What is autoimmune hepatitis?

Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic disease whose agents and mechanisms of action are not well understood.

Causes

There is no single isolated causal factor. The most accepted hypothesis is the interaction between genetic predisposition, an external triggering agent, and the immune system response.

Symptoms

The condition is generally asymptomatic, presenting only with laboratory abnormalities or with signs and symptoms of decompensation of advanced liver disease (hepatic cirrhosis).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through a combination of criteria, including: sex, altered transaminase levels, increased gamma globulins, presence of autoantibodies, absence of viral hepatitis markers, exclusion of medication, drug, and alcohol use, presence of autoimmune diseases in family members, liver biopsy changes, and therapeutic response.

Treatment

Conventional treatment consists of using prednisone as monotherapy or in combination with azathioprine. Response rates are equivalent between these two approaches; however, the combination of prednisone and azathioprine offers a better chance of reducing side effects profile.

Prevention

No preventive mechanisms have been identified.

Incidence in Brazil

Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare disease. Despite limited studies, its prevalence is estimated to range from 5% to 19% among patients treated at specialized centers in Brazil.

By Einstein Editorial Board