Study of Demographic, Clinical and Therapeutic Characteristics of Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis in Al-Zahra Hospital Publisher



Tamizifar B ; Sebghatollahi V ; Adelnia P
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease that responds well to treatment if diagnosed and treated promptly, but can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated. This study aimed to determine the demographic, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of patients with autoimmune hepatitis in Al-Zahra Hospital. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 111 adult patients with a definitive diagnosis of AIH based on diagnostic scoring criteria and code (ICD-10: K75.4) at Al-Zahra Hospital from 2006 to 2018. Patients diagnosed with viral hepatitis, metabolic diseases, or other liver diseases were excluded from the study. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathological data were collected and reported with descriptive statistics. Findings: Of the 111 patients studied, 59.5% were female and 40.5% were male with a mean age of 42.5 years. The most common clinical manifestations included fatigue (55%), jaundice (75%), and pruritus (43%). 46.3% of biopsied patients had bridging necrosis. 15% of patients had cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis. The response to treatment in the first year was 71%, and the 1-year survival rate was reported to be 95%. The mortality rate over the 3-year follow-up period was 3%, which is lower than that reported in similar global studies. Conclusion: The estimated prevalence of AIH in Isfahan was approximately 6 per 100,000 people. The course of the disease and response to treatment in this population were more favorable than in Western countries, which may be attributed to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. However, prospective studies are recommended to more accurately investigate the factors affecting prognosis and response to treatment. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.