Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks liver cells. This immune response causes inflammation of the liver, also called hepatitis. Researchers think a genetic factor may make some people more susceptible to autoimmune diseases. About percent of those with autoimmune hepatitis are female.The disease is usually quite serious and, if not treated, gets worse over time. Autoimmune hepatitis is typically chronic, meaning it can last for years, and can lead to cirrhosis scarring and hardening of the liver. Eventually, liver failure can result.
Autoimmune hepatitis is classified as type or type .

Type is the most common form in North America. It can occur at any age but most often starts in adolescence or young adulthood. About half of those with type have other autoimmune disorder One job of the immune system is to protect the body from viruses, bacteria, and other living organisms. The immune system usually does not react against the body’s own cells. However, sometimes it attacks the cells it is supposed to protect; this response is called autoimmunity. Researchers think certain bacteria, viruses, toxins, and drugs trigger an autoimmune response in people who are genetically susceptible to developing an autoimmune disorder.

People in advanced stages of the disease are more likely to have symptoms related to chronic liver disease, such as fluid in the abdomen also called ascites and mental confusion. Women may stop having menstrual periods.Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis range from mild to severe. Because severe viral hepatitis or hepatitis caused by a drug for example, certain antibiotics have the same symptoms as autoimmune hepatitis, tests may be needed for an exact diagnosis. Doctors should also review and rule out all medicines a patient is taking before diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis.

Treatment works best when autoimmune hepatitis is diagnosed early. With proper treatment, autoimmune hepatitis can usually be controlled. In fact, studies show that sustained response to treatment stops the disease from getting worse and may reverse some of the damage.The primary treatment is medicine to suppress, or slow down, an overactive immune system.Both types of autoimmune hepatitis are treated with daily doses of a corticosteroid called prednisone. Treatment may begin with a high dose mg per day and be lowered per day as the disease is controlled. The goal is to find the lowest possible dose that will control the disease.