Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune chronic hepatitis typically occurs in women between the ages of 20 and 40 who have other autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, glomerulonephritis, and hemolytic anemia. Some research indicates that the postmenopausal period may be another peak in incidence of AIH among women. About 30% of patients are men, however, and in both genders there is often no relationship to another autoimmune disease. In general, no major risk factors have been discovered for this condition.

Symptoms of Autoimmune Hepatitis

About 85% of people with chronic active autoimmune hepatitis do not have severe symptoms at all. When symptoms occur, they range from minimal to severe, and include fatigue, jaundice, fever, and weight loss. The liver and spleen are often enlarged. In addition, patients with this condition may experience skin disorders, including palmar erythema (red palms) and spider angioma (a blood-red spot, the size of a pinhead, from which tiny blood vessels radiate like spider legs). Itching is not common, however. The abdomen or legs may be swollen due to the accumulation of fluid.

Tests for Autoimmune Chronic Hepatitis

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If a patient experiences symptoms of chronic active hepatitis for six months or more and a virus cannot be identified, then autoimmune hepatitis is usually suspected. There are other autoimmune liver diseases, however, that can confuse a diagnosis. To help confirm this condition, test results may show high levels of immune factors called serum globulins or certain antibodies to liver proteins. In some cases, a successful trial of steroid drugs may be the only way to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis.

Outlook for Autoimmune Hepatitis