Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is liver inflammation that occurs when your body's immune system turns against liver cells, instead of fighting viruses and bacteria as it was designed to do. This attack on your liver can lead to chronic inflammation, which left untreated can result in scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and eventually liver failure.

The exact cause of autoimmune hepatitis is unclear, but both genetic and environmental factors appear to interact over time to trigger the disease. Other autoimmune disorders like celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis or ulcerative colitis are often present in people with AIH.

There are two main subtypes of the disease. Type 1 AIH is the more common variety and can occur at any age; Type 2 AIH is mostly associated with children and young people. About one in 5,000 people are affected with autoimmune hepatitis, making it a relatively rare condition.

At SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, our team of experts is passionate about helping children with liver conditions live long, healthy lives and is committed to offering the latest advancements in care. If your child has been diagnosed with pediatric autoimmune hepatitis, call us today at 314-268-4010 to schedule an appointment to learn how we can help.

Symptoms of Pediatric Autoimmune Hepatitis

The signs of autoimmune hepatitis vary depending on the individual and may come on quite suddenly. During the early stages of the disease, many patients will show few (if any) symptoms.

For those that do exhibit symptoms, these are the most common:

• Fatigue
• Nausea or poor appetite
• Abdominal discomfort
• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• An enlarged liver
• Abnormal blood vessels on the skin (spider angiomas)
• Skin rashes
• Joint pains
• Loss of menstrual periods in adolescents

In addition to heredity, another risk factor for AIH can be a history with certain infections (measles, herpes simplex, Epstein-Barr virus) or hepatitis A, B or C exposure. Certain medicines may also trigger the disease.

Although both males and females can develop the condition, it is far more common in girls – about 80% of AIH cases are female.

Diagnosis of AIH

In addition to physical examination, one or more blood tests that measure various liver enzymes and antibodies may be used to help diagnose autoimmune hepatitis.

Your doctor may also order additional tests to look for other liver conditions that have similar symptoms, as well as recommending imaging tests or a liver biopsy so that he or she can examine your child’s liver tissue more closely.

Treating Autoimmune Hepatitis in Children

There is no cure for AIH, but when diagnosed and treated early the condition can often be controlled with drugs that suppress the immune system. Avoiding substances known to cause liver damage, as well as nutrition management to ensure children get the proper nutrients, are other essential steps for people with this condition.

The long-term prognosis for patients with this condition is good with appropriate treatment. In about 7 out of 10 people, the disease will eventually go into remission.

Liver Transplant

For those with more severe or non-responsive cases of AIH who progress towards liver failure, the next treatment option is liver transplantation. Fortunately, this group of patients has a favorable long-term outlook as well.

We understand that learning your child has autoimmune hepatitis or any chronic medical condition can be a very stressful time for your family. That’s why our SLUCare Physician Group surgeons at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital are here to support you every step of the way. Call us today at 314-268-4010 to schedule an appointment or to request a second opinion.