{"id":4206,"date":"2021-07-12T21:07:09","date_gmt":"2021-07-12T18:07:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/?p=4206"},"modified":"2026-09-28T12:15:24","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T09:15:24","slug":"autoimmune-hepatitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/autoimmune-hepatitis\/","title":{"rendered":"Autoimmune hepatitis: symptoms, tests, causes and how to detect the disease in time"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory liver disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver&#039;s own cells. In the early stages, the disease may have almost no characteristic symptoms, so a person sometimes learns about the problem by accident - after a biochemical blood test or examination for another reason.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Autoimmune hepatitis, if detected early, is treatable. That is why it is important to know what symptoms may indicate liver dysfunction and what tests help the doctor make the correct diagnosis.<\/p>\n<h2>What is autoimmune hepatitis?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the immune system malfunctions. Instead of protecting the body from infections, it begins to react to its own liver cells, causing long-term inflammation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">If the inflammatory process persists for a long time, it can gradually damage liver tissue and contribute to the formation of fibrosis. Without treatment, cirrhosis and other serious complications may develop in the later stages.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The disease can occur at any age, but is more commonly diagnosed in women.<\/p>\n<h2>Why does autoimmune hepatitis occur?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The exact single cause of autoimmune hepatitis has not been identified. It is believed that it <a title=\"Immunogenetic marker of susceptibility to the development of ankylosing spondylitis (Bekhterev&#039;s disease) and other seronegative spondyloarthropathies (HLA-B27)\" href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/analysis\/autoimmune\/immunogenetic-marker-of-susceptibility-to-the-development-of-ankylosing-spondyloarthritis-byehtyarev-39-s-disease-and-other-seronegative-spondyloarthropathies-hla-b27\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"176\">development is associated with a combination of genetic predisposition<\/a> and factors that can affect the functioning of the immune system.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Among the possible triggers considered are:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>some viral infections;<\/li>\n<li>certain medications;<\/li>\n<li>other autoimmune diseases;<\/li>\n<li>hereditary predisposition;<\/li>\n<li>environmental factors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">At the same time, the presence of one of these factors does not in itself mean that a person will necessarily develop autoimmune hepatitis.<\/p>\n<h2>What symptoms can autoimmune hepatitis cause?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The insidiousness of the disease lies in the fact that in the initial stages it can be practically asymptomatic.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Possible manifestations include:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>constant or unusual fatigue;<\/li>\n<li>weakness;<\/li>\n<li>decreased working capacity;<\/li>\n<li>discomfort or pain in the right hypochondrium;<\/li>\n<li>decreased appetite;<\/li>\n<li>nausea;<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"\u201cJoint Pain\u201d \u2013 Comprehensive Laboratory Test\" href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/analysis\/complex-research\/was-in-the-group-of-complex-laboratory-studies\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"174\">joint pain;<\/a><\/li>\n<li>itching of the skin;<\/li>\n<li>yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes;<\/li>\n<li>darkening of urine;<\/li>\n<li>lighter stool color.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Sometimes the first sign of a problem is not the symptoms, but <a title=\"Leukocyte blood count: decoding, norms by age and what changes in the analysis indicate\" href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/leukocyte-formula-of-blood-decoding-of-norms-by-age-and-why-they-talk-about-changes-in-the-analysis\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"178\">changes in liver enzyme levels in the blood<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>What tests help to suspect autoimmune hepatitis?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For an initial assessment of liver function, your doctor may order: <a title=\"Troponin I (Troponin)\" href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/analysis\/biochemical-blood-tests\/troponin-and-troponin\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"173\">biochemical blood tests<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Particular attention is paid to:<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-scroll\"><table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Indicator<\/th>\n<th>What can it show?<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ALT<\/td>\n<td>Liver cell damage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>AST<\/td>\n<td>Damage to liver cells and other tissues<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Bilirubin<\/td>\n<td>Disorders of the metabolism and excretion of bile pigments<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>GGT<\/td>\n<td>May change in liver and biliary tract diseases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Alkaline phosphatase<\/td>\n<td>Helps <a title=\"Gastric biopsy with Sydney grading system (OLGA)\" href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/analysis\/pathomorphological-study\/biopsy-of-the-scrotum-with-a-sydney-system-olga\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"179\">assess the condition of the liver and biliary system<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Albumin<\/td>\n<td>One of the indicators of synthetic liver function<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Total protein<\/td>\n<td>Helps assess protein metabolism<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Important: No single blood test can independently confirm autoimmune hepatitis.<\/p>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15574\" src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/themes\/woodmart\/images\/lazy.svg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/autoimunny-hepatyt-analizy-krovi-diagnostyka.jpg\" alt=\"Blood tests to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis\" width=\"1672\" height=\"941\" srcset=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/autoimunny-hepatyt-analizy-krovi-diagnostyka.jpg 1672w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/autoimunny-hepatyt-analizy-krovi-diagnostyka-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/autoimunny-hepatyt-analizy-krovi-diagnostyka-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/autoimunny-hepatyt-analizy-krovi-diagnostyka-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/autoimunny-hepatyt-analizy-krovi-diagnostyka-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/autoimunny-hepatyt-analizy-krovi-diagnostyka-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/autoimunny-hepatyt-analizy-krovi-diagnostyka-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/autoimunny-hepatyt-analizy-krovi-diagnostyka-150x84.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1672px) 100vw, 1672px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2>What autoantibodies are being investigated?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">One of the important parts of diagnosis is the identification of specific autoantibodies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Depending on the clinical situation, the doctor may prescribe the following tests:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>ANA \u2014 antinuclear antibodies;<\/li>\n<li>SMA\/ASMA \u2014 antibodies to smooth muscle;<\/li>\n<li>anti-LKM-1 \u2014 antibodies to liver and kidney microsomes type 1;<\/li>\n<li>anti-SLA\/LP \u2014 antibodies to soluble liver antigen\/liver-pancreas antigen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">It is also important to determine the level of immunoglobulin G (IgG). It may be elevated in autoimmune hepatitis.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">However, a positive autoantibody result does not always indicate the presence of autoimmune hepatitis. The results should be interpreted in conjunction with symptoms, biochemical parameters, and other examination findings.<\/p>\n<h2>How is autoimmune hepatitis different from viral hepatitis?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Elevated ALT and AST do not immediately determine the cause of liver damage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Similar changes can be observed with:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>viral hepatitis;<\/li>\n<li>alcoholic liver damage;<\/li>\n<li>fatty liver disease;<\/li>\n<li>drug-induced injury;<\/li>\n<li>other liver diseases;<\/li>\n<li>autoimmune hepatitis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Therefore, during diagnosis, the doctor usually takes into account a set of results, not a single indicator.<\/p>\n<h2>How is autoimmune hepatitis diagnosed?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Diagnostics consists of several stages.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">First, the doctor evaluates the complaints and history, then prescribes laboratory tests. Important are indicators of liver enzymes, bilirubin, protein metabolism, IgG levels, and autoantibodies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Tests for viral hepatitis may be needed to rule out other causes of liver damage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The doctor may also prescribe an ultrasound examination of the liver and other visual diagnostic methods.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">In some cases, to confirm the diagnosis and <a title=\"Vitamin analysis: what tests are needed to assess health\" href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/analysis-of-vitamins-that-need-to-be-studied-for-health-outcomes\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"177\">assessment of the degree of liver damage is necessary<\/a> biopsy.<\/p>\n<h2>Can autoimmune hepatitis be cured?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic disease, so treatment is primarily aimed at controlling the inflammatory process and preventing further liver damage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The doctor selects the therapy individually. Usually, drugs are used that suppress the excessive activity of the immune system.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Even if a person feels well, they should not stop the prescribed treatment on their own. Monitoring tests helps the doctor assess the effectiveness of the therapy and adjust it in a timely manner.<\/p>\n<h2>When to check your liver<\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">It is worth seeing a doctor and discussing an examination if you experience the following for no apparent reason:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>prolonged fatigue;<\/li>\n<li>weakness;<\/li>\n<li>discomfort in the right hypochondrium;<\/li>\n<li>nausea or loss of appetite;<\/li>\n<li>itching of the skin;<\/li>\n<li>yellowing of the skin or eyes;<\/li>\n<li>unexplained elevation of ALT or AST.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">It is especially important not to delay seeing a doctor if changes in liver parameters are detected repeatedly.<\/p>\n<h2>What tests can be done to check liver function?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Initial laboratory testing may include ALT, AST, bilirubin, GGT, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, and albumin.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">If the doctor suspects an autoimmune disease, additional tests may be recommended - total IgG and autoantibodies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\"><a title=\"Hepatitis laboratory test: how to understand the results and why it is important to take the test on time\" href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/what-are-the-clear-results-of-a-laboratory-test-for-hepatitis-and-why-is-it-important-to-take-the-test-on-time\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"175\">It is important not to prescribe yourself the entire list of tests.<\/a> The optimal set of tests depends on symptoms, previous results, and comorbidities.<\/p>\n<h2>Autoimmune hepatitis: why early diagnosis is important<\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Autoimmune hepatitis can go unnoticed for a long time. At the same time, persistent inflammation can gradually damage liver tissue.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">That is why an incidentally detected increase in ALT or AST should not be ignored. This does not necessarily mean autoimmune hepatitis, but is a reason to find out the cause of the changes.<\/p>\n<p>Comprehensive laboratory diagnostics helps the doctor obtain more information about the condition of the liver and determine whether further examinations are needed.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u0410\u0443\u0442\u043e\u0456\u043c\u0443\u043d\u043d\u0438\u0439 \u0433\u0435\u043f\u0430\u0442\u0438\u0442 \u2014 \u0446\u0435 \u0445\u0440\u043e\u043d\u0456\u0447\u043d\u0435 \u0437\u0430\u043f\u0430\u043b\u044c\u043d\u0435 \u0437\u0430\u0445\u0432\u043e\u0440\u044e\u0432\u0430\u043d\u043d\u044f \u043f\u0435\u0447\u0456\u043d\u043a\u0438, \u043f\u0440\u0438 \u044f\u043a\u043e\u043c\u0443 \u0456\u043c\u0443\u043d\u043d\u0430 \u0441\u0438\u0441\u0442\u0435\u043c\u0430 \u043f\u043e\u043c\u0438\u043b\u043a\u043e\u0432\u043e \u0430\u0442\u0430\u043a\u0443\u0454 \u0432\u043b\u0430\u0441\u043d\u0456 \u043a\u043b\u0456\u0442\u0438\u043d\u0438 \u043f\u0435\u0447\u0456\u043d\u043a\u0438. \u041d\u0430 \u0440\u0430\u043d\u043d\u0456\u0445 \u0435\u0442\u0430\u043f\u0430\u0445<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15573,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_flow_reviewer_id":0,"_flow_review_status":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-zahvoryuvannya-ta-symptomy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4206","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4206"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4206\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15573"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}