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Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune Hepatitis
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Autoimmune hepatitis is a liver condition that occurs when the immune system of the body attacks the liver. This causes liver enzymes to rise as liver cells are injured and burst. This leads to decreased liver function, which may cause jaundice.

Autoimmune hepatitis is not caused by a virus or bacteria and is not a contagious condition. No one knows what triggers the immune system to react against the liver. The condition is often associated with other autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune hepatitis is classified into two types. Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis is the most common and typically starts in adolescence or young adulthood. Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis is less common and affects children aged 2 to 14.

Children with autoimmune hepatitis may not feel or show any symptoms.

Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Acute liver disease
  • Dark urine
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Fatigue
  • General discomfort, uneasiness or ill feeling
  • Generalized itching
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
  • Liver failure
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pale or clay-colored stools
  • Swollen abdomen

Diagnosis of Autoimmune Hepatitis

If your child experiences any of the symptoms of hepatitis, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Riley at IU Health can perform the following exams and tests to make a diagnosis:

  • Physical exam. A pediatric specialist may find an enlarged liver or spleen during an examination of your child’s body.
  • Blood tests. Many blood tests are used to check for the different forms of hepatitis. Types of blood tests include:
    • Liver enzyme. A liver enzyme blood test shows elevated levels of alanine transaminase (AST) and aspartate transaminase (ALT) liver enzymes in patients with a liver condition.
    • Prothrombin time. A prothrombin time blood test measures the time it takes for plasma (liquid portion of blood) to clot and shows if the liver is working well.
    • Autoantibody. An autoantibody blood test shows if certain autoantibodies are present which suggest autoimmune hepatitis.

Other tests used to make a hepatitis diagnosis include:

  • Liver biopsy
  • Ultrasound

Treatments

Treatments

Autoimmune hepatitis is treated with immune system suppression. Immunosuppressive therapy uses medicines to prevent the body from injuring the liver.

Types of immunosuppressive medicines include:

  • High-dose prednisone (corticosteroid) therapy. This is the most common treatment. Elevated liver enzymes typically return to normal some weeks after therapy begins.
  • Imuran (azathioprine). This medicine may help suppress the immune system so that less prednisone is needed.

Many patients require lifelong immunosuppressive therapy in order to keep inflammation and injury to the liver under control. Sometimes patients can be weaned from the medicines, but these patients should be followed closely to make sure their hepatitis does not relapse.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • Autoimmune hepatitis is a liver condition in which the body attacks its own liver cells.
  • Some patients may be symptom-free.
  • Other patients may develop jaundice as liver function decreases.
  • Medicines that suppress the immune system are used to reduce liver damage.

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Visit the websites below to find support groups and services and learn more about autoimmune hepatitis.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

Riley at IU Health Liver Support Group

The Riley at IU Health Liver Support Group meets one or two times a year for a family-oriented education program and socializing. Topics include testing for liver disease, complications of liver disease, impact of chronic disease on the family, liver transplant, nutrition for liver disease and medicine for liver disease. Please call 317.944.3774 for meeting dates and times.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

This National Institutes of Health website offers information and resources about autoimmune hepatitis, including research and clinical trials.

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Riley Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

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575 Riley Hospital Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46202

317.944.3774

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Departments Treating This Condition

Departments Treating This Condition

  • Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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