Autoimmune Hepatitis Information Guide
What Is Autoimmune Hepatitis?
Alternative Name: Lupoid Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis involves inflammation of the liver caused by rogue immune cells that mistake the liver's normal cells for a foreign tissue or pathogen (disease-causing agent).
Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors:
A person with autoimmune hepatitis has autoantibodies circulating in the bloodstream that cause the immune system to attack the liver.
This disease is associated with other autoimmune diseases, including the following:
- Thyroiditis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Ulcerative colitis
- Hemolytic anemia
- Proliferative glomerulonephritis
- Autoimmune hepatitis sometimes occurs in relatives of people with autoimmune diseases, suggesting a genetic cause.
- This disease is most common in young girls and women.
What are the Symptoms of Autoimmune Hepatitis?
- Dark urine
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
- Abdominal distention
- Generalized itching
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease include amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
Signs and Tests:
- Liver biopsy showing chronic hepatitis
- Abnormal liver function tests
Tests associated with autoimmune hepatitis:
- Positive ANA
- Positive anti-smooth muscle antibody
- Positive anti-liver kidney microsomal antibody
- Positive anti-mitochondrial antibody
- Elevated sedimentation rate
- Elevated serum IgG
How is Autoimmune Hepatitis Treated?
Alternative Name: Lupoid Hepatitis
Prednisone or other corticosteroids help reduce the inflammation. Azathioprine or mercaptopurine are drugs used to treat other autoimmune disorders, and they have shown to benefit patients with autoimmune hepatitis as well.
You should modify your activity level according to your symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis):
The outcome varies. Corticosteroid therapy may slow the disease progression. Autoimmune hepatitis can progress to cirrhosis and require liver transplant, however.
Complications:
- Cirrhosis
- Liver cell failure
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Complications related to steroids and other medications
Calling your Health Care Provider:
Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis.
How Can Autoimmune Hepatitis be Prevented?
Autoimmune hepatitis is usually not preventable. Awareness of risk factors may allow early detection and treatment.
Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis.