My friend was just diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis . He is 52 years old and has always been a heavy drinker. He is not wanting to talk about this to anyone because he told me he isn t going to be around long . I have heard people can be treated and live with this disease, but he thinks it s an automatic death sentence. Can you tell me more of what to maybe expect for his future?
Hello and welcome to Chat Doctor I assume that the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis is made on biopsy. Autoimmune hepatitis is a progressive disease, but there are medications which antagonize the antibodies produced by the body. When medical treatment is not effective liver transplant is being done in good number of centers all over the world. So, consult a hepatologist and discuss the further management for the problem. Console your friend that there is no need to be disheartened. Thanks and take care Chat Doctor.