Autoimmune hepatitis is a disorder in which the body’s immune system turns against liver cells leading to inflammation, liver damage, and swelling. It is an acute (short-term) disorder, if left untreated may lead to scar formation and ultimately will lead to cirrhosis. Generally, immunosuppressants are prescribed, but it is only effective in early detection. If the medications fail to suppress the activity, a liver transplant is advised.
Several women than men are affected by autoimmune hepatitis. There is no permanent cure for autoimmune hepatitis, and it can be only managed with medicines or a liver transplant is advised.
There are two types:
Doctors will go through your medical history and do a physical examination. Other lab tests and imaging include:
The doctors may consider a liver transplantation surgery is considered when the complications arising due to hepatitis cannot be controlled by treatment.
In a Liver transplantation surgery, the diseased liver is removed and replaced with a healthy one from an organ donor. It is major surgery. Over a period due to improvements in immunosuppressant drugs and follow-up care, the survival rates have improved.
We are available 7 days a week and have specific clinic hours with all doctors on staff. Outside of normal clinic hours you can receive an on call Doctor or Nurse at your nearby hospital if needed.
