Autoimmune hepatitis
Definition
Autoimmune hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that occurs when immune cells mistake the liver's normal cells for harmful invaders and attack them.
Causes
This disease is associated with other autoimmune diseases, including:
- Hemolytic anemia
- Proliferative glomerulonephritis
- 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.
Symptoms
- Abdominal distention
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
- Generalized itching
- General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pale or clay-colored stools
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease include absence of menstruation (amenorrhea).
Treatment
Prednisone or other corticosteroid medications help reduce the inflammation. Azathioprine and 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.
Prognosis
The outcome varies. Corticosteroid therapy may slow the disease progression. However, autoimmune hepatitis may worsen to cirrhosis and require a liver transplant.
Prevention
Autoimmune hepatitis is usually not preventable. Awareness of risk factors may allow early detection and treatment.