Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fortis Hospital Mohali is spreading awareness regarding a new drug, Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) as first line therapy for patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune Hepatitis, a lesser-known but serious and chronic liver disease that, if left untreated, can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer.
World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 every year. The theme of World Hepatitis Day-2025 is “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down”.
What is Autoimmune Hepatitis?
While giving the information on World Hepatitis Day, Dr Arvind Sahni, Director Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, said, “Unlike viral hepatitis, Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking liver cells. The disease is more common in females, though it affects males too, with peak incidence seen in childhood, adolescence, and adults aged 40-60. With an incidence rate of 1.3 per lakh population, AIH often goes undetected. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of patients are already in advanced stages of liver disease at diagnosis.”
Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms range from none at all to severe, mimicking viral hepatitis or drug-induced liver injury. Patients may experience fatigue, jaundice, swelling of the legs, abdominal fluid build-up, gastrointestinal bleeding, menstrual irregularities, and neurological symptoms. Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) is also common, said Dr Sahni.
Diagnosis of Autoimmune Hepatitis
Diagnosis involves specific blood tests for liver function and autoimmune markers such as antinuclear antibodies and smooth muscle antibodies. A liver biopsy is essential for confirmation.
Treatment
Autoimmune Hepatitis needs lifelong immunosuppressive treatment which includes steroids and azathioprine. Recently Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) is a new drug which has been approved as first line treatment in autoimmune hepatitis. MMF is more effective and better tolerated than traditional drugs like azathioprine, though it is contraindicated during pregnancy due to teratogenic risks. Liver transplantation may be considered in cases with decompensated cirrhosis”, he added. Incidentally, MMF is also used in Kidney and Liver Transplant recipients.
Dr Sahni emphasized, “Awareness about autoimmune hepatitis is critical. While it is less common than viral hepatitis, it is potentially more dangerous if undiagnosed or mismanaged. Early detection and timely intervention with newer therapies like MMF can significantly improve outcomes.”
