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Autoimmune hepatitis - Overview

Alternative Names

Lupoid hepatitis

Definition of Autoimmune hepatitis:

Autoimmune hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that occurs when immune cells mistake the liver's normal cells for harmful invaders and attack them.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

This disease is associated with other autoimmune diseases, including:

Autoimmune hepatitis sometimes occurs in relatives of people with autoimmune diseases, which suggests that there is a genetic cause.

This disease is most common in young girls and women.

Digestive system

Digestive system organs

Reviewed last on: 2/21/2009
George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Luxon BA. Diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Gastroenterology Clinics. June 2008;37.

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