Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells, leading to inflammation and liver damage. This condition can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated.

Symptoms
Typical symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, and joint pain. AIH is relatively rare but can have significant health impacts.

Incidence
In Ireland, the incidence of autoimmune hepatitis is estimated to be about 1-2 per 100,000 people annually. It can affect individuals of any age but is most commonly diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 50, with a higher prevalence in women.

Treatment / management
Treatment options primarily involve immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids and azathioprine to reduce inflammation and control the immune response. With timely and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for AIH patients is generally favourable, although ongoing management is often necessary to prevent relapse.

References
1. Mayo Clinic. Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC). Mayo Clinic
2. Health Service Executive (HSE). (n.d.). Liver Disease: Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. HSE