Autoimmune Hepatitis

What Is Autoimmune Hepatitis?

Autoimmune hepatitis is a disorder in which the body’s immune system turns against liver cells leading to inflammation, liver damage, and swelling. It is an acute (short-term) disorder, if left untreated may lead to scar formation and ultimately will lead to cirrhosis. Generally, immunosuppressants are prescribed, but it is only effective in early detection. If the medications fail to suppress the activity, a liver transplant is advised.

Several women than men are affected by autoimmune hepatitis. There is no permanent cure for autoimmune hepatitis, and it can be only managed with medicines or a liver transplant is advised.

Autoimmune Hepatitis Treatment

Types of Autoimmune Hepatitis

There are two types:

  • Type 1 is more common. It is more likely to impact women between the age group of 15-40, although people of any age/gender can contract it.
  • Type 2 is more common among girls aged 2-14

What Are The Symptoms Of Autoimmune Hepatitis?

  • Pain in liver
  • Poor appetite
  • Tiredness
  • Joint pain
  • Jaundice
  • Skin rashes

Diagnosis

Doctors will go through your medical history and do a physical examination. Other lab tests and imaging include:

  • Liver function tests
  • Coagulation to check the clotting proteins
  • Complete Blood Count
  • Autoimmune antibodies
  • MRI & CT scans
  • Liver biopsy
  • Electrolyte panel to check if there’s an imbalance in electrolytes

Liver transplant as treatment option

The doctors may consider a liver transplantation surgery is considered when the complications arising due to hepatitis cannot be controlled by treatment.

In a Liver transplantation surgery, the diseased liver is removed and replaced with a healthy one from an organ donor. It is major surgery. Over a period due to improvements in immunosuppressant drugs and follow-up care, the survival rates have improved.

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