Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition when the body’s immune system starts attacking the liver. Joint pain, abdominal discomfort and fatigue are the most common symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rohit Mehtani, assistant professor, department of hepatology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said that when the immune system attacks the liver, it can lead to liver inflammation and scarring. The doctor elaborated on the early symptoms, risk factors and treatment options for autoimmune hepatitis.
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Autoimmune hepatitis: early symptoms
Dr. Rohit Mehtani said, “It can also be detected in someone who has elevated AST and ALT levels during routine blood tests. Patients may also develop acute hepatitis, presenting with symptoms such as loss of appetite, fever, nausea, vomiting, myalgia and jaundice. One-fourth of AIH patients have underlying cirrhosis, i.e. end-stage liver disease, at the time of first diagnosis. Patients with cirrhosis may present with blood in vomit or stool, jaundice, fluid in the abdomen or confusion/unconsciousness. The most severe form is acute liver failure, in which patients develop confusion, drowsiness or coma after the onset of acute hepatitis.”
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Autoimmune hepatitis: risk factors
The exact cause of autoimmune hepatitis is unknown. However, people with autoimmune conditions such as vitiligo, type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, lupus, or celiac disease have a higher risk of developing autoimmune hepatitis.
Autoimmune hepatitis: diagnosis and treatment
Autoimmune hepatitis should be considered whenever the cause of liver disease is unclear. Blood tests to check for the presence of immunoglobulins (IgG) and auto-antibodies (ANA, SMA, LKM-1, etc.) help differentiate AIH from other liver diseases. Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis includes medications such as steroids and azathioprine that suppress the immune system, thereby slowing or stopping the disease progression and reversing liver scarring. However, patients with advanced cirrhosis and liver failure are advised to go for liver transplantation.
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