Work

#51 - Impact of Rapid Response to Immunosuppressive Treatment on the Clinical Course of Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis.

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction and Objectives Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis and its complications. The speed of response to immunosuppressive therapy has emerged as an important prognostic predictor. The objective was to evaluate the impact of a rapid response to immunosuppressive therapy on the clinical course of patients with AIH. Materials and Methods A retrospective, real-world longitudinal study was conducted in 85 patients diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) treated at the Institute of Gastroenterology between 2010 and 2025. The median follow-up was 107 months. A rapid response was defined as a 80% decrease in AST at 8 weeks of treatment. Biochemical response at 24 and 48 weeks, progression, complications, and overall survival were evaluated. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, Kaplan-Meier curves, and the log-rank test. Results A rapid response was observed in 46 patients (54%). Rapid responders had a higher rate of complete response at 24 weeks (78.3% vs 20.5%; p<0.01) and 48 weeks (69.6% vs 17.9%; p<0.01). Progression to more advanced stages was lower in this group (52.2% vs 89.7%; p<0.01), as was the occurrence of multiple complications (13% vs 46.1%; p<0.01). Overall survival was higher in patients with a rapid response (97.8% vs 82.1%; p=0.02). Conclusions La respuesta rápida al tratamiento inmunosupresor mostró un impacto positivo en la evolución de pacientes con HAI. Su presencia se asocia con mayor respuesta bioquímica sostenida, menor progresión de la enfermedad y mayor supervivencia global.

Source: Annals of Hepatology

DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2026.102326