Autoimmune Hepatitis Panel

The Liver Kidney Microsome - 1 Antibody test detects the presence of specific antibodies called liver kidney microsome-1 (LKM-1) antibodies. LKM-1 antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the body’s immune system that mistakenly target and attack a liver enzyme called cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). These antibodies are strongly linked with type 2 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), making it a highly specific marker for the disease. Type 2 AIH primarily affects children and young adults, unlike type 1 AIH, which is more common in adults. It can lead to inflammation and damage to liver cells, potentially progressing to cirrhosis if untreated. Additionally, determining the presence of LMK-1 antibodies over time can help assess the effectiveness of treatment and adjust therapeutic strategies if needed. The Liver Kidney Microsome - 1 Antibody test thus plays a crucial role in the management of AIH-2, guiding both the initial diagnosis and ongoing treatment decisions.

An Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) by IFA - End Point Titer test checks for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in your blood. These antibodies, different from typical ones that fight off invaders in the body, can attach to structures inside the body’s own cell nuclei. If ANAs are present in the blood, it may suggest that your immune system is overly sensitive, causing inflammation against your own tissues and possibly indicating autoimmune diseases. 

The Anti Smooth Muscle Antibody, IFA test measures the levels of anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA) in the blood. These antibodies primarily target the smooth muscle cells within the body, particularly those found in organs like the liver. The presence of these antibodies in the blood indicates an autoimmune activity, particularly in conditions like autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) where the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the liver cells. Additionally, the Anti Smooth Muscle Antibody, IFA test may be used to detect other autoimmune liver conditions such as primary biliary liver cirrhosis (PBC) and to distinguish between various liver disorders with similar symptoms. This screening test helps in the early detection and timely initiation of treatment against autoimmune hepatitis to prevent further damage to the liver. 

The Anti Mitochondrial Antibody-IFA test measures the amount of anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) that play a critical role in the context of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic liver disease. These autoantibodies target specific proteins in the mitochondria and are found in approximately 95% of individuals suffering from PBC, making them highly specific for the disease. 

PBC most often develops during middle age and is usually seen in individuals between the ages of 35 and 60, and most individuals have no specific symptoms. The disease is often discovered incidentally due to abnormal results on routine liver blood tests. Once PBC is suspected, an Anti Mitochondrial Antibody-IFA is used to check for antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA). Identifying AMAs early in the disease process enables doctors to initiate treatments such as ursodeoxycholic acid, which relieve symptoms, not cause any effect of disease progression. Early detection also helps prevent complications such as cirrhosis and liver failure. Additionally, it enables patients to adopt lifestyle changes and receive regular monitoring, which further contributes to better long-term health outcomes and quality of life.