Autoimmune Hepatitis
What is it?
It is a progressive inflammation of the liver
due to an abnormality of the immune system.
Who gets it?
Primarily affects women, may begin at any age,
although most common in adolescents. Individuals
with other Autoimmune disorders are also at risk.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may include fatigue, aching joints,
abdominal discomfort, and jaundice. Liver
enlargement may lead to cirrhosis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by blood tests: Antinuclear
antibody positive (ANA), Anti-smooth muscle
antibody positive (ASMA), Anti-mitochondrial
antibody positive (AMA) and confirmation with a
liver biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment consists of taking immunosuppression
medications such as Prednisone and Azathioprine
to decrease the inflammation. Long term therapy
is generally required to control the disease.
Patients that do not respond to treatment may
develop cirrhosis of the liver and require
eventual liver transplantation.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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