Steroid-induced cataracts in patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

Background: Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) has been reported in patients on corticosteroids therapy for various pathologies. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a progressive inflammatory hepatic disease for which corticosteroids are recommended but PSC has not yet been reported in AIH patients on corticosteroids therapy.

Methods: The AIH patients at our service underwent an ophthalmological assessment and their files were analyzed establish the dosage and duration of medication, the presence of visual complaints and the type of AIH, in order to correlate these with the ophthalmological findings. Patients were examined with a slit lamp following pupil dilation.

Results: 17 AIH patients evaluated, only one patient had PSC.

Conclusion: Although the frequency of PSC was low (1/17) in AIH patients on costicosteroid therapy, these individuals should undergo occasional ophthalmological assessment for the presence of cataracts since their visual acuity and quality of life may be adversely affected.