The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Autoimmune Hepatitis (Detailed)

Liver disease of autoimmune origin presenting with chronic hepatitis.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Autoimmune Hepatitis (Detailed)?

Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory liver disease caused by the immune system attacking liver cells. It is classified by autoantibody profile as type 1 (ANA, anti-smooth muscle antibody) and type 2 (anti-LKM1, anti-LC1). It is 3-4 times more common in women than men.

The disease may begin with acute hepatitis or follow an insidious course. Interface hepatitis, plasma cell infiltration, and rosette formation are characteristic in liver histology. Risk of cirrhosis and liver failure is high in untreated cases.

International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) scoring system is used in diagnosis. Other liver diseases (viral hepatitis, Wilson, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, drug toxicity) must be excluded. Early initiation of treatment dramatically improves prognosis.

Symptoms

Weakness and chronic fatigue
Right upper quadrant pain
Jaundice and pruritus
Loss of appetite and nausea
Joint pains
Amenorrhea and menstrual irregularities
Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly
Ascites and peripheral edema (advanced stage)

Risk Factors

Female sex
HLA-DR3 or HLA-DR4 positivity
Family history of autoimmune disease
Viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, EBV)
Drugs (nitrofurantoin, minocycline, infliximab)
Other autoimmune diseases (thyroiditis, celiac)
Environmental toxins
Postpartum period

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Unexplained elevation of liver enzymes
  • Chronic weakness and fatigue
  • Development of jaundice
  • Abdominal swelling and edema
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Those with another autoimmune disease diagnosis

Treatment Methods

01
Prednisolone (high dose for induction)
02
Azathioprine as steroid-sparing in maintenance therapy
03
Budesonide as alternative in non-cirrhotic cases
04
Mycophenolate mofetil in azathioprine intolerance
05
Tacrolimus or cyclosporine in resistant cases
06
Osteoporosis prophylaxis (calcium, vitamin D)
07
Liver transplantation in decompensated cirrhosis
08
Regular liver enzyme and IgG monitoring

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.