Hernández-Almonacid PG, Espejo-Amado JS, Marín-Quintero X. Autoimmune liver diseases in older adults: Clinical challenges and management considerations. World J Hepatol 2026; 18(3): 117367 [DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v18.i3.117367]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Pablo Guillermo Hernández-Almonacid, MD, Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, National University of Colombia, Kr 35 bis 60-45 A311, Bogota 111311, Colombia. pghernandezalm@gmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
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World J Hepatol. Mar 27, 2026; 18(3): 117367 Published online Mar 27, 2026. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v18.i3.117367
Autoimmune liver diseases in older adults: Clinical challenges and management considerations
Pablo Guillermo Hernández-Almonacid, Juan Sebastian Espejo-Amado, Ximena Marín-Quintero
Pablo Guillermo Hernández-Almonacid, Juan Sebastian Espejo-Amado, Department of Internal Medicine, National University of Colombia, Bogota 111311, Colombia
Ximena Marín-Quintero, Department of Anatomical and Clinical Pathology, National University of Colombia, Bogota 111311, Colombia
Author contributions: Hernández-Almonacid PG was responsible for manuscript writing, literature review, and the preparation of tables and figures; Espejo-Amado JS contributed to the writing process and assisted with the literature search; Marín-Quintero X assisted with the literature search and contributed to the critical appraisal of the manuscript; all authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest to disclose.
Corresponding author: Pablo Guillermo Hernández-Almonacid, MD, Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, National University of Colombia, Kr 35 bis 60-45 A311, Bogota 111311, Colombia. pghernandezalm@gmail.com
Received: December 8, 2025 Revised: January 27, 2026 Accepted: February 13, 2026 Published online: March 27, 2026 Processing time: 111 Days and 5 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Autoimmune liver diseases are increasingly relevant in older adults, with changing epidemiology and rising incidence, including presentation peaks in this age group. Clinical manifestations range from unusual presentations, acute liver failure, and acute hepatitis to more common indolent forms with minimal symptoms. Serologic testing does not differ from younger patients, but due to comorbidities, liver biopsy remains essential. First-line treatment generally does not change and is often effective, although older adults are more vulnerable to steroid-related complications and polypharmacy. Liver transplantation remains an option. However, this population is still understudied, and future research should incorporate comprehensive geriatric assessment.
