Auto Immune Hepatitis Blood

The Auto-Immune Hepatitis Blood Test is used to detect the presence of specific antibodies associated with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in the blood. This test helps to determine whether a person has auto-immune hepatitis or not.

What is Auto-Immune Hepatitis (AIH)?

Auto-Immune Hepatitis (AIH) is a type of liver disease that occurs when the body’s immune system (defense system) attacks liver cells. It is an autoimmune disease and the exact cause is unknown. Genetic and other environmental factors can trigger this disease. There are two types of Auto-Immune Hepatitis (AIH):

1. Type 1 AIH:

• Most common type.
• Can occur at any age and mostly affect young women.
• Mostly associated with other auto-immune diseases.

2. Type 2 AIH:

• Most common in children and young people.
• May be associated with other auto-immune diseases.

Signs and symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis are abdominal discomforts, weakness, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, skin rashes, joint pain, an enlarged liver, loss of menstrual periods, dark urine, pale-colored stools, loss of appetite, nausea, and/or vomiting, etc. AIH if left untreated can lead to liver cancer, liver failure, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen), and/or esophageal varices (abnormal and enlarged veins in the esophagus), etc.

Individuals with autoimmune hepatitis may show the presence of specific antibodies in their blood. The specific antibodies associated with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are anti-smooth muscle antibody, anti-liver kidney microsome type 1 antibody, and anti-nuclear antibody. These antibodies help to determine whether a person has auto-immune hepatitis or not.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed to detect the presence of specific antibodies associated with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in the blood and to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis. Your doctor may ask you to perform this test if you have a family history of autoimmune hepatitis or if you experience any signs or symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis such as abdominal discomforts, weakness, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, skin rashes, joint pain, an enlarged liver, loss of menstrual periods, dark urine, pale-colored stools, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting, etc.

You may also be advised to perform this test to rule out viral hepatitis since the symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis are very similar to viral hepatitis. Few more additional tests may also be performed along with this test to look for other liver diseases that have similar symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis.

How often this test is performed?

If you have a family history of autoimmune hepatitis, your doctor may ask you to perform this test in every 6 months or a yearly basis. Individuals who are diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis may have to perform this test on a regular basis or as instructed by the doctor.

The test results may be different depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.

If the test results are positive or detect the presence of antibodies in the blood, it may indicate that you are likely to have autoimmune hepatitis.

If the test results are negative or if antibodies are detected in the blood, it may indicate that you are unlikely to have autoimmune hepatitis.

If you receive abnormal test results, consult with your doctor immediately. Based on the test results, your doctor may advise you appropriate medical treatments or further diagnostic tests.