Autoimmune hepatitis is a liver pathology in which the human immune system produces specific antibodies to its own hepatocytes (liver cells).
The cause of this disease has not yet been determined. Most scientists are inclined to the theory of a congenital defect in the immune system. However, you can not discount the hereditary predisposition and the negative impact of agents of viral hepatitis. Women are more susceptible to this disease than men.
Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis
The clinical manifestations of the disease are very diverse. In some people, autoimmune hepatitis is asymptomatic for many years, in others it quickly leads to liver failure. The main signs of the disease:
- General weakness and rapid fatigue;
- nausea;
- loss of appetite;
- pain in the right subcostal region;
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and sclerae);
- muscle and joint pain;
- itchy skin.
Sometimes autoimmune hepatitis develops acutely. In this case, in terms of symptoms, it resembles viral hepatitis. Body temperature rises, pronounced jaundice appears, the blood shows an increase in liver enzymes.
Who is at risk for autoimmune hepatitis?
About 70 percent of people with autoimmune hepatitis are women, usually between the ages of 15 and 40. Many people with the disease also have other autoimmune conditions, including type 1 diabetes, thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland), ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon), vitiligo (focal loss of skin pigmentation), or Sjögren’s syndrome (dry eyes and dry mouth).
Causes of autoimmune hepatitis
The causes of the development of this disease to date are not completely clear. It is proved that 80-85% of patients suffering from it, there is a genetic feature – adherence to the antigens of the HLA complex, causing a high probability of developing diseases of autoimmune nature. Provoke pathology can:
- Some infections (measles virus, hepatitis virus, Epstein-Barr);
- Medications;
- Immunodeficiencies.
Facts about autoimmune hepatitis
- It is a serious condition that can worsen over time if left untreated.
- It can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.
- It is a rare disease that affects women 4 times more often than men.
- Those with other autoimmune diseases have a 25-50% chance of developing another one and therefore a high risk for developing autoimmune hepatitis.
Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis
The leading goal of treatment of autoimmune hepatitis is to reduce the activity of the immune system against the cells of your own body. For this purpose, immunosuppressors – drugs that depress immunity – are used. As a rule, treatment is started with monotherapy, but if it is ineffective or in cases of combined pathology, several (2 or 3) drugs are used at once, combining glucocorticoids with cytostatics. The course of treatment is long – from six months to 2-3 years, and sometimes the patient is recommended to take therapy for life.
If treatment with immunosuppressors for 4 years does not lead to remission of the disease, as well as in cases of exceptionally poor patient tolerance to these drugs, the only alternative to drug treatment is liver transplantation.
Prevention
If treatment is followed, many people with autoimmune hepatitis have a normal life expectancy. Preventing the development of autoimmune hepatitis is quite difficult, since today specialists do not know the exact factors that provoke the development of the disease. It is recommended to timely treat diseases caused by viral infections affecting the liver. It is worth taking with caution medicines that have a hepatotoxic effect. The risk group for the development of the disease includes patients with thyroiditis, ulcerative colitis, Sjögren’s disease and liver pathologies. In this case, it is worthwhile to undergo regular preventive examinations and treatment.
When autoimmune hepatitis is detected, it is possible to carry out prevention of complications. It includes adherence to diet, limitation of physical and emotional stress. It is recommended to monitor the condition of the liver and regularly visit a hepatologist or gastroenterologist, monitor the level of liver enzymes and autoantibodies.
Dietary adherence
Dietary adherence in autoimmune hepatitis plays a key role in maintaining liver health and reducing inflammation. A balanced diet rich in vitamins (C, E, D), minerals (selenium, zinc, copper) and proteins (chicken, fish, non-fat yogurt) is recommended. Saturated fats, cholesterol, alcohol should be avoided and sugar should be limited. It is important to include fiber from vegetables, fruits and cereals to normalize cholesterol levels and improve liver function.
The role of physical activity in autoimmune hepatitis
Regular moderate physical activity also plays an important role in the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. It helps to improve blood circulation, normalize metabolism and reduce inflammation. Exercise helps strengthen the immune system and maintain normal body weight levels, which is especially important in liver disease.
However, it is important to avoid strenuous exercise, which can put additional strain on the liver and worsen the condition. Regular walks in the fresh air, light exercise and yoga classes are recommended to help keep physical activity and emotional well-being at an appropriate level.
Conclusion
Autoimmune hepatitis is a serious disease that requires timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. Despite the fact that the exact causes of its occurrence have not yet been established, it is important to follow the recommended treatment, lead a healthy lifestyle and monitor the condition of the liver. The use of immunosuppressants, diet, moderate physical activity and regular medical monitoring can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and prevent the development of complications. Prevention and early diagnosis play a key role in the successful control of this disease.
