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. 

<strong>Marina Serper, MD MS</strong> will present the Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Surgery State of the Art Lecture, &quot;Advances in Artificial Intelligence and Technology in Liver Transplantation.&quot;

This year&#39;s Postgraduate Course was co-programmed by Drs. Saul Karpen, Mazen Noureddin, and Elizabeth Verna. Achieving optimal health during our patients&rsquo; lifetimes is not something that should occur only after a provider recognizes liver disease. It is best understood and approached by incorporating the many facets of each patient&rsquo;s past history, genetics, environment, medications, and other exposures that change during the course of their lives. The theme of this postgraduate course is to frame the way we approach patients and their liver care in the context of their current stage of life, while also taking into account past contributions as well as preparing for the future. As such, this course reframes information and teaching points&mdash;age, disease, surveillance, screening, extrahepatic contributions, and treatments all tied together as a continuum. The speakers present their approaches and complexities to each disease or intervention through the lens of a lifetime for each of the topics. Components include pregnancy and early life contributors, extrahepatic manifestations, alcohol use, and a full session on the aging patient. Taken together, this course intends to enhance the attendee&#39;s understanding, approach, and planning for their individual patient&rsquo;s needs to achieve optimal liver-centric health at all stages of their lives. For many of the expert speakers&rsquo; topics, relevant information and advice will be focused upon a lifetime of care across distinct age groups where applicable: < 18, 18-40, 40-70 and > 70 years of age.&nbsp; With this new approach to age groupings, the attendee will hear how the speaker optimizes their own advice, care and thinking across these different stages of their patients&rsquo; lives.<br />
The Sessions will end with a Q&amp;A for the audience to interact with each speaker and there will be coffee/snack breaks and lunch provided to attendees.&nbsp; The Sessions are divided as:<br />
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<strong>Session 1 (8:00&nbsp;AM - 9:45 AM):</strong>&nbsp;Lifelong age-appropriate screening, surveillance and therapeutic choices<br />
<strong>Session 2 (10:45 AM - 12:30 PM):&nbsp;</strong>Extrahepatic Contributors to Liver Health Outcomes<br />
<strong>Session 3 (1:30 PM - 3:15 PM):</strong>&nbsp;The die is cast at a young age: early life determinants of future liver health<br />
<strong>Session 4 (3:45 PM - 5:30 PM):&nbsp;</strong>Liver health in the older adults<br />
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Experts discuss the role of the coagulation casacade and the importance of the intricate balanace between thrombosis and hemostasis in normal liver homeostasis and in liver diseases such as DILI, MASH, and MASLD.

Experts provide information to help participants understand the current multidisciplinary approaches in identification of patients requiring consideration for early liver transplantation for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis and their clinical management. Topics include: prognostic models for predicting further decompensation versus recompensation; interpretation of phosphatidylethanol (PEth) testing; and approaches to reduce the likelihood of a return to alcohol use after liver transplantation.

This session comprises a critical discussion of the most notable and influential clinical research papers published in <em>HEPATOLOGY</em> in the past year by a team of associate editors from the journal <em>HEPATOLOGY</em>. Associate editors Yujin Hoshida, Jennifer Lai, and Manal Abdelmalek&nbsp;appraise the most cutting-edge, game-changing clinical science research literature.&nbsp;A panel discussion with the speakers, editor-in-chief Gregory Gores, and associate editor Jacqueline O&rsquo;Leary highlights the clinical impact of selected papers and key challenges and opportunities in the field.

2025 AASLD Annual Business Meeting

Join us for AASLD&rsquo;s Pride Reception, hosted by the LGBTQ+ Committee. This event offers a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ members and allies to connect, build community, and celebrate the values of inclusion and belonging within the hepatology field. Come share experiences and strengthen the spirit of connection that supports all members of our professional community.<br />
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Sponsored by: Gilead Sciences<br />
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