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PubMed This is a summary of 83 peer-reviewed journal articles Updated
Hepatology

Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) Resource Guide

At a Glance

Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver. While the diagnosis can be overwhelming, AIH is highly treatable. With proper medication and monitoring by a hepatologist, most patients achieve remission and live full, active lives.

Welcome to your resource guide for Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH). Getting a diagnosis of a chronic liver condition can be terrifying, but this guide is designed to empower you with the evidence-based knowledge you need to navigate your care.

Autoimmune Hepatitis is a condition where your immune system mistakenly targets your own liver. While the diagnosis may feel overwhelming, AIH is a highly treatable disease. With the right care team, proper medication, and consistent monitoring, the vast majority of patients live full, active lives.

This guide translates complex medical research into plain, direct language. It is meant to help you understand your disease, audit your own medical records, and prepare for productive conversations with your hepatologist (liver specialist).

Please use the links below to explore the guide:

01

Understanding Your Diagnosis: What is Autoimmune Hepatitis?

Learn what an Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) diagnosis means. Understand the causes, difference between Type 1 and Type 2, and what to expect for your liver health.

02

Symptoms and Look-Alikes: Sorting Out the Puzzle

Learn about autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) symptoms, flare signs, and look-alike conditions like DILI. Understand seronegative AIH and overlap syndromes.

03

Making Sense of Your Tests: Labs and Biopsy

Learn how to interpret your autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) test results. Understand the IAIHG scoring system, IgG levels, autoantibodies, and liver biopsy reports.

04

Treatment Strategies: Controlling the Immune Attack

Learn about autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) treatment strategies, from the induction phase using steroids to maintenance with immunosuppressants like azathioprine.

05

Life with AIH: Monitoring and Long-Term Outlook

Learn how to manage autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) long-term. Understand your monitoring schedule, including ALT, AST, IgG tests, and liver protection strategies.

Common questions in this guide

Is Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) treatable?
Yes, Autoimmune Hepatitis is a highly treatable disease. With the right medical care team, proper medication to control the immune system, and regular monitoring, the vast majority of patients live full, active lives.
What is the goal of treatment for Autoimmune Hepatitis?
The primary clinical goal of treatment is to achieve biochemical remission, meaning the inflammation in your liver is brought under control. Your hepatologist will design a specific medication plan to reach and maintain this state.
What kind of doctor treats Autoimmune Hepatitis?
Autoimmune Hepatitis is typically treated by a hepatologist, which is a doctor who specializes specifically in diseases and conditions of the liver.
How often will I need blood work after an AIH diagnosis?
During the initial phase of your treatment, you will need frequent follow-up appointments and blood work to monitor how your liver is responding to medication. Your hepatologist will provide a specific schedule tailored to your clinical needs.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Curated prompts to bring to your next appointment.

  1. 1.What are our immediate clinical goals for my treatment plan, and how long do you expect it to take to achieve biochemical remission?
  2. 2.How frequently will I need to see you for follow-up appointments and blood work during the initial phase of my treatment?
  3. 3.Who should I contact on your team if I develop a fever, experience new symptoms, or have severe medication side effects between visits?

Questions For You

Tap a prompt to share your answer — we'll use it plus this page's context to start a tailored conversation.

This guide provides educational information about Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) to help you understand your diagnosis. It is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice from your hepatologist or primary care provider.

Get notified when new evidence is published on Autoimmune hepatitis.

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