Alcohol Symposium
This session will discuss our current understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and current approaches to the disease. Particular attention will be paid to:
• Mortality associated with alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, and alcoholic fatty liver.
• Contributions of both the parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells within the liver to the initiation and progression of alcohol-induced injury, as well as the roles of the innate and adaptive immune systems.
• The discussion of abstinence from alcohol and reduction in the damage to the liver caused by alcohol.
• Liver transplantation for patients with life threatening alcoholic liver disease.
Goals and Objectives:
• Describe the overall burden of alcohol related disorders and analyze the trend in mortality and healthcare utilization related to alcoholic liver disease in the U.S.
• Describe the stages in the pathophysiology of alcoholic liver disease with attention to (1) understanding the distinct contributions of parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells within the liver, and (2) understanding the role of innate and adaptive immune responses
• Understand current treatments for acute alcoholic hepatitis, including the role of abstinence and liver transplantation in the treatment of ALD