What is the role of liver chemistries in the workup of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)?

Updated: Jun 11, 2019
  • Author: David C Wolf, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF, FAASLD; Chief Editor: BS Anand, MD  more...
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Answer

Serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase values are mildly to moderately increased in 80%-90% of patients. A sharp increase in the alkaline phosphatase values during the course of autoimmune disease might reflect the development of PSC or the onset of hepatocellular carcinoma as a complication of cirrhosis.

Hypoalbuminemia and prolongation of the prothrombin time are markers of severe hepatic synthetic dysfunction, which may be observed in active disease or decompensated cirrhosis.


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