Autoimmune hepatitis

Overview

Autoimmune hepatitis can come on slowly or suddenly.

Without treatment, it can lead to cirrhosis.

The immune system attacks the liver.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Tiredness

Less common

• Yellow skin
• Joint pain

Look up a symptom: Fatigue · Pain in many joints · Yellow skin or eyes

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Women
• People with other autoimmune diseases: Like thyroid disease or celiac disease

Possible complications

• Cirrhosis (liver scarring): If it isn't treated
• Liver cancer: A small extra risk with cirrhosis

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Liver tests:
• Biopsy:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Avoid alcohol

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Get hepatitis A and B vaccines

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist (liver doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Liver Foundation: Helpline and support groups for liver disease.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women: More common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment controls it for most.

Most do well with medicine.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• How long will I need treatment?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Autoimmune hepatitis