Autoimmune diseases result when the body’s immune system attacks itself. Such autoimmune diseases result from the creation of autoantibodies. When an antibody attacks the body’s own tissues instead of attacking the viruses or bacteria, it is characterized as an autoantibody. The potential causes of such an attack may include an individual’s genes, problem with the immune system or environmental factors. One of the critical diseases that results from liver inflammation is Hepatitis. In case of autoimmune hepatitis, the inflammation is caused by the immune system and can be challenging to treat.
At times it becomes difficult to diagnose childhood autoimmune liver diseases because the symptoms are similar to many other liver disorders. It has been observed that autoimmune liver disease in children and young people is more aggressive than in adults but the chances of achieving success with the right treatment are higher.
The common symptoms of such diseases include loss of appetite, tiredness and feeling unwell every now and then. Other symptoms include:
The symptoms that can result if the situation becomes worse include irritability, confusion, a swollen abdomen and swelling, especially in the lower legs.
If a young person or a child displays the symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis there are some medical tests that have to be performed to confirm a diagnosis:
Children who suffer from autoimmune liver diseases generally have high immunoglobulin G levels which is a type of antibody. They usually have positive autoantibodies that help in defining the type of autoimmune liver disease one has. The two types of autoimmune hepatitis include:
Type 1: Anti-nuclear (ANA) or/and smooth muscle (SMA) antibodies. It normally starts around the age of puberty and marks the major number of cases in autoimmune hepatitis.
Type 2: Liver Kidney microsomal (LKM) antibodies that are majorly found in younger children.
However, the children who have autoimmune hepatitis are generally positive for ANA and/or SMA autoantibodies and only a few have LKM autoantibodies.
To know more about the treatments of autoimmune liver diseases, consult Dr Vivek Vij, one of the most renowned liver specialists in the country with over 20 years of experience. Call +91-9582546001 to make your appointment.
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