• Friday, November 10, 2023
• 8:30 AM - 5:50 PM

Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis are leading causes of death in the United States.  Although cirrhosis primarily affects the liver, portal hypertension and end-stage liver disease have much more pervasive effects on patient health.  This four-session course provides a comprehensive update on the multisystem effects of liver cirrhosis.

Each one of the four sessions will address how the disease process occurs, which informs care for patients with cirrhosis. Featuring real-life cases with panel discussions and debates, attendees will find the sessions to be practical and interactive.

Attendees who want more in depth acute-on-chronic liver failure and portal hypertension subject matter should attend the companion Portal Hypertension and ACLF joint SIG Programs on Saturday.

1. Understand the latest in epidemiology, pathobiology, and diagnosis of cirrhosis in adults and children.
2. Link immune dysfunction and host-microbial interactions with infectious and metabolic complications of cirrhosis.
3. Harness knowledge in vascular pathophysiology of portal hypertension to best manage patients with cardiopulmonary and renal complications of cirrhosis.
4. Identify and address the emerging and unmet needs in cirrhosis, including gender-specific issues, end-of-life care and frailty.

Part 1: Epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis and prognosis

This session provides an overview of cirrhosis including epidemiology, biological basis for its progression and regression, and the latest methods for diagnosis.  It also addresses unique aspects of cirrhosis in children.

Part 2: Cross-talk with the immune system and gut-brain axis

This session addresses complications of cirrhosis that may reflect immune dysfunction and host-microbial interactions.  Cirrhosis is associated with dysbiosis which may contributes to encephalopathy and spontaneous infections.

Part 3: Cross-talk with cardiopulmonary and renal systems

This session focuses on circulatory changes that occur in cirrhosis, including the vascular pathophysiology and cardiac, renal and pulmonary complications.  In many patients, they culminate in multiorgan dysfunction requiring critical care.

Part 4: Cirrhosis as a systemic disease: emerging insights and future directions

This final session of the PG Course program presents emerging and unmet needs in multisystem aspects of cirrhosis including concerns specific to women, end-of-life care, and frailty.