Autoimmune hepatitis

Question 1

What is autoimmune hepatitis?

Answer 1

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the liver of unknown aetiology.

Question 2

What are the RFs for AIH?

Answer 2

> Female
Genetic predisposition
Immune dysregulation
Viruses and drugs

Question 3

What is the epidemiology of AIH?

Answer 3

> Northern Europeans
Previous CLD
10-30 and also 40-60
F>M

Question 4

What are the signs and symptoms of AIH?

Answer 4

Fatigue
Anorexia
Abdominal discomfort
Hepatomegaly
Jaundice
Encephalopathy
(Plus pruritis, arthralgia, nausea, fever and spider angiomata)

Question 5

Which investigations would you do for AIH?

Answer 5

Bloods:
> Aspartate and Alanine Transaminase (Higher, non specific)
> Bilirubin (Raised)
> GGT (Raised)
> Alk Phos (raised)
> Serum Globulin (Raised)
> Serum Albumin (Decreased)
> Prothrombin time (Prolonged)