Budesonide in autoimmune liver disease

Background: Prednis(ol)one (PRD) alone or in combination with azathioprine (AZA) is the treatment for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Budesonide (BUD) has been reported to be an alternative treatment of choice. Data, however, are very limited and highly controversial. Patients and methods: Fifteen patients (F:M=11:4; mean age 51±14 ys.) with AIH were treated with BUD (Budenofalk) of 9mg/day and were followed up for 32 to 92 weeks. Four patients also presented features of an autoimmune cholestatic liver disease (PBC or PSC). In eight cases ursodeoxycholic acid and/or AZA was also given. Results: Out of the eight pati…