Histological changes after the use of mycophenolate mofetil in autoimmune hepatitis

Hum Pathol. 2004 Apr;35(4):509-12. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2003.10.017.

Abstract

Corticosteroids and azathioprine are considered standard treatment for autoimmune hepatitis. There are, however, well-known systemic side effects that may preclude continuation with these immunosuppressive therapies, and small trials of the anti-metabolite mycophenolate mofetil have been reported. We report liver biopsy findings in a follow-up biopsy of a patient who had been switched from azathioprine to mycophenolate mofetil for treatment of presumed, steroid-responsive autoimmune hepatitis. Both cytoplasmic features of adaptation and nuclear alterations were noted in hepatocytes. Possible mechanisms for these findings are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Hepatitis, Autoimmune / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis, Autoimmune / etiology
  • Hepatitis, Autoimmune / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Mycophenolic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Mycophenolic Acid
  • Azathioprine
  • Prednisone