Autoimmune hepatitis is a liver disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the liver cells. This autoimmune disease causes inflammation of the liver, also called hepatitis.
The reason why the immune system attacks the liver cells is not entirely clear. However, some diseases, bacteria, viruses, drugs, and toxins may trigger or cause autoimmune hepatitis in susceptible people. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), seventy percent of those with autoimmune hepatitis are female.
Early diagnosis and treatment of the disease is essential, if left untreated, autoimmune hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and eventually to liver failure.
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Types of autoimmune hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis may either be type 1 or type 2.
Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis
Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis may vary in severity from mild to severe. But fatigue is probably the most common symptom of this liver disease. Other symptoms may include:
Diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis
The diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis is based on symptoms, blood tests, and liver biopsy.
Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis
Early detection of autoimmune hepatitis is essential to prevent progression of the disease. With proper treatment, the disease can be controlled or managed.
The primary goal of treatment for autoimmune hepatitis is to suppress, or slow down, the overactive immune system.
Both types of autoimmune hepatitis are treated with drugs that suppress the immune system, such as prednisone and azathioprine (Imuran). However, both of these drugs have side effects. The doctor will determine the best dose for individual patients with the disease.
If the patient does not respond to these drugs or have severe side effects, the doctor may prescribe cyclosporine or another immunosuppressive drugs.
However, people who progress to end-stage liver disease—also called liver failure—or cirrhosis may need to undergo liver transplantation.
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Reference:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (April 2008). Autoimmune Hepatitis (NIH Publication No. 08—4761). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm. Accessed: October 9, 2008
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The reason why the immune system attacks the liver cells is not entirely clear. However, some diseases, bacteria, viruses, drugs, and toxins may trigger or cause autoimmune hepatitis in susceptible people. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), seventy percent of those with autoimmune hepatitis are female.
Early diagnosis and treatment of the disease is essential, if left untreated, autoimmune hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and eventually to liver failure.
Top of Page
Types of autoimmune hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis may either be type 1 or type 2.
Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis is the more common form of the disease. Although it can occur at any age, type 1 autoimmune hepatitis often starts in adolescence or young adulthood. Half of those with type 1 have other autoimmune disorders, such asTop of Page Type 1 diabetesType 2 autoimmune hepatitis, on the other hand, is less common, which typically affects girls aged 2 to 14. This type can also occur in adults.
Proliferative glomerulonephritis (inflammation of blood vessels in the kidneys)
Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)
Grave’s disease (leading cause of overactive thyroid)
Sjögren’s syndrome (a syndrome that causes dry eyes and mouth)
Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis
Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis may vary in severity from mild to severe. But fatigue is probably the most common symptom of this liver disease. Other symptoms may include:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)Top of Page
Enlarged liver
Itching (pruritus)
Skin rashes
Nausea and vomiting
Abnormal blood vessels on the skin (spider angiomas)
Joint pains
Liver scarring (cirrhosis)
Ascites (fluid in the abdomen)
Mental confusion
Diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis
The diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis is based on symptoms, blood tests, and liver biopsy.
Blood tests. Routine blood test can help reveal a pattern typical of hepatitis. Antibody test are needed to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis.Top of Page
Blood tests are helpful in distinguishing autoimmune hepatitis from other diseases that resemble it, such as viral hepatitis B or C, or a metabolic disorder such as Wilson’s disease.
Liver biopsy. A procedure in which a liver tissue sample is extracted from the patient’s liver. The small sample of liver tissue is examined with a microscope. Liver biopsy can help doctors to accurately diagnose autoimmune hepatitis and determine how serious it is.
Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis
Early detection of autoimmune hepatitis is essential to prevent progression of the disease. With proper treatment, the disease can be controlled or managed.
The primary goal of treatment for autoimmune hepatitis is to suppress, or slow down, the overactive immune system.
Both types of autoimmune hepatitis are treated with drugs that suppress the immune system, such as prednisone and azathioprine (Imuran). However, both of these drugs have side effects. The doctor will determine the best dose for individual patients with the disease.
If the patient does not respond to these drugs or have severe side effects, the doctor may prescribe cyclosporine or another immunosuppressive drugs.
However, people who progress to end-stage liver disease—also called liver failure—or cirrhosis may need to undergo liver transplantation.
Top of Page
Reference:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (April 2008). Autoimmune Hepatitis (NIH Publication No. 08—4761). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm. Accessed: October 9, 2008
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