A 24-year-old woman undergoing a premarital screening test is found to have elevated levels of AST, ALT, and IgG, but no antibody-specific markers for viral hepatitis. A liver biopsy reveals inflammation and cellular damage. Which of the following treatments is most likely to be effective for her?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This woman's hepatitis is probably caused by an autoimmune disorder rather than a virus. Lamivudine, peginterferon/ribavirin, and interferon alfa-2b are all antiviral agents. Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic, usually progressive, inflammatory disease of the liver. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment and have been shown to produce remission. Azathioprine, an immunosuppressant medication, is sometimes used along with prednisone. Using both medications may allow you to take a smaller dose of prednisone, reducing its side effects. Most people with this disease require long-term maintenance treatment.

A 24-Year-Old Woman Undergoing a Premarital Screening Test Is Found