Autoimmune Hepatitis and its types by Gastroenterologist Dr. Dinesh Jothimani

Dr. Dinesh Jothimani may be a renowned Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist from Chennai. He is a qualified MBBS followed by MRCP. He is working as a director at Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai. With an experience of more than 18 years, he holds expertise in the treatment of Liver diseases, Liver Transplantation, ERCPs, and Therapeutic endoscopies. Dr. Dinesh Jothimani is also an esteemed and renowned member of the General Medical Council, the European Association of Study of Liver, and British Association of study of Liver. His contribution to numerous national and international publications is praiseworthy. From a long time he is actively invited as a guest speaker in scientific meetings, and worldwide conferences to talk about Liver Transplantation.

Autoimmune Hepatitis

It is a state of inflammation in the liver that occurs when the body's immune system turns against liver cells. The exact explanation for this disorder is unclear but few genetic and environmental factors appear to interact over time in triggering the disease.

When left untreated it can lead to scarring of the liver and eventually liver failure. Early diagnose and treatment is often controlled with drugs that suppress the system.

A liver transplant would be the last option just in case autoimmune hepatitis doesn't answer drug treatments or another advanced disease.

Symptoms

• Abnormal blood vessels on the skin
• Skin rashes
• Joint pains
• Fatigue
• Abdominal discomfort
• Yellowish skin and white of eyes
• An enlarged liver
• Loss of menstrual periods

Types of Autoimmune Hepatitis

· Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis - This is the most common type of disease that can occur at any age. About half the people with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis suffer from autoimmune disorders, like atrophic arthritis, disorder, or colitis.

· Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis. This one is quite common in children, although adults can also develop type 2 autoimmune hepatitis. Other autoimmune diseases may easily accompany this sort of autoimmune hepatitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Blood tests and Liver biopsies help to determine this disease and its type. Regardless of the type, the goal of treatment is to slow or stop the immune system attack on the liver. This may help slow down the entire progression of the disease. The same medications that lower immune system activity will be used. Doctors generally prescribe prednisone at a high dose for about the first month of treatment. Then eventually the dose is reduced to reduce the risk of side effects. The dose is continuously reduced over subsequent several months until reaching rock bottom possible to regulate the disease. Although remission may also be experienced in few years after starting treatment. The disease is likely to return if the drug is discontinued. Depending on the situation a life-long treatment may also be recommended.

Take Away

A liver transplant is a next option if medicines don’t work. The diseased liver is replaced by the healthy one donated. It is important to consult an experienced doctor before finalizing a liver transplant. You can contact Dr. Dinesh Jothimani one of the best gastroenterologists in Chennai. You can see him at Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre.