Autoimmune hepatitis treatments and liver care
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic condition where the immune system attacks the liver, causing inflammation and long-term damage. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms, prevent cirrhosis and protect liver function.
What is autoimmune hepatitis, and how does it affect the liver?
Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare, chronic liver disease where the immune system attacks liver cells. This can cause inflammation, liver damage and cirrhosis. Diagnosis involves blood tests and sometimes a liver biopsy. Treatment uses medication to control the immune response.
Autoimmune hepatitis symptoms, causes and risks
Understanding symptoms, causes, and risk factors can help you get the right diagnosis and start treatment early to reduce liver damage.
Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis
Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis vary and may not appear until the disease has progressed. Some people have mild signs, while others develop more noticeable symptoms as liver damage increases.
- Ongoing fatigue, low energy or general weakness
- Jaundice, dark urine or pale stools from liver changes
- Joint pain, abdominal discomfort or flu-like symptoms
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Causes of autoimmune hepatitis
The exact cause is unknown, but autoimmune hepatitis occurs when one's immune system attacks the body's own liver cells. This leads to inflammation and can cause long-term liver damage if untreated.
- Immune system triggers, such as viral infections
- Certain medications may affect the immune response
- Genetic factors that increase susceptibility
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Risk factors for autoimmune hepatitis
Some people are more likely to develop autoimmune hepatitis based on existing health conditions, genetics and immune system behaviour.
- More common in women and people with autoimmune disease
- Linked to health conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders
- Family history of autoimmune conditions increases risk
Types and long-term outlook
Autoimmune hepatitis is classified into type 1 and type 2, with type 1 being more common. With treatment, many people achieve remission and manage the condition long term.
- Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis can occur at any age
- Untreated disease may lead to cirrhosis or liver failure
- Long-term treatment and management help control flares and progression
How autoimmune hepatitis is diagnosed
Diagnosis involves building a clear picture of your liver health. Your doctor will assess symptoms, run tests and confirm the diagnosis using a combination of clinical findings.
Review symptoms and history
Your doctor will discuss symptoms, medical history and risk factors. This helps identify if you may have autoimmune hepatitis or another liver condition.
Blood tests and antibodies
Blood tests check liver function and look for certain antibodies. The results help healthcare professionals diagnose autoimmune hepatitis and rule out viral hepatitis.
Liver scan or biopsy
A liver scan or biopsy may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess damage. This helps determine disease stage and guide treatment and long-term management.
Our services for diagnosis and management
Autoimmune hepatitis care often involves testing, monitoring and specialist review. These services support diagnosis, assess liver damage and guide treatment decisions over time.
Speak with a specialist about your liver health
Concerned about symptoms or test results? Our team can help diagnose autoimmune hepatitis and guide your treatment and long-term care.
Why choose Moonee Valley Specialist Centre
We provide clear diagnosis, fast access to care and specialist-led treatment for autoimmune hepatitis, helping you understand your condition and next steps.
Fast access to diagnosis
Get appointments, testing and results without long delays, helping you move quickly from symptoms to a confirmed diagnosis.
Specialist-led liver care
Care is delivered by experienced gastroenterologists and hepatologists focused on accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Clear answers and next steps
We explain your results in plain English so you understand your condition, treatment options and what to do next.
Ongoing care and monitoring
Regular follow-up helps manage symptoms, adjust treatment and support long-term remission and liver health.
Our diagnosis and treatment for autoimmune hepatitis
We guide you from initial consultation through to diagnosis and treatment, with clear steps to help you understand your condition and start care without unnecessary delays.
Initial consultation and assessment
We review symptoms, medical history, and test results to assess your condition and determine whether further testing is needed.
Testing and diagnosis
We arrange blood tests and liver function tests to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate liver function.
Treatment and ongoing care
Treatment may include steroids or other medicines to prevent the immune system from reacting, supporting remission.
Doctor referrals for specialist consultation
A referral is not essential, but it helps us review your history and test results in advance. This allows more time to explain your FibroScan results and advise on next steps.
Meet our team of specialists
Our experienced team provides specialist-led care across diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management, helping you understand your condition and next steps with clarity.
Accredited specialists and recognised standards
Our specialists hold accredited qualifications and maintain affiliations with respected medical bodies, supporting high standards of care and clinical safety.
Professional affiliations and memberships
Our specialists are affiliated with recognised medical organisations and hospitals, supporting high standards of care, ongoing education and clinical best practice.
Patient experiences with our specialist care
Our patients value clear answers, efficient diagnosis and ongoing support. See how we help people move forward with confidence in their care.
Get the right treatment for autoimmune hepatitis
If you have autoimmune hepatitis, early treatment can help reduce liver damage. Our specialists guide you through diagnosis, medication options and next steps.
FAQs about autoimmune hepatitis
Find answers to common questions about autoimmune hepatitis, including causes, rarity, treatment options and long-term management.
How do you get autoimmune liver disease?
This condition occurs when the immune system considers healthy liver cells as foreign and attacks them. The exact cause of autoimmune liver disease is not fully understood, but it may be triggered by infections, medications or environmental factors in people with a genetic predisposition. Conditions such as viral infections or other autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis, may increase the risk. It is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person.
How rare is autoimmune hepatitis?
Autoimmune hepatitis is considered a rare disease, affecting a small number of people in Australia. It is more common in women and can occur at any age. Because symptoms may be mild or absent early on, some people are only diagnosed after routine blood tests show liver changes. Early diagnosis improves prognosis and helps reduce the risk of severe liver damage.
What is the first treatment for autoimmune hepatitis?
The first treatment usually involves a steroid medicine to reduce inflammation and control the immune system from attacking the liver. A high dose may be used initially, then reduced over time to minimise side effects. Treatment aims to bring the disease into remission and prevent further liver damage. Your specialist will adjust the dose based on your response.
What is the second medicine used for treatment?
A second medicine, such as azathioprine, is often used alongside or after steroids. It helps control the immune system and allows for a lower steroid dose, reducing side effects. This combination supports long-term management and remission. Not all patients need a second medicine, and treatment plans are tailored to each individual.
Can autoimmune hepatitis be cured?
There is no permanent cure for autoimmune hepatitis, but it can be effectively managed. With the right treatment, many people achieve remission, in which symptoms are controlled, and liver inflammation is reduced. Ongoing care is important, as stopping medication too early can lead to a flare or disease progression.
Can autoimmune hepatitis lead to liver transplant?
In severe cases where treatment is not effective or liver damage progresses to liver failure, a liver transplant may be required. This is uncommon when the condition is diagnosed early and managed well. Regular monitoring and treatment help reduce the risk of severe outcomes and improve long-term prognosis.
Speak with our team about your condition
Concerned about symptoms or recent test results? Our team can help you understand your options and guide you through diagnosis and treatment with clear next steps.
Phone Consults: 8:00am - 6:00pm
