What type of specialist treats autoimmune hepatitis?

From the Guidelines

Autoimmune hepatitis is typically treated by a hepatologist or a gastroenterologist with an interest in liver disease. These specialists have expertise in diagnosing and managing liver diseases, including autoimmune conditions affecting the liver. According to the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines 1, management of autoimmune hepatitis ideally should be under the supervision of a hepatologist or a gastroenterologist with an interest in liver disease.

Key Points to Consider

• Hepatologists are gastroenterologists with additional specialized training specifically in liver disorders.
• Treatment for autoimmune hepatitis usually involves immunosuppressive medications such as prednisone and azathioprine, which help reduce the immune system's attack on the liver.
• These medications are typically continued long-term, often for years, to maintain remission.
• Regular monitoring of liver function tests and medication side effects is essential during treatment.
• In severe cases that don't respond to medication or in cases of end-stage liver disease, a liver transplant may be necessary, as supported by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines 1. Some of the key considerations in the management of autoimmune hepatitis include:
• The need for lifelong monitoring of immunosuppressive therapy in either primary or secondary care.
• Easy access to an immunology laboratory, a specialist liver histopathologist, a hepatologist with expertise in the management of AIH, and a liver transplant centre.
• Regular audit of outcomes to ensure optimal care. As noted in the EASL clinical practice guidelines 1, the aim of treatment in patients with autoimmune hepatitis should be complete normalization of transaminases as well as normalization of IgG levels, as persisting elevations of transaminases are predictive of relapse, activity on liver biopsy, progression to cirrhosis, and poor outcome.

Recent Studies and Guidelines

Recent studies, such as those published in 2020 1, have underscored the importance of achieving complete biochemical remission and the need for better first-line therapies, regimens for patients who fail to achieve remission, and strategies to prevent disease recurrence post-liver transplantation. Overall, the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis requires a comprehensive approach, involving a specialist with expertise in liver disease, long-term immunosuppressive therapy, and regular monitoring to prevent complications and ensure optimal outcomes.

From the Research

Specialist for Autoimmune Hepatitis

The specialist who treats autoimmune hepatitis is typically a:

• Gastroenterologist 2, 3, 4
• Hepatologist 3, 4, 5, 6

Treatment Approach

The treatment approach for autoimmune hepatitis usually involves a combination of immunosuppressive medications, such as:

• Prednisone and azathioprine 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
• Mycophenolate mofetil as an alternative to azathioprine 5, 6

Management and Monitoring

The management and monitoring of autoimmune hepatitis typically involve:

• Regular blood tests to monitor liver function and immunoglobulin G levels 3, 4
• Liver histology to assess the extent of liver damage 2, 3, 4
• Specialist consultation for difficult-to-treat patients 3