Definition

Autoimmune hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by immune cells that mistake the liver's normal cells as harmful invaders.

Alternative Names

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:

• Thyroiditis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Ulcerative colitis
• Hemolytic anemia
• Proliferative glomerulonephritis

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

• Dark urine
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
• Abdominal distention
• Generalized itching
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Nausea and vomiting

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease include amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

Signs and tests

• Liver biopsy showing chronic hepatitis
• Abnormal liver function tests

Tests associated with autoimmune hepatitis:

• Positive ANA
• Positive anti-liver kidney microsomal antibody
• Positive anti-mitochondrial antibody
• Higher than normal sedimentation rate
• Higher than normal serum IgG

Treatment

Prednisone or other corticosteroids help reduce the inflammation. Azathioprine and mercaptopurine are drugs used to treat other autoimmune disorders, which have shown to help patients with autoimmune hepatitis as well.

Support Groups

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome varies. Corticosteroid therapy may slow the disease progression. However, autoimmune hepatitis may progress to cirrhosis and require liver transplant.

Complications

• Cirrhosis
• Liver cell failure
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Complications related to steroids and other medications

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.

Images

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process, and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch.)

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. ©1997-2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.