Autoimmune Liver Diseases
Mount Sinai Health System has more liver specialists (hepatologists) on staff than any other health system in New York City, making us your go-to provider for liver health. Our hepatologists are known worldwide for conducting innovative research and providing state-of-the-art treatment for all forms of liver disease, including autoimmune liver diseases.
Over many decades, researchers at Mount Sinai have produced groundbreaking results that have added to the understanding of autoimmune liver diseases, such as:
- Autoimmune hepatitis causes your body's immune system to attack the liver, leading to inflammation and liver damage.
- Primary biliary cirrhosis, also known as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), causes your bile ducts to become inflamed and collapse, damaging the liver and leading to cirrhosis.
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a disease of the liver and gallbladder that scars the bile ducts and blocks bile drainage. This is more common in patients also suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
About Autoimmune Liver Disease
Autoimmune liver diseases are typically long-lasting and recurring (chronic) conditions. This means that you may experience persistent immune system attacks that destroy liver cells. As cells die, scar tissue known as fibrosis forms. Autoimmune diseases tend to progress slowly, and you may have long periods without symptoms. When scarring (fibrosis) becomes extreme, liver function weakens and eventually may result in a condition known as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can ultimately lead to liver failure or end-stage liver disease that may require liver transplantation. Our goal is to identify and treat disease early in the course to avoid the need for liver transplantation.
Our liver specialists work closely with other experts at Mount Sinai to provide a comprehensive approach to treating you if you have multiple autoimmune conditions.
Researching Autoimmune Liver Disease
The focus of our research at Mount Sinai has been to identify ways to slow the progression of autoimmune liver diseases. We evaluate the genetic and environmental influences of liver disease. We also research treatments with minimal side effects. Our studies have led to several clinical trials and global collaborations.
Our research team’s dedication means you have access to comprehensive, groundbreaking care. We have made advances from diagnosis to post-transplantation care.
Support Groups
If you are living with an autoimmune disease that is affecting or threatening to affect your liver, you are not alone. Additional information regarding patient support groups can be found at: