Hepatology

Autoimmune Liver Disease

Autoimmune liver disease, or autoimmune hepatitis, is a chronic disorder where the immune system attacks its own organs and tissues, destroying liver cells and damaging bile ducts. As cells die, scar tissue forms (fibrosis). The exact cause of this disease is not known, but some diseases, toxins, and drugs are linked to triggering autoimmune hepatitis in high-risk people, especially women. Autoimmune hepatitis is associated with a disorder called hypergammaglobulinemia, which occurs when blood contains too many circulating protein antibodies.

Autoimmune hepatitis is more common in women, but it can occur at any age and affects all ethnic groups. Fatigue, joint pain, nausea, skin rashes, loss of appetite, and pain or discomfort in the liver area are some of the most common symptoms. Diagnostic procedures, such as laboratory blood tests and liver biopsy, along with medical history and physical examination, are used to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis. When treatment is started early, the disease can be controlled with medicines. If the disease doesn't respond to drug treatments or if the disease is in advanced stages, liver transplant may be an option. Left untreated, the disease may lead to liver failure.