Autoimmune Hepatitis After Liver Transplantation

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a progressive, chronic inflammatory liver disease of unknown etiology that occurs in children and adults with a prevalence of female. This clinical syndrome is caused by an immune response that is misdirected against self or foreign antigens that resemble self-antigens, leading to a progressive inflammatory and fibrotic process of the liver (Krawitt, 2006; Czaja, 2001, 2007a, 2007b; Vergani et al, 2002; Manns & Vogel, 2006, Vergani & Mieli-Vergani, 2008). The complications of AIH are the same as any other progressive liver disease. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma is a known consequence; in some patients, chronic hepatitis progresses to cirrhosis and, ultimately, to carcinoma. Liver transplantation is required when end stage liver disease develops (Krawitt, 2006).