Autoimmune Hepatitis Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment | MedStar Health
Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which an overactive immune system targets and damages the liver causing inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can lead to scarring of the liver and ultimately to liver failure.
Early in the disease, there often are no symptoms. Later in the disease, symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal discomfort or swelling, itching, and dark urine.
Risk factors for autoimmune hepatitis
Risk factors for the disease include being female, having other autoimmune disorders, a family member with the disease, and use of certain medications including cholesterol lowering drugs and antibiotics.
Diagnosis
Autoimmune hepatitis will be diagnosed after a series of blood tests and a liver biopsy. Additionally, other testing may include ultrasounds, CT scan, or MRI to evaluate for any complications of the disease and to screen for cancer.
Autoimmune hepatitis treatment
Often, this disease can be controlled with immune suppressant drugs and steroids. If liver failure develops, liver transplant may be a treatment option.
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