What is Autoimmune Liver Disease?
Autoimmune liver disease (AILD) refers to a group of conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells, leading to inflammation and damage. The most common types include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Main Types of Autoimmune Liver Disease
- Autoimmune Hepatitis: This chronic disease leads to persistent inflammation, resulting in liver damage. Symptoms may include fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort.
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis: This condition primarily affects women and slowly damages the bile ducts, leading to cholestasis, symptoms of fatigue, and eventual liver cirrhosis.
- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Often associated with inflammatory bowel disease, this condition results in inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, which can cause serious complications.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check for specific antibodies, liver function tests, and imaging studies. Management options may include immunosuppressive medications, lifestyle modifications, and in severe cases, liver transplantation.
Importance of early intervention
Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing autoimmune liver disease, preventing progression to liver failure, and improving quality of life for patients. Regular follow-ups and monitoring by healthcare professionals are essential.