Advances in Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy

Causes of Hepatitis

 Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver characterized by diffuse or patchy necrosis. Auto immune hepatitis (AIH) is one exception. This type of liver disease occurs when your immune system attacks your liver cells. AIH is a chronic condition that can result in cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver. certain risk factors have been identified, including mainly a family history of AIH. Auto immune hepatitis likely results from a combination of auto immunity, environmental triggers, and a genetic predisposition. It occurs more frequently in females. Treatment typically includes corticosteroids and medications that suppress the immune system. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be needed. Ischemic hepatitis differs from other types of hepatitis. Which can have many causes, most commonly a virus (as in hepatitis A or B). However, in ischemic hepatitis, the liver is not inflamed. Rather, liver cell death occurs. The term hepatitis is used because technically, it refers to any disorder in which liver enzymes called amino transferase leak from damaged liver cells into the blood.