Monothematic Conference on Steatotic liver disease in children

January 30 - February 01 2025
Bergamo, Italy

General Information

Steatotic liver disease in children is a diagnostic and a therapeutic challenge. The most common cause of liver steatosis is the metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), whose importance has increased along with the obesity epidemic.

However, ruling out monogenic disorders of metabolism – potentially susceptible of specific treatment – is paramount in young patients. Research in the field has unveiled genetic and epigenetic disease modifiers, and several candidate biomarkers have been selected for non-invasive disease assessment.

We want to offer an updated perspective of the management of the child with steatotic liver disease, and interactive discussion about existing controversies and current needs in clinical practice. Future perspectives as well as novelties from basic science will be addressed.

Application & Fees


Participation fees:

EUR 300 non-members
EUR 250 members
EUR 200 Trainee members

Deadline extension: November  15th

Applicants need to submit a current CV, a motivational letter and a case report . The number of applicants is limited and delegates will be selected by the organizers after the application deadline.

Kindly use the online application form on this page. Applications by email cannot be accepted. If you experience any issues with the online application tool, please contact office@espghan.org. Priority will be given to ESPGHAN Members. 
ESPGHAN Members may attend two courses per year and non-members may attend one course before becoming members of the society. 

Please do not make travel arrangements before receipt of a formal confirmation of acceptance from the ESPGHAN Office.

Delegates are expected to attend the full course and arrange their travel according to the course schedule. 

The course language is English.

Preliminary Programme

Day 01 - Thursday

Session 1. Pathophysiology and epidemiology

14.00-14.20 - Welcome address and presentation of the programme
14.50 - Epidemiology and natural history of MASLD and obesity - Emer Fitzpatrick, Dublin
14.50-15:20 -Screening and diagnosis of MASLD -Ruth De Bruyne, Ghent
15.20-15.50 -The differential diagnosis of the Steatotic liver disease in children - Emanuele Nicastro, Bergamo
15.50-16.10 -Coffee break
16.10-16:40 MASLD or MAFLD? Changing nomenclature and classification -Bart Koot, Amsterdam 16:40-17:10 Comorbidities in children with MASLD - Anita Vreugdenhil, Maastricht

Day 02 - Friday

Session 2. Diagnosis and assessment of the Steatotic liver disease
9.00-9.30 - The pathophysiology of MASLD: from systemic to organ disease and back - Claudia Mandato, Salerno
09.30-10.00 - Genes, MASLD occurrence and MASLD/MASH progression -Luca Valenti, Milan 10.00-10.20 - Discussion (1 or 2 abstract) - Benno Kohlmaier, Graz 10.20-10.40 -Coffee break 10.40-11.00 - Interactive case discussion: focus on differential diagnosis -Anita Vreugdenhil, Maastricht (chair)
11.00-11:30 - Liver pathology in MASLD - Aurelio Sonzogni, Bergamo
11.30-12.00 - Non-invasive instrumental assessment of disease - Piotr Socha, Warsaw
12.00-12.30 - Biomics in MASLD and obesity - Jake Mann, Birmingham
12.30-13.30 - Lunch Session 3. Managing the child with Steatotic liver disease
13.30-14.00 - Lifestyle modification in children (non-pharmacological interventions) - Elvira Verduci, Milan
14.00-14.30 - QoL, and psychosocial aspects - Ruth De Bruyne, Ghent
14.30-14.50 - Interactive case discussions - Local dietitian, specialist nurse, surgeon, psychologist, hepatologist
14.50-15.10 -Discussion (1 or 2 abstract) - Piotr Socha, Warsaw (chair)
15.10-15.30 - Tea break
15.30-16.00 - Pharmacological interventions: the current landscape in MASLD - Luca Valenti, Milan 16.00-16.30 - Challenges in pediatric interventional clinical trials in MASLD - Stavra Xanthakos, Cincinnati
16.30-17.00 - Interactive discussion: existing guidelines and what we still need - Emer Fitzpatrick, Dublin (chair)

DAY 3 - Saturday

Session 4. Future perspectives
09.00-09.30 - Microbiome, bile acids and gut-liver axis - Claudia Mandato, Salerno
9.30-10.00 - Surgical and endoscopic treatments - Elvira Verduci, Milan
10.00-10.30 - Interactive case discussions - Local dietitian, specialist nurse, surgeon, psychologist, hepatologist
10.30-10.50 - Coffee break
10.50-11.20 - Expert lecture (TBC) - Stavra Xanthakos, Cincinnati 
11.20-11.50 - Where do we go from here? Collaborative initiatives in the field - Jake Mann, Birmingham
11.50-12.10 - Farewell and closing remarks

Cost Coverage

 

ESPGHAN will cover the following for international delegates:

  • up to 2 night accommodation in a pre-arranged hotel (organised by ESPGHAN)
  • pre-arranged dinners and socials
  • catering throughout the course
  • congress material

Disclaimer

Please be aware that ESPGHAN will be taking photos and/or videos at this event. By registering and attending th is course you acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions. Details of the disclaimer will be attached to your notification email. Please contact office@espghan.org if you have any questions or concerns.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, please contact the ESPGHAN Office for details.
Phone: +41 (0)22 9000 401
Email: office@espghan.org