- Approximately 60% of obese children have fatty liver disease
- Aided by poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest causes of liver diseases leading to cirrhosis (hardening of liver) and liver failure
IndiGlobal Bureau
Physicians say that fatty lever is a major cause for worry and is the third largest cause for deaths at the recently concluded AIG Liver Conclave held in Hyderabad. The three- day scientific endeavor had extensive learning sessions for all levels of doctors treating liver patients, featuring PG Course, LIVE Transmission of advanced endo-hepatology procedures, hands-on workshop, and case-based practical discussions. For the first time, Nobel Laureate Prof. Harvey J Alter delivered the keynote address on his discovery of hepatitis C virus. Distinguished lectures included Prof. Shiv Sarin, Chancellor, ILBS, New Delhi giving the AIG Oration on “Big data and multiomics in Hepatolgoy” and Prof. MS Khuroo talked about his discovery of hepatitis E virus.
“In India, the incidence of liver diseases is growing rapidly, and we are dealing with a deadly trio, i.e., Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Hepatitis B & C, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Liver Cancer). The cause of concern is NAFLD as it is affecting our pediatric population to a great extent. Approximately 60% of obese children have fatty liver disease. It was probably the first time in our country where so many legendary liver experts came together from all over the world to educate and update our physicians on management of liver disorders, which will eventually help lacs of patients,” Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, AIG Hospitals said.
Dr. Reddy further added that “the combination of diabetes and fatty liver aided by poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest causes of liver diseases leading to cirrhosis (hardening of liver) and liver failure. Not only that we are still battling the alcohol abuse in our country which continues to contribute significantly to liver diseases and in recent past have increased too.”
“We are seeing never before numbers in our Hepatology department where people are presenting with Liver Failure which is not linked with alcohol usage. Another significant point is that NAFLD is not just limited to urban population but is impacting our rural population as well. The intent behind organizing such a large-scale liver conclave was to bring all such experts together where one can learn from each other and see what approach is working for our patients. We made the entire scientific program absolutely relevant for practicing hepatologists (liver experts), gastroenterologists, and general practitioners so that based on evidence and latest treatment guidelines, all liver patients can be benefited,” Dr. Mithun Sharma, Director – Hepatology, AIG Hospitals said.
The conference was graced by top international liver experts including Dr. Rajender Reddy, University of Pennsylvania, USA, Dr. Patrick Kamath, Mayo Clinic, USA, Prof. Julia Wendon, King’s College, London, Dr. Elliot Tapper, University of Michigan, USA, Dr. Jasmohan Bajaj, Richmond VA Medical Center, USA, Prof. Grace Wong, CUKH, Hong Kong, Dr. Amit Singal, UT Southwestern Medical Center, USA, Dr. Ashwani Singal, Sanford School of Medicine, USA and Prof. Juan Pablo Arab, Western University, Canada
“At AIG Hospitals, we continuously thrive for science-based approach for all our patients and take the best multidisciplinary approach towards such grave public health issues like liver diseases. For ex., to help deal with NAFLD, you need not just liver experts but also the support from Cardiologists, Endocrinologists, Gastroenterologists, Bariatric experts, and Nutritionists. That’s how we all should work collaboratively to address and treat severe liver diseases. The AIG Liver Conclave was the perfect platform for all to experience this kind of approach and translate into their clinical practice,” said Dr. PN Rao, Chief of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals.