Experts explore the dynamic interactions between the innate and adaptive immune systems in the context of liver fibrosis and inflammation, and provide insights into cutting-edge research and strategies for addressing liver fibrosis and associated inflammatory conditions. Key areas of focus include: (1) immune system roles—how innate immune cells (eg, macrophages, dendritic cells) and adaptive immune components (eg, T cells and B cells) communicate and influence hepatic tissue responses; (2) mechanisms of crosstalk—signaling pathways, cytokines, and cellular interactions that drive fibrosis and chronic liver inflammation; and (3) clinical implications—how immune crosstalk contributes to disease progression and identification of potential therapeutic targets to modulate the immune response and treat liver disorders.

This clinical symposium focuses on unique medical and surgical aspects of selection and management of liver transplant candidates with advanced age, obesity, and/or frailty. Topics include: medical and endoscopic management of obesity before transplantation; the role of prehab for frail transplant candidates; selection of transplant candidates with advanced age; and surgical anatomical challenges in liver transplantation. 

Subject matter experts review current challenges and controversies in the management of important complications of portal hypertension, including new approaches to refractory ascites, lower gastrointestinal bleeding due to portal hypertension, and the identification of recompensation. The program also includes a case-based expert panel discussion about the management of portal hypertension in the context of other complications such as liver cancer. 

Join us at this reception hosted by AASLD's Inclusion and Diversity Committee to celebrate the rich experiences and perspectives within the hepatology community. Connect with colleagues, share your journey, and engage in thoughtful conversation in a space that values connection, respect, and belonging.

Modern hepatology regularly uses diagnostic and prognostic tools in clinical practice. Artificial intelligence (AI), telehealth, clinical decision support (CDS), and remote monitoring using wearable technology are growing fields of research that can be leveraged to advance patient care and allow care teams to work more efficiently with better, more nuanced data. This session provides an overview of recent and upcoming technological innovations in the management of patients with chronic liver disease. Targeting both clinicians and researchers, this session focuses on 4 primary topics: AI-powered electronic health records, CDS tools, telehealth, and wearable technology/remote monitoring. Presentations touch on: current shortcomings in patient care and how technological applications may improve it; ongoing research; resources currently available to clinicians; future technology; and barriers to use in clinical practice. Where applicable, presenters include an overview of the US Food and Drug Administration approval process (eg, for wearables/remote monitoring tools) and privacy concerns (eg, for AI applications). This session aims to interweave the incredible promise of the future of health care with the difficulties of the present.

Experts review the evidence behind the key recommendations for dietary and exercise habits with beneficial impact on MASLD and MASH. Participants learn about the best nutritional choices for metabolic comorbidities and prevention of cirrhosis complications. Presentations discuss an ideal exercise prescription and recommendations on how to maintain consistency of lifestyle changes.

Parenteral nutrition (PN) provides lifesaving nutrition to infants and children unable to feed enterally. Its use, however, may be complicated by parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD). Experts present the pathogenesis of PNALD; PN improvements over the past few decades for hepatic protection; and current research updates in PNALD.

This session explores the ways that practicing hepatologists and trainees can incorporate clinical informatics into their careers. Discussion leaders cover the breadth of informatics engagement including: how to obtain additional training and education in informatics; learning how to use and create tools to optimize electronic health record workflows; participation in system-level informatics governance; and clinical research and quality improvement using electronic health record data and informatics tools. The session also addresses how to get involved in clinical informatics fellowships, pathways to clinical informatics board certification, and career options for the hepatologist with an interest or expertise in clinical informatics.

Organ access continues to evolve and is a primary challenge in caring for patients with chronic liver disease. Liver transplant indications in adults have changed over the past decade with the rise of MASLD and the decline of hepatitis C. The landscape of organ availability has concurrently shifted, including national policies, expansion of donor criteria, machine perfusion, and living donor transplant. To highlight the role of living donor transplant in this evolving context, this academic debate session features teams of hepatology trainees and practicing hepatologist debating the pros and cons of the question: Is there a role for living donor liver transplant in adult patients in the age of machine perfusion? The pro position argues that living donor transplant is effective and relevant; the con position argues that living donor transplant will no longer be needed. Debaters, judges, and attendees grapple with opposing scientific, societal, individual, and financial viewpoints on this timely issue.

Slido: https://app.sli.do/event/378zi69nJXst1qhp2f1xqx