Name of the Condition

• Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)

Summary

• Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic liver condition wherein the body's immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells, leading to inflammation and potential liver damage. It can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure if not managed appropriately.

Causes

• The exact cause of autoimmune hepatitis is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, such as certain medications, infections, or other autoimmune diseases.

Risk Factors

• Being female
• Having a family history of autoimmune diseases
• Having another autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes

Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Abdominal discomfort
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Joint pain
• Skin rashes
• Dark urine

Diagnosis

• Blood tests (e.g., liver function tests, autoantibody tests)
• Liver biopsy to assess inflammation and liver damage
• Imaging tests (occasionally used to rule out other conditions)

Treatment Options

• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) to reduce liver inflammation
• Immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., azathioprine) to curb immune system activity
• Liver transplant in cases of severe liver damage or failure

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With treatment, many individuals manage the condition effectively and maintain a good quality of life.
• Regular medical check-ups are crucial to monitor liver health and medication side effects.

Complications

• Cirrhosis (advanced liver scarring)
• Liver failure
• Increased risk of liver cancer

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Avoid alcohol to reduce liver stress.
• Follow a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight.
• Consider regular medical evaluations to monitor liver health and adjust treatments as necessary.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing severe fatigue, jaundice, or significant abdominal pain.

Additional Resources

• American Liver Foundation (www.liverfoundation.org)
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (www.niddk.nih.gov)
• Autoimmune Hepatitis Association (www.autoimmunehepatitis.org)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate coding by confirming the diagnosis with clinical documentation.
• Be aware of and avoid confusing autoimmune hepatitis (K75.4) with other types of hepatitis, such as viral hepatitis.