Liver Transplant Patient Stories – Autoimmune Liver Hepatitis

Rajni Sharma – A 50-year-old woman from Jammu had been suffering from auto-immune liver disease for the past 2 years. She got a new lease of life when she came to Dr Vivek Vij – the best liver transplant doctor in India.

Curious to get deep insights into Rajni Sharma’s journey with Dr Vivek Vij? We have got you covered. Read this blog to find out more.

Ranji Sharma Got A New Life From Liver Transplant

A 50-year-old woman from Jammu had been suffering from auto-immune liver disease for the last 2 years and desperately required liver transplant surgery as the complications were rising day by day.

She was frail, had water retention in her stomach, and her appetite had diminished. Due to this, she also started feeling very weak and her immunity had taken a serious toll. She also had Hepatic Encephalopathy, in which the liver problems start affecting the mind. Due to this, she felt more sleepy, agitated, and suffered sleep reversal among other things.

When she consulted a doctor in Jammu, that doctor suggested she visit Dr Vivek Vij – the best liver transplant doctor in India. After that, the patient’s family also read about Dr Vivek Vij on the internet and was very impressed by his history and experience. They learned that Dr Vivek Vij has done many successful liver transplant surgeries and given new life to many liver patients.

So, the family and patient decided to get a consultation from Dr Vivej Vij. When patient Rajni came to Dr Vivek Vij, they got very good treatment from the doctors. The team of doctors analysed the patient’s situation and did a detailed session with the family and the patient, and they agreed upon the liver transplantation. Mrs. Rajni’s daughter became her donor for the transplant.

Her liver transplant was performed on 22 October, after her admission, and she was discharged within three weeks. Now Mrs Rajni is living a healthy life, and her problem is also treated.

Everything You Need To Know About Auto-Immune Liver Disease (Autoimmune Hepatitis)

After watching this video, you might be curious to know more about Auto-immune liver disease. If yes, let’s understand more about Autoimmune Hepatitis causes, symptoms, treatments and many more.

What is Autoimmune Liver Disease?

When the body’s immune system attacks the liver and causes inflammation, autoimmune liver hepatitis develops. It may result in liver cell destruction and, ultimately, liver failure. Fatigue, stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and dark urine fall under autoimmune hepatitis symptoms.

The exact autoimmune hepatitis causes are unknown, but it is supposed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is typically treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medicines to lessen inflammation and slow disease progression.

Autoimmune Hepatitis Symptoms

Some of the symptoms listed below are possible in people with autoimmune hepatitis:

• Feeling exhausted
• Joint pain
• Yellowish colour of the whites of the eyes and skin called jaundice
• Darkening of the colour of urine
• Nausea
• Inadequate appetite
• Discomfort over the liver in the upper part of the stomach
• Lightening of the colour of stools
• Skin infections, such as rash, psoriasis, vitiligo or acne

When symptoms of autoimmune liver disease are present, they can vary from mild to extreme.

Some victims of autoimmune liver hepatitis show no signs of the disease. In these situations, doctors may detect liver issues during routine blood testing, which results in the identification of autoimmune liver disease. Those who are diagnosed without symptoms may subsequently start to experience them.

Some people living with autoimmune hepatitis don’t exhibit symptoms until consequences from cirrhosis appear. These signs include

• Feeling tired or weak
• Losing weight without trying
• Bloating from a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, called ascites
• Bump of the ankles, lower legs, or feet, called oedema
• Itchy skin
• Jaundice

Types of Autoimmune Hepatitis

There are two basic types of autoimmune hepatitis stages, according to doctors.

• Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. It is the most prevalent kind of illness. At any age, it can happen. About half of those with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis also have ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or celiac disease.
• Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis. Type 2 autoimmune liver hepatitis can occur in adults. However, it more frequently affects children and adolescents. Another autoimmune liver disease may also accompany this kind of autoimmune hepatitis.

Autoimmune Hepatitis Causes

The exact autoimmune hepatitis causes are unknown, but it is considered to be a combination of genetic and environmental elements. Some possible causes include the following:

• Genetics: Some genes may increase a person’s risk of contracting autoimmune hepatitis.
• Environmental triggers: Certain viruses, medicines, or toxins may initiate the development of autoimmune liver hepatitis in people who are genetically predisposed to the disease.
• Hormonal imbalances: In some individuals, hormonal imbalances may contribute to the development of autoimmune hepatitis.
• Immune system dysfunction: When the immune system isn’t functioning properly, the liver may be attacked rather than protected.

It is worth mentioning that autoimmune liver disease can appear in children and adults, and it is more familiar in women than in men. It is also possible to have autoimmune hepatitis and other autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis and others.

Diagnosis of Autoimmune Liver Disease

The diagnosis of autoimmune liver hepatitis typically involves a combination of tests and evaluations, which may have:

• Physical examination: The doctor will look for indicators of liver impairment, such as jaundice, an enlarged liver or spleen, and other organ enlargements.
• Blood tests: Blood tests will be done to study for elevated levels of liver enzymes, which can show inflammation or damage to the liver. Additional blood tests may also be done to examine for autoantibodies, which are proteins that the body creates in reaction to an autoimmune attack.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used to assess the liver for indications of damage or scarring.
• Liver biopsy: A liver biopsy is a process in which a small piece of liver tissue is removed and analysed under a microscope. This test can help verify the diagnosis of autoimmune liver hepatitis and define the extent of liver damage.
• Additional tests: Additional tests may be done to rule out other reasons for liver disease or to assess for the presence of other autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune Hepatitis Treatment

Chronic autoimmune hepatitis can be a serious ailment. Although there is no treatment, it can be controlled and put into remission. Remission indicates that the disease is not active or showing symptoms. Treatment for AIH frequently combines several methods.

Immunosuppressant drugs

These medications can diminish or even stop your immune system’s attack on your body. The immunosuppressants 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine are frequently used to treat AIH.

Corticosteroids

When taken in large amounts, corticosteroid drugs can diminish immune system activity and lessen body inflammation. They can be taken orally, topically, intravenously, or breathed. Prednisone taken orally is the corticosteroid most frequently used for AIH. Prednisone is frequently recommended for a minimum of 18 to 24 months in order to minimise liver inflammation.

Liver transplant

A liver transplant is required in severe cases of AIH. Your complete liver will be removed during this treatment, and a donor liver will be used instead (the donor may be alive or deceased). Nevertheless, the illness can occasionally come back even after a successful transplant.

Everything You Need To Know About Hepatic Encephalopathy

Now, let’s go through some details of hepatic liver encephalopathy.

What is Hepatic Encephalopathy?

Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) is an ailment that occurs when the liver is not able to release toxins from the blood effectively. These toxins can then build up in the brain, directing to changes in behaviour, cognitive function, and consciousness.

Signs of Hepatic Encephalopathy can vary from mild disorder and sleep disorders to severe shifts in mental function, such as comma. The condition is typically caused by liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) but can also transpire due to other liver disorders, infections, or metabolic ailments.

Hepatic Encephalopathy treatment options may include medicines, dietary shifts, and the removal of toxins through blood filtration. In extreme cases, a liver transplant may be required.

Types of Liver Encephalopathy

Hepatic Encephalopathy can be of three different types:

• Type A is carried on by acute liver failure (without underlying chronic liver condition).
• Type B arises in some individuals with a shunt connecting two veins inside the liver without underlying liver disease.
• Type C results from the chronic liver condition and scarring (cirrhosis).

Causes of Hepatic Encephalopathy

The exact cause of Hepatic Encephalopathy is unspecified. However, an accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream typically causes it to develop. It happens when your liver is unable to break down toxins effectively.

Hepatic Encephalopathy may be activated by the following:

• Ailments such as pneumonia
• Kidney issues
• Dehydration
• Hypoxia, or low oxygen levels
• Recent surgery or trauma
• Medicines that suppress your immune system.
• Overeating protein
• Medications that suppress your central nervous system, such as barbiturates or benzodiazepine tranquillisers.
• Electrolyte imbalance, a significant reduction in potassium after vomiting or taking diuretics.

Symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy

Hepatic Encephalopathy signs and symptoms cause cognitive impairment in patients. These signs include:

• Irritation or anxiety.
• Cognitive dysfunction (confused thinking or judgement).
• Issues with balance or coordination.
• Short attention span or trouble focusing.
• A hand motion flapping (asterixis).
• Changes in personality or mood.
• Cramps in muscles (myoclonus).
• Decreased alertness.
• Sleep issues.
• Unsteady speaking.

Diagnosis of Liver Encephalopathy

A physical examination, a discussion of the patient’s symptoms, and a review of their medical history serve as the first steps in the diagnostic process for Hepatic Encephalopathy. These techniques might be sufficient to diagnose Hepatic Encephalopathy in some situations.

In other situations, a physician may request one or more tests to determine Hepatic Encephalopathy’s symptoms. These tests, as examples, include:

• Blood tests: These can be used to detect diseases like infection, bleeding, and liver or kidney problems that are linked to HE. They can spot a rise in blood toxin levels as well.
• Imaging tests: A brain MRI or CT scan can help a doctor spot malformations.
• Electroencephalogram: Known sometimes as an EEG, an electroencephalogram analyses the electrical activity in the brain to find alterations related to HE.

Hepatic Encephalopathy Treatment

Treatment for Hepatic Encephalopathy relies on the type and severity of the infection but generally includes a variety of medical and lifestyle interventions. Some standard treatment options include:

• Medications: Medications such as lactulose, rifaximin, and neomycin can be used to decrease ammonia levels in the blood and facilitate the expulsion of toxins from the body.
• Dietary changes: A low-protein diet may be suggested to reduce the quantity of ammonia produced by the gut. In addition, specific foods and drinks that contain tyramine (a substance that can cause changes in blood pressure) should be avoided.
• Removal of precipitating factors: Identifying and releasing any precipitating elements, such as constipation, gastrointestinal bleeding, infection, electrolyte imbalances, and medicines that can worsen the condition, should be done as soon as possible.
• Correcting underlying liver disease: Treating the underlying liver condition, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, can help enhance the liver’s overall function and decrease the risk of recurrent encephalopathy.
• Liver transplantation: A liver transplant may be required in cases of severe liver failure.
• Rehabilitation: Occupational therapy and physical therapy can help to improve muscle potency, coordination, and balance, particularly in cases of chronic encephalopathy.

It’s worth mentioning that some medicines used to treat Hepatic Encephalopathy can have side effects and may not be appropriate for everyone. Hence, working closely with a healthcare provider to find the most suitable treatment plan is essential.

Also, continuous monitoring and follow-up are crucial for those with liver Encephalopathy to guarantee the condition doesn’t deteriorate and to adjust treatment accordingly.

Conclusion

So if you are looking for the best treatment for any of your liver conditions, get the best consultation from Dr Vivek Vij. He is the top Liver Transplant Surgeon in india who has done thousands of successful liver transplantations. AILBS India has Liver Transplant Success Rate in India and the top liver transplant hospital in India dedicated to giving you the best ever treatment for all your liver conditions.