It is estimated between 11% and 23% of cases of long-term liver
inflammation (chronic hepatitis) in North America result from damage to the
liver caused by the body's own
immune system.1 It is not
known why the body's immune system begins to attack the liver cells in what is
called an autoimmune response.
Autoimmune chronic hepatitis can be treated successfully with
medication. If it is not treated, the condition progresses slowly until liver
cells are replaced by scar tissue (cirrhosis) and liver failure occurs.
Citations
Czaja AJ (2006). Autoimmune hepatitis. In M Feldman et
al., eds., Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 8th ed.,
vol. 2, pp. 1869-1884. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.
Czaja AJ (2006). Autoimmune hepatitis. In M Feldman et
al., eds., Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 8th ed.,
vol. 2, pp. 1869-1884. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.
