My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Hepatitis Health Center

Email a Friend

Print Article

Hepatitis Health Center

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Autoimmune chronic hepatitis

It is estimated between 11% and 23% of cases of long-term liver inflammation (chronic hepatitis) in North America result from damage to the liver caused by the body's own immune system.¹ It is not known why the body's immune system begins to attack the liver cells in what is called an autoimmune response.

Autoimmune chronic hepatitis can be treated successfully with medication. If it is not treated, the condition progresses slowly until liver cells are replaced by scar tissue (cirrhosis) and liver failure occurs.

Recommended Related to Hepatitis

Understanding Hepatitis -- Prevention

Many types of hepatitis can be prevented by making informed lifestyle choices. Vaccinations are available for hepatitis A and B. Adequate sanitation and clean personal habits will help reduce the spread of hepatitis A and hepatitis E. In areas where sanitation is questionable, boil water. Cook all food well and peel all fruit. Health care workers or caregivers involved in the treatment of patients with contagious forms of hepatitis should wash their hands, utensils, bedding, and clothing with soap...

Read the Understanding Hepatitis -- Prevention article > >

Citations
Czaja AJ (2006). Autoimmune hepatitis. In M Feldman et al., eds., Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 8th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1869-1884. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
Last Revised	January 22, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 22, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.