Children's Hospital Colorado
Pediatric Liver Center

Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH)

We specialize in the big things, the small things and everything in between.

Best Children's Hospital by U.S. News & World Report Gastroenterology 2021-2 Badge

Get Care

Would you like to learn more about us?
Pediatric Liver Center
Do you have questions about your child’s condition?
Call
Want a second opinion?
Get started

What is autoimmune hepatitis?

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy liver cells, resulting in liver injury and scarring. AIH can be serious and if not treated, can cause cirrhosis or liver failure.

What causes autoimmune hepatitis?

Certain genetic factors can increase the risk developing an autoimmune disease like AIH. Diseases like AIH are also often triggered by environmental factors such as an infection. A viral infection, for example, can initiate a liver injury and result in an immune-mediated attack on the liver.

In addition to infections triggering the immune system to attack the liver, people with AIH may have also recently used certain medicines, or have a family history of other autoimmune disorders. These can include celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, thyroid disease or lupus erythematosus.

Who gets autoimmune hepatitis?

AIH affects all ages, genders and ethnicities. However, it is more common in girls than it is in boys. Family history of another autoimmune disease also increases chances of having AIH, which suggests there is an underlying genetic risk as well.

Next steps

Compassionate care, wherever you are

We’re here when you need us. Telehealth appointments are available across every specialty, so you can get the high-quality care we’ve always offered from the comfort, privacy and convenience of home.

See if telehealth is right for you