Identifying best practices in the difficult management of patients with liver disease in the community outpatient setting is an important topic in clinical hepatology. It is particularly important to look at the approach to patients with non-alcoholic liver disease that are not  candidates for research studies, the management of portal hypertension and portal vein thrombosis, and outpatient intervention and monitoring of patients with cirrhosis and renal insufficiency.

Given recent attention to healthcare reform efforts in the U.S., a greater emphasis is being placed on generating and synthesizing evidence to inform policies affecting the clinical practice of hepatology. In turn, this program will review and teach attendees about the most common research designs and analytic methods associated with the conduct of healthcare delivery research.

The future is bright for the continued development of novel gene therapy approaches in liver disease. But, a deeper understanding of off-target effects and immune responses generated in host cells by gene carriers is needed to fully realize their potential. This workshop will provide an overview of current and emerging therapeutic gene editing strategies for liver diseases. Speakers will discuss how novel genome editing techniques and designer nucleases offer the ability to carry out sophisticated gene function studies in vivo.

Recently there is an increased interest and effort in targeting novel pathways to treat cholestatic liver diseases.  Up-to-date science is needed on the new therapeutic targets and the early experiences (successes and failures) of clinical trials to foster discussion of these various approaches and identify priorities for future clinical trials.

This comprehensive program has been designed to improve the treatment and management of patients with liver disease. By highlighting current data to support effective and efficient patient-centered care, attendees will have the ability to utilize medical knowledge and research to provide quality evidence-based practice.

This program will provide evidence-based and practical updates for three common and/or difficult-to-manage conditions: (1) how to select patients with the lowest likelihood of recidivism for liver transplant listing, (2) how to evaluate and manage acute and chronic venous outflow disorders; and (3) how to diagnose, evaluate and involve a multidisciplinary team in the management of patients with acute liver failure.Michael R.

As the U.S. continues to face disparities in organ allocation — due to an imbalance of supply and demand — patients who are on the waitlist for liver transplantation are increasingly at risk. This session will discuss the importance of geographic disparities in liver transplantation as well as various strategies proposed to address this critical issue in healthcare.Julie Heimbach Julie K.

Now, more than ever, hepatologists and hepatology health professionals must guide personalized treatment plans for their patients. 21st Century Hepatology will help you do just that by discussing new and best evidence, therapeutic advances, and breakthroughs on the horizon. From the application of biomarkers to genetics and lifestyle, this course offers a state-of-the art look at translating discoveries into modern-day hepatology practice.Ronald J. Sokol Michael P. Manns Naga P. Chalasani Naga P. Chalasani, MD, FAASLD currently serves as David W.

Attendees seeking an overview of the current diagnostic and therapeutic modalities available for patients with liver cancer will benefit from Advances in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy. This session will cover a broad range of topics from epidemiology and future disease burden to the emerging role of genomics in the management of liver cancer. Attendees will also receive an overview of the role of surgical resection as well as the current indications for liver transplantation and post-transplant management and recurrence.Hashem B. El-Serag Julie Heimbach Julie K.

This program will look at current political issues related to organ allocation supported by data and an open debate, as well as changes in listing criteria. In addition, speakers will address best practices for the use of marginal livers and innovative treatment options to use such organs.Peter L. Abt Karen E. Doucette Dennis Irwin David S. Goldberg David J. Reich George E. Loss Karim Halazun Timothy L. Pruett