A panel of editors from Hepatology, Hepatology Communications, and Liver Transplantation offer expert advice on streamlining both prepublication and postpublication processes. Panelists share valuable tips to help authors with their publications by effectively presenting their research to editors, reviewers, and readers. Topics include study design, manuscript preparation, addressing reviewer feedback, and utilizing search engines and social media for optimal postpublication impact.

 

 

This workshop addresses the current state of advanced hepatology training. Speakers discuss salient topics around transplant hepatology training and workforce considerations, including recruitment and participation, retention, funding, and upcoming changes to the American Board of Internal Medicine blueprints. 

Presenters highlight key updates contributing to the simplification of hepatitis C treatment in 2025, including: (1) diagnostic approaches across episodic and long-term health care settings; (2) workup and treatment; and (3) integrated opioid use disorder care and hepatitis C treatment to achieve hepatitis C elimination.

The Associates Course expands the knowledge base of participants to improve patient outcomes in behavioral, nutritional, and pharmacologic interventions in chronic liver disease. Speakers explore topics including: (1) novel treatment models of chronic hepatitis C and MASLD/MASH; (2) pharmacist driven management of chronic liver disease; (3) resource-limited management of chronic liver disease; and (4) palliative approaches to management of patients with chronic liver disease.

Hepatologists are often asked if a patient can restart a medication after an episode of DILI. Utilizing a friendly debate format, presenters highlight key points about the risk/benefit analysis in rechallenge and how to indentify patients suitable for a rechallenge trial. In addition, specific case scenarios with common medications are addressed. Given the nuances involved, the panel comprises stakeholders from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and regulatory agencies to provide their perspective on the issue of rechallenge after DILI.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established criteria for elimination of hepatitis B and hepatitis C as public health threats by 2030. Most countries, however, are not on track to meet these WHO goals. Many patients with HBV and/or HCV infection do not have access to treatment, vaccination, or harm reduction efforts. Presenters address the main barriers to viral hepatitis elimination from patient and community perspectives, and strategies to overcome them.

 

Hepatology, cardiology, and transplant medicine experts discuss the pathophysiology, clinical management, and long-term outcomes of Fontan-associated liver disease. The symposium highlights emerging research, diagnostic advancements, and multidisciplinary approaches to improve surveillance, treatment, and transplant decision-making for this unique patient population. Audience members learn from persuasive arguments by transplant surgeons regarding the options of isolated heart transplant versus combined heart-liver transplant for pediatric patients with Fontan failure. Attendees participate in this discussion by questioning presenters and voting how they would handle a challenging clinical case in light of the information presented.

 

The Stump the Hepatologist session demonstrates the "art" behind the science of working through a differential diagnosis. Through live interactions with case presenters, hepatology experts work through interesting and challenging cases, voicing their thought process as the case unfolds. Participants witness how experts in the field, using their knowledge base, break down and narrow their differential diagnosis to solve the case. Following determination of the final diagnosis, each case presenter provides a brief synopsis of relevant literature.

This session updates the community on the experience and expertise of patient engagement from 3 ongoing collaboratives:

• The Autoimmune Liver Disease Network for Kids (A-LiNK) and the A-LiNK connections 
• PFIC.org and their Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) funded IMPACT project (identifying research targets by merging patient and clinician treatment information)
• the Starzl Network for Excellence in Pediatric Transplantation and their PCORI funded PARTNER AD³vance project (patient-centered research in pediatric transplant—engaging families and recipients—adolescent and young adult advisors)

Presenters highlight the importance of patient engagement in setting research agendas, strategies for successful patient engagement, and how patient engagement affects project development and progress.

Portal hypertension remains a challenging complication of pediatric liver disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Management of portal hypertension in adults and children can vary. This session reviews the diagnosis and management of pediatric portal hypertension, learning from adult data.