We describe three females who since childhood and puberty have presentedwith several relapsing episodes of acute or chronic LKM positive hepatitis. Many episodes resolved spontaneouslywith recovery of normal liver function, although treatment with steroids, steroids/azathioprine was usedat occasions. No clear pattern of precipitating factors has emerged though in some cases possible temporalrelationship of episodes to menarche, oral contraceptives use or pregnancy has suggested a role for femalesex hormones. We discuss briefly the possible mechanisms of LKM positive hepatitis, particularly in termsof drugs as possible trigger factors.

Keywords: Autoantibodies, azathioprine, Hepatitis, Autoimmune, Immunoglobulin M, Immunosuppressive Agents, Liver, Liver Function Tests, Necrosis, Prednisolone, Pregnancy, Recurrence, Remission, Spontaneous