Editing Hepatitis (section)

=== Autoimmune hepatitis ===

Autoimmune hepatitis is commonly treated by immunosuppressants such as the corticosteroids prednisone or prednisolone, the active version of prednisolone that does not require liver synthesis, either alone or in combination with azathioprine, and some have suggested the combination therapy is preferred to allow for lower doses of corticosteroids to reduce associated side effects,<ref name=":0" /> although the result of treatment efficacy is comparative.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Summerskill|first1=W. H.|last2=Korman|first2=M. G.|last3=Ammon|first3=H. V.|last4=Baggenstoss|first4=A. H.|date=1975-11-01|title=Prednisone for chronic active liver disease: dose titration, standard dose, and combination with azathioprine compared|journal=Gut|volume=16|issue=11|pages=876–883|doi=10.1136/gut.16.11.876|issn=0017-5749|pmc=1413126|pmid=1104411}}</ref>

Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis consists of two phases; an initial and maintenance phase. The initial phase consists of higher doses of corticosteroids which are tapered down over a number of weeks to a lower dose. If used in combination, azathioprine is given during the initial phase as well. Once the initial phase has been completed, a maintenance phase that consists of lower dose corticosteroids, and in combination therapy, azathioprine until liver blood markers are normalized. Treatment results in 66–91% of patients achieving normal liver test values in two years, with the average being 22 months.<ref name=":0" />