Autoimmune Hepatitis

What Is Autoimmune Hepatitis?

Autoimmune diseases are caused when the body's immune system starts attacking the organs. If left untreated, such an attack may eventually lead to organ damage. Autoimmune Hepatitis is one such condition in which the immune system of the body becomes aggressive against the liver and starts damaging liver cells. The condition, without any treatment, may lead to scarring of the liver and there is an increased risk of liver failure. Medicines are administered to suppress the activity of the immune system. Drugs are more effective when this condition is diagnosed at an early stage. In cases, where the patient does not respond to medications, the doctor may recommend liver transplantation.

What Are The Causes Of Autoimmune Hepatitis?

Autoimmune Hepatitis is caused when the immune system, meant for inviting the bacteria, the virus, or foreign substances, mistakenly targets the liver cells causing inflammation and damage. The reason for this remains unknown however research indicates that this may be caused due to change in the genes that control the activity of the immune system. Presence of other autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and thyroiditis may also cause Autoimmune Hepatitis.

What Are The Symptoms Of Autoimmune Hepatitis?

In the early stage of the disease, most patients do not have any symptoms. Symptoms start appearing at a later stage. The symptoms may be mild to severe. Following are the symptoms experienced by the patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis:

• Jaundice
• Dark urine
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Joint pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Skin rashes
• Abdominal discomfort

How Autoimmune Hepatitis Is Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis of Autoimmune Hepatitis is required for effective management of the condition. Following are some of the methods used to diagnose Autoimmune Hepatitis:

Blood tests: Blood tests are the preliminary screening method for Autoimmune Hepatitis. Various parameters such as liver function tests, autoimmune markers and signs of inflammation are evaluated in the blood test report.

Liver biopsy: Liver biopsy is the procedure done to confirm the presence of Autoimmune Hepatitis.

What Are The Treatment Options For Autoimmune Hepatitis?

The treatment includes medications and liver transplant.

Medications: The medications are used to suppress the immune system. Prednisone is usually the first-line therapy to which others drugs, such as azathioprine, are added later.

Liver transplant: When the patient does not show any response to medications or if patient developed decompensated liver disease (cirrhosis), liver transplant is recommended.