Autoimmune Hepatitis Flashcards
What is autoimmune hepatitis?
It is defined as a condition in which liver inflammation is related to the targeting of the body’s own immune system
What are the two classifications of autoimmune hepatitis?
Type One Autoimmune Hepatitis
Type Two Autoimmune Hepatitis
What is type one autoimmune hepatitis?
It is defined as the formation of the following antibodies against the liver…
- Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA)
- Anti-smooth muscle antibodies (anti-SMA)
- Anti-soluble liver antigen antibodies (anti-SLA/LP)
Which patient group tend to be affected by type one autoimmune hepatitis?
Women
40 - 50 Years Old
Menopause Stage
What is type two autoimmune hepatitis?
It is defined as the formation of the following antibodies against the liver…
- Anti-liver kidney microsomes-1 antibodies (anti-LKM1)
- Anti-liver cytosol antigen type one antibodies (anti-LC1)
Which patient group tend to be affected by type two autoimmune hepatitis?
Young Adults
What are the four risk factors of autoimmune hepatitis?
Female Gender
Family History
Autoimmune Diseases
Viral Infections
Which six viral infections are associated with autoimmune hepatitis?
Measles
Herpes simplex
Epstein Barr
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
What are the seven clinical features of autoimmune hepatitis?
Abdominal Pain
Jaundice
Amenorrhoea
Arthralgia
Urticarial Rash
Hepatomegaly
Spider Angiomas
What two investigations are used to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis?
Blood Tests
Liver Biopsy
What five blood test results indicate autoimmune hepatitis?
Increased ALT Levels
Increased AST Levels
Increased IgG Levels
Increased Bilirubin Levels
Autoantibody Detection
What is the gold standard investigation used to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis?
Liver biopsy
What are the four features of autoimmune hepatitis on liver biopsy?
Portal Inflammation
Interface Hepatitis
Lymphoplasmacytic Infiltrate
Acinar Transformation of Hepatocytes
What are the two pharmacological management options for autoimmune hepatitis?
Corticosteroids
Immunosuppressants
Name a corticosteroid used to manage autoimmune hepatitis
Prednisolone
What is the first line management option used to manage autoimmune hepatitis?
Corticosteroids
How are corticosteroids administer to manage autoimmune hepatitis?
These are the initial drugs administered
They are then tapered over time as other immunosuppressants are introduced
Name an immunosuppressant used to manage autoimmune hepatitis
Azathioprine
What is the second line management option used to manage autoimmune hepatitis?
Immunosuppressants
How are immunosuppressants administered to manage autoimmune hepatitis?
They are administered chronically to induce remission of disease
What is the surgical management option for autoimmune hepatitis?
Liver transplant
When are liver transplants considered in autoimmune hepatitis?
End stage liver disease
What is important to note about the use of liver transplant to manage autoimmune hepatitis?
It can reoccur in transplanted livers
What are the three complications of autoimmune hepatitis?
Liver Cirrhosis
Liver Failure
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
