Autoimmune Hepatitis

OVERVIEW

Autoimmune Hepatitis is a type of liver disease that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the liver cells. Normally, the immune system helps protect the body against harmful invaders such as bacteria or viruses. However, in autoimmune hepatitis, the immune system wrongly identifies the liver cells as harmful and attacks them, causing inflammation and damage to the liver tissue.

Autoimmune hepatitis can occur at any age, but it most often affects young women. There are two types of autoimmune hepatitis: type 1 and type 2. The type of autoimmune hepatitis a person has can affect the symptoms they experience, the severity of the disease, and the response to treatment.

Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis can range from mild to severe and may include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, autoimmune hepatitis can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver failure.

Diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis involves a physical examination, blood tests, and liver biopsy. Treatment typically involves the use of immunosuppressant medications to help suppress the immune system and prevent further damage to the liver. In some cases, liver transplantation may be necessary for individuals with advanced liver disease.

In conclusion, autoimmune hepatitis is a condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the liver cells, causing inflammation and damage. It is important for individuals who experience symptoms to seek medical attention, as early treatment can prevent the progression of the disease and the development of serious complications.

WHAT CAN I DO  AT HOME TO PREVENT MORE LIVER INJURY?

WHAT TREATMENTS SHOULD I DISCUSS WITH MY DOCTOR?

At each clinic visit you should consider discussing the following items with your healthcare provider:

• Your alcohol intake and strategies to quit or minimize alcohol use to prevent additional liver damage.

• Your weight and strategies to achieve and maintain a healthy weight to prevent additional liver damage.

• Vaccinations.  In general, individuals with liver disease should receive vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, TDAP, yearly influenza vaccination, and be up to date with COVID vaccinations.  Individuals with cirrhosis should also receive pneumonia vaccinations.  A complete list of recommended vaccinations can be obtained from the CDC website on Vaccinations for those with liver disease.  Any of these infections can cause your liver to become much sicker if you are not appropriately protected from vaccination.

• If you have cirrhosis.  If so, you will need to discuss things like regular endoscopies (to screen for varices), regular labs and imaging (to monitor liver function and screen for cancer), and management of liver complications.  If you have cirrhosis, please also visit the patient information page on cirrhosis.

WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP ME?