Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) happens when your immune system attacks your liver cells. Normally, your immune system targets invaders like viruses, bacteria and even cancer cells. If you have an autoimmune condition, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body.

In autoimmune hepatitis, the immune response attacks the main cells in the liver called hepatocytes leading to inflammation of the liver, called hepatitis (liver inflammation). This is similar to the inflammation that can occur with viral hepatitis, but in this case, there is no infection.

Without treatment, AIH can cause fibrosis or scarring in the liver leading to cirrhosis, the most severe form of liver fibrosis and liver failure. Fortunately, AIH is very treatable, and most patients do not progress, though they often require lifelong treatment and monitoring.

AIH is frequently classified as type 1 or type 2 AIH. Type 1 accounts for 90% of all AIH cases and usually occurs in adults. Type 2 often occurs in children and accounts for the other 10% of cases.

Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your liver’s cells. Experts aren’t sure what causes this immune system reaction. However, research has uncovered some possible causes, including:

Autoimmune hepatitis is rare, but it seems to affect people with these risk factors:

There’s no single test that can identify AIH. A skilled gastroenterologist (digestive system specialist) or hepatologist (liver specialist) diagnoses this condition by looking at several factors and ruling out other conditions.

Our specialists have years of experience treating liver diseases and rare genetic conditions. With our expertise, you can be confident you’ll receive a detailed, accurate diagnosis and a clear path forward.

We start by taking your family health history, including any history of autoimmune disease. We also discuss your symptoms, other health conditions and any medications or supplements you take. Then, we order blood tests to check your liver function and the presence of autoantibodies, which often occur with autoimmune conditions. A liver biopsy is usually required to make the diagnosis of AIH.

Treatment usually involves suppressing (calming) the abnormal immune response that causes AIH. The right treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent liver damage. Your liver may also be able to repair itself from previous damage.

At UC Davis Health, you receive a customized treatment plan and ongoing care and support. We regularly monitor you to ensure your treatment is working, and we aim to achieve remission and improve any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Our physicians are also involved in clinical trials. We’re actively seeking new treatments for this disease that can benefit people now and for years to come. We may offer opportunities for you to try these new therapies before they’re widely available.