Autoimmune Hepatitis

Question 1

autoimmune hepatitis

Answer 1

severe, chronic form of hepatitis

Question 2

etiology

Answer 2

• environmental trigger –> viral and chemical trigger
• HLA on Chr 6 & MHC genes
• idiopathic?

Question 3

HLA on Chr 6 & MHC genes Fx

Answer 3

responsible for recognizing self from foreign, w/ this Fx compromised, the body damages itself –> l/o self-tolerance (classic autoimmunity)

Question 4

which type of autoimmune hepatitis more common with females

Answer 4

type I (80%)
30% of women > 40 yrs
30% have other autoimmune issues

Question 5

what Abs associated w/ type I

Answer 5

anti-nuclear Abs (ANAs)

anti-smooth Abs

Question 6

ANAs Fx

Answer 6

target nuclear component of cells

Question 7

anti-smooth muscle Abs Fx

Answer 7

target SM in vessels and ducts in liver

Question 8

what population affected by type II

Answer 8

kids (2-14 yrs)

Question 9

Abs target what in type II

Answer 9

cytosol and microsomes

Question 10

cytosol

Answer 10

incl everything within plasma membrane of cell, incl nucleus

Question 11

microsomes

Answer 11

small vesicles pinching off endoplasmic reticulum, full of protein

Question 12

mnfts

Answer 12

range from mild-severe; similar to above

Question 13

dx

Answer 13

• look for Abs to exclude viral hepatitis
• test for ANA
• exclude other liver diseases
• excess of gamma globulins
• liver biopsy

Question 14

tx

Answer 14

immunosuppressants (ex. steroids)

liver transplant