Low-dose tacrolimus ameliorates liver inflammation and fibrosis in steroid refractory autoimmune hepatitis

• DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i23.3232
• Publication Date: 2015-10-16T12:59:19Z
• Authors: Fin Stolze Larsen
• Keywords: Autoimmune Hepatitis; Prednisolone; Refractory (planetary science)

To determine the efficacy of tacrolimus on clinical status, histopathological status and biochemical markers in patients with steroid refractory autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).Retrospectively, parameters, biochemistry histology were obtained from patient records.Nine [8 females/1 male, median age 32 (range 16-64) years] identified to have received for a duration 18 (12-37) mo. Before initiation treatment maintained prednisolone dose 20 mg daily 20-80 mg/d), which was tapered 7.5 (5-12.5) mg/d (P=0.004). Alanine aminotransferase immunoglobulin-G concentrations decreased 154 (100-475) 47(22-61) U/L (P=0.007), 16 (10-30.2) 14.5 (8.4-20) g/L (P=0.032), respectively. All showed improvement liver inflammatory activity, as determined by Ishak score (P=0.016), while degree fibrosis tended decrease (P=0.049).The use low can lead histologic inflammation no progression stage AIH. Low therapy also allows substantial reduction prednisone dose.