America’s dominance in medical research over the last few decades has been remarkable, with exponentially increasing advances that have saved millions of lives and reduced suffering.  Yet dark clouds are now around us.  NIH support for basic and translational research in US research universities is under attack.  And even for breakthroughs that have happened, our broken health care system is not always able to deliver therapies for conditions like sickle cell anemia and hepatitis C.  But there is hope.  Americans are waking up to the fact that these attacks on medical research are not what they want for themselves and their families, and creative solutions are being developed to deliver cures to those who need them.
 
 

Subject matter experts compare and contrast the different types of cell death in homeostasis and liver injury, such as apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis, among others. Topics include: characterization of identification of the different modalities of cell death; the role of cell death in various liver diseases; signaling cascades and molecular mechanisms of cell death; and potential therapeutic strategies.

A hallmark symptom of cholestasis is pruritus, which can be severe and debilitating for many patients, significantly negatively impacting their quality of life. Experts present information focused on established and recently approved therapies to treat pruritus in cholestatic diseases. Speakers highlight a multistep approach to therapeutic options in pruritus, including alternative strategies in the settings of medication intolerance and difficult-to-treat pruritus. 

This comprehensive session provides an in-depth review of critical topics surrounding liver transplantation. Presenters guide attendees through the latest updates on liver transplant indications, the evaluation process, allocation systems, and different donor types including living, deceased, and expanded criteria donors. Through case studies and expert-led discussions, participants gain a robust understanding of how to navigate the complexities of liver transplant care and improve patient outcomes.

Members of the Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Special Interest Group present strategies to advance and optimize the care of critically ill patients with advanced liver disease and acute-on-chronic liver failure. Topics include the role of liver transplantation, optimzation of renal function, and mangement of hemodynamics and sepsis. The session concludes with a panel discussion.

Speakers present diverse registry-based studies in liver disease with the objectives to dissiminate evidence-based practice knowledge and enhance collaboration. Study data from the Global Alagille Alliance (GALA) study, the International Registry of Congenital Porto-Systemic Shunts (IRCPSS), and the International Multicenter Pediatric Portal Hypertension Registry (IMPPHR) are reviewed.

Experts provide an overview of reproductive health issues and pregnancy in liver transplant recipients, including the natural history of posttransplant fertility, recommended changes in immunosuppressive pharmacotherapy during pregnancy, and fetal outcomes.

This unique meet-up fosters meaningful interaction between the patient community and health care practitioners focused on those affected by MASLD/MASH.

Sponsored by: Madrigal Pharmaceuticals
 
 

Experts present information addressing the safety and efficacy of transplantation of HBsAg-positive donor organs into hepatitis B seronegative recipients and long-term management of hepatitis B post transplantation in this patient population. Topics include patient and graft survival, and posttransplant management including the role of hepatitis B immunoglobulin, long-term HBV suppressive managment, and HCC risk and surveillance.

Experts provide a primer on how to start, organize, and refine an integrated, multidisciplinary alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) clinic. Topics addressed include creation of a business plan and troubleshooting potential pitfalls in running an integrated ALD clinic.