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Down syndrome and autoimmune chronic active hepatitis: Satisfactory outcome with therapy

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Summary

A case of autoimmune chronic active hepatitis (C.A.H.) in a 12-year old Down Syndrome child is described. This represents the second only documented case of autoimmune C.A.H. occurring in Down Syndrome; the first well-described case1 died from the disease. The patient described below had a satisfactory response to steroid therapy with restoration of normal liver histological appearances and function despite severe disease at presentation. Chronic hepatitis in Down Syndrome, although more usually of hepatitis B viral aetiology, may also be autoimune in nature and resolve satisfactorily with appropriate therapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology and Histopathology, Regional Hospital, Wilton, Cork

    D. O’Mahony, M. J. Whelton & J. Hogan

Authors
  1. D. O’Mahony
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  2. M. J. Whelton
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  3. J. Hogan
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O’Mahony, D., Whelton, M.J. & Hogan, J. Down syndrome and autoimmune chronic active hepatitis: Satisfactory outcome with therapy. I.J.M.S. 159, 21–22 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02937210

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02937210

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