. Since the majority of patients relapse within six months after therapy has ended, long term medical maintenance is necessary. Patients who do not respond to medical therapy and develop cirrhosis may need to undergo a liver transplantation .