Autoimmune hepatitis (patient information)
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Autoimmune hepatitis |
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Autoimmune hepatitis On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];
Overview
Autoimmune hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that occurs when immune cells mistake the liver's normal cells for harmful invaders and attack them.
What are the symptoms?
- Abdominal distention
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
- General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pale or clay-colored stools
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease include absence of menstruation (amenorrhea).
What are the causes?
In patients who have an autoimmune disease, the immune system can't tell the difference between healthy body tissue and harmful, outside substances. The result is an immune response that destroys normal body tissues.
Liver inflammation, or hepatitis may occur along with other autoimmune diseases, including:
- Graves disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Scleroderma
- Sjogren syndrome
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Thyroiditis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Ulcerative colitis
Autoimmune hepatitis sometimes occurs in relatives of people with autoimmune diseases, which suggests that there is a genetic cause.
This disease is most common in young girls and women.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis.
Diagnosis
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Liver biopsy showing chronic hepatitis
Tests for autoimmune hepatitis:
- Anti-liver kidney microsome type 1 antibody (anti LKM-1)
- Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA)
- Anti-smooth muscle antibody (SMA)
- Serum IgG
Treatment options
Prednisone or other corticosteroid medications help reduce the inflammation. Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine are drugs used to treat other autoimmune disorders. They have been shown to help patients with autoimmune hepatitis, as well.
Some patients may receive a liver transplant.
Medications to avoid
Patients diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis should avoid using the following medications:
- Pegylated interferon alfa-2b
If you have been diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, consult your physician before starting or stopping any of these medications.
Prevention
Autoimmune hepatitis is usually not preventable. Awareness of risk factors may allow early detection and treatment.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The outcome varies. Corticosteroid therapy may slow the disease progression. However, autoimmune hepatitis may worsen to cirrhosis and require a liver transplant.
Possible complications
- Cirrhosis
- Complications related to steroids and other medications
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Liver failure