Autoimmune hepatitisDefinition: 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).
Alternative Names: Lupoid hepatitis
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: 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.
Symptoms: Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease include amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
Signs and tests: Tests associated with autoimmune hepatitis:
Treatment: Prednisone or other corticosteroids help reduce the inflammation. Azathioprine or mercaptopurine are drugs used to treat other autoimmune disorders, and they have benefitted patients with autoimmune hepatitis as well. Modify your activity level according to your symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis): The outcome varies. Corticosteroid therapy may slow the disease progression. However, autoimmune hepatitis may progress to cirrhosis and require liver transplant.
Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis.
Prevention: Autoimmune hepatitis is usually not preventable. Awareness of risk factors may allow early detection and treatment.
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