Course of asymptomatic liver involvement in sarcoidosis: role of therapy in selected cases.

Abstract

Liver involvement is common in African American patients with sarcoidosis. Social and economic status do not seem to influence the liver involvement. In men the age distribution has an early peak. The outcome of patients who receive treatment remains similar, as far as liver function is concerned, suggesting that most of the patients with liver involvement undergo natural remission. Unless the patient has progressive liver dysfunction, it is advisable to monitor liver enzymes periodically and obtain liver biopsies only if clinically indicated. In patients who need treatment, it is reasonable to try options other than steroids in view of severe corticosteroid related complications.