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ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)
ASMA (Anti-Smooth Muscle Antibodies)
Anti-LKM1 (especially in children)
Autoimmune Hepatitis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells, causing inflammation and damage. This can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) and liver failure if not treated. It often develops slowly and may go unnoticed until significant liver damage occurs.
Fatigue
Joint pain
Nausea or poor appetite
Pain in the upper right abdomen
Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
Dark urine, pale stools
Itchy skin
Menstrual irregularities
Enlarged liver or spleen
Spider-like blood vessels on the skin
Genetic predisposition (especially HLA-DR3 or HLA-DR4 genes)
Viral infections (e.g., hepatitis A, B, or C)
Certain medications or toxins
Hormonal factors (more common in women)
Other autoimmune diseases (like type 1 diabetes or thyroiditis)
Environmental triggers (e.g., pollution or chemicals)
Blood tests for liver enzymes (ALT, AST)
Autoantibodies: ANA, ASMA, anti-LKM1
High IgG levels (a type of antibody)
Liver biopsy to confirm inflammation and rule out other causes
Exclusion of hepatitis viruses, alcohol damage, and medication reactions
Steroids (usually prednisone) to reduce inflammation
Immunosuppressants like azathioprine to maintain remission
Lifelong monitoring and medication in many cases
In severe cases, a liver transplant may be needed
Many people achieve long-term remission with treatment
Without treatment, it can lead to cirrhosis or liver failure
Early treatment greatly improves outcomes
Affects approximately 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people
More common in women and often diagnosed between ages 15–40
Mayo Clinic. Autoimmune Hepatitis.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autoimmune-hepatitis
NIDDK. Autoimmune Hepatitis.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/autoimmune-hepatitis
Manns MP et al. (2015). Autoimmune hepatitis – update 2015. J Hepatol, 62(1 Suppl), S100–S111.
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