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DIGESTIVE SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Autoimmune Hepatitis

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How is Autoimmune Hepatitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

To receive an autoimmune hepatitis diagnosis, your doctor will perform a physical exam to check for any signs of the disease. They will ask after your symptoms and review your medical history—medications you are currently taking, your alcohol use, and whether you have an autoimmune disease.

Your physician may order certain autoimmune hepatitis tests, including:

  • Autoimmune hepatitis blood tests. These blood tests can evaluate how well the liver is functioning, check for inflammation, and determine the presence of antibodies associated with the disease.
  • Imaging tests. An ultrasound, CT scan, or an MRI can help detect cirrhosis of the liver or other signs of autoimmune hepatitis.
  • Liver biopsy. A sample of liver tissue is extracted using a thin needle that’s passed through a small incision. The sample is sent to a lab and analyzed under a microscope.

How is Autoimmune Hepatitis Treated?

Treatment

Autoimmune hepatitis treatments may differ depending on how far the disease has progressed. With early detection, most cases are treated with medication. Advanced conditions may require a liver transplant.

Medication

Certain medications can control the progression of autoimmune hepatitis, and prevent or even reverse liver damage. Most patients go on to live long, healthy lives.

Medications for treatment of autoimmune hepatitis can include:

  • Steroids, such as prednisone or budesonide.
  • Immune suppressants, including azathioprine, mycophenolate, or tacrolimus. These immune suppressants are for more long-term control and can allow for people to be taken off steroids.

Some patients may have to be on these medications for the rest of their lives. To reduce side effects, the liver disease experts at NewYork-Presbyterian will prescribe the lowest possible dose of steroids and immune suppressants, and work to prevent any complications from long-term use.

Liver transplant

In advanced cases of autoimmune hepatitis, where the patient has developed cirrhosis or liver failure, a liver transplant may be required. Your doctor will evaluate you to determine if you can be put on a list to receive a healthy liver from a donor.

FAQs

FAQs

There is no cure for autoimmune hepatitis. But with proper medication, most patients have a normal life expectancy and don’t require liver transplants.

Autoimmune hepatitis is not contagious.

Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare disease that affects approximately 1 in every 100,000 people.

Certain drugs may cause flare ups of autoimmune hepatitis, including minocycline, nitrofurantoin, hydralazine, methyldopa, statins, fenofibrate, alpha and beta interferon, infliximab, and etanercept.

If you have a close family member with autoimmune hepatitis, you may inherit a predisposition to the disease.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Autoimmune Hepatitis Treatment

Early detection is essential in the fight against autoimmune hepatitis. At NewYork-Presbyterian, our doctors are experts in identifying the symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis, so you can get an accurate diagnosis and start your treatment plan. Our Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation is home to exceptional surgeons who specialize in liver transplants.