Swiss Autoimmune Hepatitis Cohort Study

To collect high quality prospective data on a rare disease in order to elucidate epidemiology, natural history, response to treatment and outcome. In addition, a biobank allows addressing specific scientific issues on a variety of open questions. The cohort will provide a platform for carrying out scientific research projects on AIH. In addition, the cohort will allow collaborations with reference networks on AIH abroad. Measurements and procedures: Enrolment visit and one follow-up visit at least once a year are planned. An additional follow-up visit at 6 months postdiagnosis is planned for newly diagnosed patients. Whole blood is collected for biobanking once a year Optionally, if available and collected during normal clinical procedures, liver fragments are obtained. Number of subjects projected for the entire study (all sites combined): 500 (corresponding to 1/3 of the estimated global AIH population residing in Switzerland, assuming a disease prevalence of 20:100,000)