Autoimmune hepatitis in children

Abstract

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a progressive inflammatory liver disorder that is rare in children. This desease has a broad clinical spectrum and a quick response to treatment with immunosuppressive medications. The 2008 simplified diagnostic criteria for AIH could be used in children, with high sensibility and specificity. This article reported about A female child of eight years old, appearing jaundiced, experienced fever and stomach enlargement. The patient was fully aware, with no shortness of breath. Abdominal examinations found hepatosplenomegaly. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) check was positive with elevated IgG levels. Hepatitis serology result was negative. Multi Slice Computed Tomography (MSCT)-scan contrast of the abdomen showed hepatosplenomegaly, without focal lesion. Liver biopsy suggested cirrhosis with the possibility of autoimmune hepatitis. According to the 2008 simplified diagnostic criteria and the autoantibody detected, the patient was diagnosed with definite type I autoimmune hepatitis. The patient was treated with ursodeoxycholic acid, vitamin K, and vitamin E. This case report highlights and alerts physicians that AIH should always be considered in paediatric patients presenting with chronic liver disease.