Autoimmune Hepatitis

[sukumarroy]

My mother was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis on first week of March 2009 by one of the Doctor (MD, DM – Gastro) in Mumbai.

My mother has undergone liver biopsy and several tests. Liver biopsy and some of the test results are reported below which shows suggestive Autoimmune Hepatitis (detailed report is attached with this email):

Liver Biopsy: Chronic hepatitis with onset of cirrhotic changes; HAI score 3 + 3 = 6, Suggestive of autoimmune hepatitis.

Liver Profile: SGOT, UV with P5P = 85 U/L; GGTP, G-glutamyl-p-nitroanilide = 241 U/L; Alkaline Phosphatase, PNP-AMP Buffer = 158 U/L.

Anti Nuclear Antibody: Positive; Titre = 1:320; Pattern - FINE SPECKLED

My mother has symptoms like abdominal discomfort, acidity & flatulence, constipation, piles, joint pain since 15 yrs and itching & skin rash from last 2 yrs.

Doctor has suggested that the only possible medication is immediate Steroids and Azathioprine therapy. As explained by doctor, steroids therapy can cause various side effects which may lead to different complication during and post therapy.

We are unable to decide whether we should go for Steroid Therapy. We are looking for following:

- Whether the case is a confirmed case of Autoimmune Hepatitis. If any doubt, what are the tests to be done for final confirmation.

- If the therapy is necessary, what are the further investigation/tests to be done before starting the therapy to avoid major complications and side effects?

- What could be the duration and possible steps of therapy?

- What are the possible side effects and recommended precaution for the same?

- What are the observation required during therapy and post therapy?

- Any food or dietary restrictions during therapy?

- Success rate of the therapy.


We understand that this is one of many such requests that come across your desk and greatly appreciate any guidance that you can lend.


Thank you, in advance, for your help. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,


Sukumar Nath Roy

Mobile No.: 00971 50 1363931

Email: sukumar.***@****

[portann]

Hi Suku,

I see you haven't had any replies to your post. There are quite a few posts about autoimmune hepatitis in this forum's archives but it may be more productive for you to copy and past your posy into the new MedHelp Autoimmune Hepatits Community.

Here is a copy with link from a recent MedHelp announcement:

       Announcing the new Autoimmune Hepatitis Community
       by Med Help
       Feb 14, 2008 11:03AM
       Hi,

       We're pleased to announce the opening of a new Autoimmune
       Hepatitis  community.
      
       This was requested by several users and we hope you will visit.

       The forum is located at: http://www.medhelp.org/forums/show/224.

      Thank you and keep the suggestions coming.

      MedHelp

[liverdz926]

Hi,

I was diagnosed w/ AIH ALMOST 9 yrs ago.  I am on 10 mg prednisone and 100 mg of immuran.  I'm blessed, I work for GI doctors.  My doc is always reading on new things coming out trying to help me w/my liver dz.  He just recently found out that Entocort would be beneficial for me in taking the place of prednisone.  I am on 9 mg.  Well, where do I begin.  Almost instantly I lost 19 lbs of water retention (due to prednisone).  The entocort metabolizes in the liver unlike the prednison which travels everywhere causing osteoporosis, bone loss, etc.  I feel great.  I just spoke to him yesterday regarding my liver.  He states that a person can live w/just 30% of their liver for the rest of their lives.  I also spoke to a Hepatologist specailist at the Univ of MIami, he states that he has seen people live almost 30 yrs and be on the regimen of prednison and immuran.  You might want to ask about the entocort.  I've been on it for almost 4 months now.  I take my blood once a month to make sure my liver counts aren't going up.  Although it does have side effects, don't lose hope.  Chances are, she will have to be on it for life.  But isn't her life worth keeping?

liverdz926