User:Mr. Ibrahem/Autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the liver and causes inflammation and liver damage. Symptoms may vary from none, to abnormal liver enzymes, to tiredness, yellowish skin, and upper abdominal pain. Complications may include cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

The cause is unknown. Risk factors include other autoimmune diseases and genetics. It is believed that an environmental event such as a virus or medication may trigger the disease in someone who is predisposed. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, lab tests, and a liver biopsy after ruling out other possible causes.

Treatment is often with a combination of prednisone and azathioprine for at least 3 years. In those who develop liver failure, liver transplant may be an option. Following a liver transplant about 33% have a recurrence. Without treatment survival at 10 years is about 10%.

In Europe about 11 to 25 per 100,000 people are affected with about 1 to 2 per 100,000 newly developing the disease each year. Females are affected 3.6 times more often than males. All ages may be affected. It was first described in the 1950s by Waldenstrom.