Autoimmune hepatitis is an infection of the liver. It is characterized by an “immune attack” of the liver’s components and cells.
This attack results in inflammation and damage to the liver. The immune system is responsible for protection from pathogens and other harmful foreign substances.
Autoimmune hepatitis gets worsened if not treated on time. It could lead to liver failure and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis occurs when the healthy tissues of the liver is replaced by scars –this blocks hepatic circulation (the flow of blood through the liver). Liver failure occurs when the liver does not function at physiological capacity.
Autoimmune diseases are diseases which arise as a result of the body being attacked by its own immune system. The attack is carried out by proteins known as autoantibodies; a process known as autoimmunity.
Our immune system produces antibodies on a daily basis to help combat infections. However, sometimes, the immune system could produce autoantibodies. Autoimmunity is triggered by a number of environmental factors including toxins, medications, bacteria and viruses.
Autoimmune hepatitis can be caused by a combination of three factors namely; environmental factors or triggers, autoimmunity, and genetics.
The disorder is more common in females. However, men are also at risk. There is no age restriction and all ethnic groups are affected.
There are two classes of autoimmune hepatitis – Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis is very common in North America. People of all ages are affected; however, it starts mostly at adolescence or young adulthood. Females make up 70 percent of patients of Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis.
Patients of Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis are usually affected with other autoimmune disorders. Such disorders include:
Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis is not as common as Type 1. However, what should be known is that it occurs more commonly in children than it does in adults. The autoimmune disorders listed above can also occur alongside Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis.
Symptoms most commonly associated with autoimmune hepatitis include:
These symptoms could be mild or severe. Some patients may think they’ve got a mild case of the flu. Others may not exhibit the symptoms, even after diagnosis of the disease. However, the symptom does show up later.
Diagnosis will be made by your healthcare provider based on results obtained from a liver biopsy, symptoms, blood tests and a physical exam.
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and also carry out a physical examination on you. Your alcohol use and medications will also be checked (note that some medications have the potential to damage the liver, e.g. acetaminophen). Blood test is usually required for an accurate diagnosis because autoimmune disorders and autoimmune hepatitis do share similar symptoms.
A liver biopsy involves extracting a piece of your liver tissue and analyzing it under a microscope for signs of damage. You may be required to stop taking some medications prior to the biopsy. You will also be asked to fast for at least 8 hours before the biopsy takes place.
Treatment for autoimmune diseases and hepatitis (autoimmune hepatitis) is aimed at suppressing the overactive immune system. A liver transplant may also be required in extreme cases. Treatment is more effective if the disorder is diagnosed early. People with autoimmune hepatitis usually respond positively to standard treatments. A prolonged response can reverse some damage that has been done to the liver.
Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids acts to reduce swelling and also suppress the activity of the immune system. A daily dose of prednisone can treat both types of autoimmune hepatitis. At the initial stage, dosage may be high, but as the condition improves, the dosage administered is lowered. The aim of treatment is to find the lowest dose that can effectively control the condition. Prednisone has attendant side effects include which include:
Immune system suppressors: These are medications that inhibits the activities of the immune system. By so doing, the production of autoantibodies is suppressed, thus creating a barrier to the immune reaction that enhances inflammation. Physicians make use of azathioprine alongside prednisone to treat hepatitis and autoimmune diseases. However, use of azathioprine alongside prednisone does have some side effects. Why? Because the dose of prednisone is lowered when combined with azathioprine. Such side effects include:
Because azathioprine suppresses the immune system, it is essential that patients go for regular blood cell counts, as the white blood cell count could be lowered beyond normal. If the side effects are so severe, then there may be need to discontinue with the therapy.
Liver transplant: This is another remedy for autoimmune diseases and hepatitis. This is necessary when the disorder has progressed to end-stage liver failure and cirrhosis. During liver transplant, the diseased liver is removed and replaced with a healthy one. The healthy liver is obtained from a donor. Liver failure and autoimmune hepatitis share similar symptoms including:
It should be noted that patients of autoimmune diseases and hepatitis usually respond to treatment and in most cases, the disorder can be controlled.
Manns MP, Czaja AJ, Gorham JD, et al. Diagnosis and management of autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatology. 2010; 51(5): 1-31.
Written by Mark Riegel, MD
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