This workshop introduces the concept of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) of the liver as an extension of the clinical exam to be performed by hepatology clinicians. Presenters provide a rationale for the use of POCUS, the basics of liver ultrasonography, common applications, and a path to implement POCUS in clinical practice. Participants will also receive hands-on training on performing point-of-care ultrasound examinations of the liver.

This session is supported by in-kind contributions (provision of ultrasound equipment) from GE Healthcare, Mindray, NEO Medical, and Siemens Healthineers.
 

Past Presidents' Luncheon

Leadership Luncheon

Experts provide an overview of the latest innovations in study design in MetALD-induced liver disease, including study endpoints. Presenters explore how to design and conduct effective cohort studies, large database studies, and clinical trials. Topics include the role of investigator-initiated cohort studies, large national database studies, and clinical trials in MetALD with discussion of funding opportunities, monitoring, and conducting these studies with a focus on early-stage investigators. This interactive session provides an opportunity to discuss study methodologies, existing studies, and protocols with the moderators.

Presenters in this session review the challenges in managing patients with various types of liver disease that are commonly consults for the hepatologist. Topics include viral hepatitis, iron overload, steatotic liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Wilson copper storage disease (WD) research is rapidly evolving. New diagnostic and therapeutic approaches will alter the way the disease is managed in the years ahead. These scientific advances will ensure that patients are receiving accurate diagnoses and effective therapies, thus preventing end-organ injury. Experts review the current guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of WD and contrast this with emerging novel diagnostics and therapeutics, including gene therapy.

Elliot Tapper, MD FAASLD, will present the Leon Schiff State of the Art Lecture, "Symptom Science in Hepatology and a Future of Improved Outcomes." This lecture will explore the cutting-edge developments in symptom science within hepatology, emphasizing the critical role of understanding patient preferences in advancing care and improving outcomes. We will discuss the optimal and innovative tools for efficient determination of these preferences, enabling clinicians to tailor interventions to individual needs. We will highlight the methods and importance of patient-centered clinical trial design, ensuring that research is feasible and aligns with patient priorities.
 

This session focuses on the nuances of selection of therapies for MASH and metabolic complications. Topics include the experience garnered following the US Food and Drug Administration approval of resmetirom and new therapeutic agents currently in phase 3 clinical trials. 

This interactive session provides clinicians a unique opportunity to both learn and practice evidence-based skills for handling tough conversations they may experience with patients and families. Presenters first review evidence-based approaches for common communication challenges (eg, delivering serious news, handling uncertainty, responding to emotions), discuss key phrases, and model ideal and less-than-ideal encounters. Participants then break into small groups to practice core serious illness communication skills using standardized patient encounters and receive in-the-moment feedback from experts. Presenters lead a group reflection to conclude the session.

Emerging evidence has shed light on the complexity of the gut microbiome and its influence on the tumor immune microenvironment, tumorigenesis, and therapeutic responses. Sequencing studies have examined the differential microbiota composition between healthy individuals and patients with cirrhotic liver disease. Recent studies have shown the influence of the gut microbiome on liver cancer development and progression. Thereby, the gut microbiome represents a potential target for therapeutic intervention, and its composition may potentially serve as a predictive biomarker for enhanced responses to immunotherapy. In this session, experts review recent advances in our understanding of: (1) the role of the gut microbiome in influencing liver cancer tumorigenesis and progression; (2) the effect of the gut microbiome on immunotherapy sensitivities; (3) the relationship of the gut microbiome with the immune system; and (4) the development of novel therapeutics.