What is autoimmune hepatitis?

What is autoimmune hepatitis?

Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare but serious disease of the liver. Autoimmune means that the body attacks itself; in this case, it mistakes healthy tissue and cells for infected tissue and cells and sends out antibodies (which usually rid the body of infections) to attack the healthy liver cells.

Hepatitis occurs when the healthy tissue of the liver become inflamed. If not treated, the problem may advance to cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, and ultimately to liver failure. If the liver becomes severely damaged, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Autoimmune hepatitis is categorized as Type 1 or Type 2:

• Type 1 is diagnosed in adolescents or adults. This type is more common and is usually found in North America.
• Type 2 is diagnosed mostly in children and can be more difficult to treat.