ABSTRACT
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a good indication for liver transplantation, with 5-
and 10-year survival rates approaching 75%. Determining the timing for transplantation
remains difficult because progression to end-stage disease may be difficult to predict.
After transplantation, the patients are at risk of recurrent AIH. This syndrome is
not well-characterized and requires clearer definition. Introduction of corticosteroids
is not always associated with arrest of disease. De novo AIH may also develop in the
allograft. Although there is usually a good response to the reintroduction of corticosteroids
or greater immunosuppression, some patients develop graft failure. Patients grafted
for AIH tend to be at higher risk for both acute and chronic rejection. Withdrawal
of immunosuppression is unlikely to be achieved.
KEYWORDS
Autoimmune hepatitis - liver transplantation - recurrent autoimmune hepatitis
