How can gut-liver axis disruption trigger progression of chronic liver disease? Gain deeper insights on the gut-liver axis, an essential reciprocal interaction between the gut, microbiota and the liver. Presentations cover how bile acids regulate the composition of microbiota and intestinal barrier function, and how gut products regulate bile acid synthesis, and glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver.

The healthcare burden of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is rising, especially in younger adults and women, with worrying ethnic and racial disparities in ALD burden. Epidemic metabolic risk factors and obesity seem to drive higher prevalence of both ALD and NAFLD. This symposium will address ALD in special at-risk populations and how hepatologists can effectively diagnose and manage these patients.

Review a condensed summary of the clinical research highlights from The Liver Meeting® 2021. This popular debriefing session summarizes all the important findings in clinical hepatology that were presented this year.

This SIG program shares exciting new discoveries in liver fibrosis related to NASH, such as molecular mechanisms and translational aspects of fibrosis and cirrhosis, and translation of findings into humans. Experts share significant new information on the potential role of hepatocytes and crosstalk with non-parenchymal cells in NASH-fibrosis, with emphasis on molecular mechanisms, and potential non-invasive biomarkers and treatments.

What diagnostic, prevention and therapeutic challenges do global hepatologists face as they manage patients with complex liver conditions in 2021 and beyond? This session will contrast modern hepatology practice in the English- and Spanish/Portuguese-speaking Americas in the strategic management of HBV, including diagnosis challenges and prevention gaps, and NAFLD, including efforts to decrease disease burden.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-associated liver disease are two principal causes of advanced liver disease in the U.S., and both contribute heavily to rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Faculty will identify drivers of disease progression in both diseases, provide guidance on optimal management strategies, and discuss emerging therapeutic options most likely to be in the future treatment armamentarium.

The newest global strategies to manage patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) will be discussed at this intriguing symposium. Topics include the current state of HBV research, surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma in HBV, HBV management during pregnancy, and novel and emerging therapies for both HBV and hepatitis D.

What is the latest evidence to guide hepatologists in the management of patients with challenging overlap syndromes, such as PBC-AIH and PSC-AIH? At this stimulating program, faculty will address current controversies related to the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of overlap syndromes, including how to distinguish different phenotypes and select appropriate therapeutics for these patients.

Digest a debrief of the newest data on the treatment of viral hepatitis presented at The Liver Meeting® 2021. This unique session synthesizes the results from this year’s abstracts, condensed and discussed by an expert in the field.

Explore timely topics in liver disease in a lively debate format as hepatology trainees and practicing hepatologists tackle important, often controversial issues. Debaters will gain skills in critical thinking, balanced argumentation and factual examination of each issues' pros and cons. Debaters, judges and audience members will grapple with opposing scientific, societal, individual and financial viewpoints on current clinical concerns.