Experts address current and emerging challenges in liver transplantation, including recurrence of metabolic syndrome post transplant, pediatric transplantation complexities, and the utility of posttransplant biomarkers. The potential of paired exchange to broaden donor options is also examined.
Look ahead to the transformative possibilities in transplant medicine. Presenters explore the expanding role of liver transplantation in oncology, developments in xenotransplantation, and the integration of deep machine learning to predict outcomes and enhance decision-making.
This joint Inclusion and Diversity Committee and LGBTQ+ Task Force session focuses on equipping participants with practical strategies to respond effectively to microaggressions and discrimination in professional settings, with an emphasis on fostering professionalism and allyship. Key topics include recognizing and addressing implicit biases, navigating tough conversations with colleagues, and responding to bias in ways that align with personal and professional values. Participants engage in interactive discussions, share experiences, and learn from real-world examples of encountering and addressing bias related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and more. Through guided exercises, attendees practice formulating responses that balance empathy, professionalism, and advocacy, ensuring they are prepared to respond thoughtfully in challenging moments. This session provides a platform for collaborative learning, encouraging participants to reflect on their own biases while gaining insights from the experiences of others.
Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is widely considered the “new stethoscope.” Speakers review the uses of liver POCUS and discuss how POCUS can help when evaluating a patient during a hepatology consult. Experts present case studies as examples of how liver POCUS helped them define or change a diagnosis and answer questions about the use of liver POCUS.<br />
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Presenters focus on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of liver diseases. Key topics include: AI-driven advancements in clinical research such as natural language processing for unstructured clinical data analysis; predictive modeling for patient outcomes; and multimodal data integration for comprehensive patient profiling. Speakers discuss clinical applications and highlight AI tools for decision support, ambient scribes, and automated message drafting to improve patient communication. Experts provide practical examples and actionable insights to enable participants to effectively integrate AI into their clinical and research workflows.
Associate editors from the journal <em>HEPATOLOGY </em>lead a critical discussion of the most notable and influential translational research papers published in the past year. <em>HEPATOLOGY</em> associate editors Suthat Liangpunsakul, Yujin Hoshida, and Binita Kamath appraise the most cutting-edge, game-changing scientific advances. A panel discussion with the speakers, editor-in-chief Gregory Gores, and deputy editor Harmeet Malhi highlights the impact of selected papers on translational advances in the field.
In this case-based program, presenters provide updates on key topics in general hepatology including: (1) steatotic liver disease, with emphasis on the treatment of MASH and considerations surrounding diagnosis and management of MetALD; (2) hepatitis B management based on the AASLD 2025 guidelines; and (3) primary sclerosing cholangitis, particularly addressing screening, use of pharmacotherapy, and drug development. Cases are used to give clinicians a real-world approach to management of these common liver diseases.
Presenters in this session expound on the current understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic progressive liver disease leading to biliary fibrosis and cirrhosis. The etiology of PSC remains unclear. Recent studies demonstrate that senescence of ductular reactive cells and epithelial cells exacerbate cholestatic liver injury and activate fibrogenic myofibroblasts. With the development of new technologies such as single cell/nucleus RNA sequencing, the complexity of liver cell interactions and immunological responses are being characterized. Specific changes in farnesoid X receptor and Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) expression in cholangiocytes critically contribute to the pathogenesis of PSC. Treatment with nor-ursodeoxycholic acid (norUDCA) and nonsteroidal farnesoid X receptor agonist (cilofexor) are being tested in phase 3 clinical trials to assess improvement of liver function in patients with PSC. Novel strategies such as targeting myeloid cells or hepatic myofibroblasts are being developed to prevent/revert cholestatic fibrosis.
Experts review the pathophysiology of Fontan-associated liver disease and the associated risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Presenters also discuss the management of Fontan-associated liver disease, indications for combined heart and liver transplantation, and posttransplant outcomes.
Planned in partnership with the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, this update provides the hepatology specialist with guidance on the management of common gastrointestinal challenges when caring for patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Presenters review the latest evidence in the management of complex liver diseases including key challenges in endohepatology; management of large polyps; dual therapy in primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding; and preoperative management of the patient with MASLD-induced cirrhosis.