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Autoimmune hepatitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Autoimmune hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by immune cells that mistake the liver's normal cells as harmful invaders.

Alternative Names:

Lupoid hepatitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A person with autoimmune hepatitis has autoantibodies circulating in the bloodstream that cause the immune system to attack the liver.

This disease is associated with other autoimmune diseases , including the following:

• Thyroiditis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Ulcerative colitis
• Hemolytic anemia
• Proliferative glomerulonephritis

Autoimmune hepatitis sometimes occurs in relatives of people with autoimmune diseases, suggesting a genetic cause.

This disease is most common in young girls and women.

• Review Date: 7/25/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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