COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS: DIAGNOSTIC APPROACHES AND TREATMENT MODALITIES HIGHLIGHTED BY A CASE REPORT

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease characterized by immune system dysfunction, elevated gamma globulins, and specific auto antibodies. It arises from genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and immune dysregulation, and is typically managed with immunosuppressive therapy. The research highlights AIH risks, including disease recurrence and complications from vaccinations like COVID-19 and Hepatitis A, underscoring the need for tailored management and ongoing patient monitoring. We present a rare case of AIH in an adult male with delayed diagnosis. Initially, he experienced jaundice at 14 and managed it with alternative medicine. At 32, he was diagnosed with jaundice, liver dysfunction, and portal hypertension, which progressed despite treatment. By 34, he was diagnosed with decompensated chronic liver disease related to AIH at a government tertiary care hospital. The study explores novel diagnostic approaches, such as neuro-fuzzy cognitive maps, serum biomarkers like GDF15, and gene expression profiling to improve early detection. It also discusses emerging therapeutic strategies, including cytokine modulation and immunoproteasome inhibition, to optimize treatment outcomes. With further research, these methods could save lives, unlike in our patient’s case. Despite treatment, the patient’s condition worsened, leading to his death in early 2024. This case highlights the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis. Negligence and lack of expertise can result in overlooked diagnoses, causing unnecessary loss of life. This study is dedicated to the patient, emphasizing the need for advancements in AIH care to improve outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.