Re: Autoimmune Hepatitis

Posted By HFHSM.D.-KB on May 08, 1998 at 13:12:05:

In Reply to: Autoimmune Hepatitis posted by Karen on May 07, 1998 at 15:45:13:






I was just wondering about a form of hepatitis which is usually associated w/ certain connective tissue disorders.  I was dx'd w/
mild lupus and Sjogren's syndrome and have been maintaining relatively good health until recently... I have been experiencing pains right under my ribs on the right side and sometimes I get very nauseated.  My rheumatologist just ordered some bloodwork including a blood chemistry screen and a test for smooth muscle antibodies.  As I understood, this particular antibody test may indicate liver involvement.  I just wanted to know how serious autoimmune hepatitis is, and are the symptoms the same as other types of hepatitis.  I keep reading conflicting information, and
just want a professional opinion on this matter.  Thanks so much for your time.
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Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that affects primarily young or middle aged women.  It is often associated with other diseases of the immune system such as lupus, Sjogrens syndrome, thyroid disease and others.  Having any of these autoimmune diseases as we call them does not predict whether you have liver involvement.  In fact most patients with lupus for example do not have any liver disease.  The antismooth muscle antibody is non specific and may be elevated due to your other diseases.  By itself it does not suggest liver disease.
A diagnosis of autoimmune liver disease requires blood work to establish that your liver tests are abnormal, other blood work to exclude other causes of liver disease and typically a liver biopsy.
The treatment for autoimmune liver disease is steroids and often Imuran which both serve to supress the immune damage done to the liver.
I hope this helps.  You may wish to seek the advice of a liver specialist if your liver tests are found to be abnormal. It should be fairly easy to start the evaluation where you are.  Once you get more information, I can probably provide you with more additional information.   If you dont feel, youre getting the help you need or want to contact us directly at Henry Ford, we would encourage you to call us at [phone].
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation.  Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.