Diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis at age 65 and older

Aim: To study features in older patients with autoimmune hepatitis, as this was considered mainly a disease of young females. Methods: Analysis of 28 patients diagnosed at age >= 65 years compared with 84 younger patients. REsults: The incidence was similar at all age decades. The ratio M:F was 1 : 3 (>= 65 years) vs. 1 : 2 (< 65 years). Presenting symptoms were not different when compared with younger patients and consisted of general malaise and fatigue (36%), jaundice +/- other symptoms (50%), or ascites (11%). Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) >= 1/80 were positive in 93%, smooth muscle antibodies (SMA) > 1/40 in 50%, anti-liver kidney microsomes (anti-LKM) proved always negative. Histology showed acute necrotizing hepatitis in 19%, severe interphase hepatitis in 15%, chronic hepatitis with plasmo-lymphocytic infiltrate in 30%, cirrhosis in 29% (with active inflammation in one-third); biopsy was refused in 11%. The elderly responded very well to low doses of methylprednisolone (<= 8 mg) and azathioprine (1 mg/kg). This schedule obviates side-effects such as infections seen with higher dosages. Conclusion: Autoimmune hepatitis has to be also looked for in the elderly with acute and chronic hepatitis. The steroid therapy should be individualized but kept at a low dose.