CPG Press Release - European Association for the Study of the Liver
CPG Press Release - European Association for the Study of the Liver
CPG Press Release - European Association for the Study of the Liver
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New Clinical Practice Guidelines on Alcoholic <strong>Liver</strong> Disease PublishedHepatitis B Virus Guidelines RevisedBarcelona, Spain, Thursday 19 April 2012: EASL today announced <strong>the</strong> publication <strong>of</strong> a new clinicalpractice guideline (<strong>CPG</strong>) in <strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong> Alcoholic <strong>Liver</strong> Disease (ALD), bringing <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>CPG</strong>spublished to date to eight.ALD, a result <strong>of</strong> regular and heavy drinking, is <strong>the</strong> leading cause <strong>of</strong> liver disease in eastern and westernEurope 1 . Europe has <strong>the</strong> highest alcohol consumption in <strong>the</strong> world, at 12.18 litres <strong>of</strong> pure alcohol per personper year. 1 Despite this <strong>the</strong>re has been limited research investment in this area and <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong>clinical practice guidelines is <strong>the</strong>re<strong>for</strong>e both timely and necessary.The EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on Alcoholic <strong>Liver</strong> Disease, build on <strong>the</strong> issues raised at <strong>the</strong>Mono<strong>the</strong>matic Conference on Alcoholic <strong>Liver</strong> Disease, held in A<strong>the</strong>ns in 2010 and have been developed withthree main aims. These are to:1. Provide physicians with clinical recommendations2. Emphasise <strong>the</strong> fact that alcohol can cause several liver diseases (steatosis, steatohepatitis,cirrhosis), all <strong>of</strong> which may coexist in <strong>the</strong> same patient3. Identify areas <strong>of</strong> interest <strong>for</strong> future research, including clinical trialsThe guidelines cover <strong>the</strong> burden <strong>of</strong> ALD, management <strong>of</strong> alcohol abuse and dependence, pathogenesis, riskfactors <strong>for</strong> disease progression, diagnosis, alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis and liver transplantation.The Clinical Practice Guidelines will be published in August in EASL’s Journal <strong>of</strong> Hepatology.In addition, EASL has also published a revised <strong>CPG</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Management <strong>of</strong> Chronic Hepatitis B. This updateincorporates changes to a number <strong>of</strong> areas including: new indications <strong>for</strong> liver biopsy and <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong>HBeAg-negative patients; <strong>the</strong> recommendation <strong>for</strong> less frequent HBV DNA testing under ETV or TDF; and<strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> more detailed recommendations <strong>for</strong> specific sub-groups, particularly HBV and pregnancyand HBV and immunosuppression.<strong>CPG</strong>s define <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> diagnostic, <strong>the</strong>rapeutic and preventive modalities, including non-invasive andinvasive procedures, in <strong>the</strong> management <strong>of</strong> patients with various liver diseases. They are intended to assistphysicians and o<strong>the</strong>r healthcare providers, as well as patients and interested individuals, in <strong>the</strong> clinicaldecision making process by describing a range <strong>of</strong> generally accepted approaches <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> diagnosis,treatment and prevention <strong>of</strong> specific liver diseases.In addition, a <strong>CPG</strong> is in development <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Management <strong>of</strong> Acute <strong>Liver</strong> Failure. More in<strong>for</strong>mation on EASL’s<strong>CPG</strong>s can be found on <strong>the</strong> EASL website at http://www.easl.eu/_clinical-practice-guideline.
Notes to Editors- Ends -About EASLEASL is <strong>the</strong> leading <strong>European</strong> scientific society involved in promoting research and education in hepatology.EASL attracts <strong>the</strong> <strong>for</strong>emost hepatology experts and has an impressive track record in promoting research inliver disease, supporting wider education and promoting changes in <strong>European</strong> liver policy.EASL’s main focus on education and research is delivered through numerous events and initiatives,including:The International <strong>Liver</strong> Congress TM which is <strong>the</strong> main scientific and pr<strong>of</strong>essional event in hepatologyworldwideMeetings including Mono<strong>the</strong>matic and Special conferences, Post Graduate courses and o<strong>the</strong>rendorsed meetings that take place throughout <strong>the</strong> yearClinical and Basic Schools <strong>of</strong> Hepatology, a series <strong>of</strong> events covering different aspects in <strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong>hepatologyJournal <strong>of</strong> Hepatology published monthlyParticipation in a number <strong>of</strong> policy initiatives at <strong>European</strong> leveli<strong>Liver</strong> iPhone app - a free medical app developed by EASL, with content fully authored, validated andaccredited by 42 independent liver specialistsAbout <strong>CPG</strong>sClinical Practice Guidelines are available in <strong>the</strong> following areasChronic Hepatitis B<strong>Liver</strong> DiseaseHFE HemochromatosisAscites, Spontaneuos Bacterial Peritonitis and Hepatorenal Syndrome in CirrhosisHepatitis C Viral InfectionWilson’s DiseaseHepatocellular CarcinomaAbout The International <strong>Liver</strong> Congress TM 2012The International <strong>Liver</strong> Congress 2012, <strong>the</strong> 47th annual meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>European</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> study<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Liver</strong>, is being held at <strong>the</strong> Centre Convencions Internacional (CCIB) in Barcelona from April 18 – 22,2012. The congress annually attracts over 8,300 clinicians and scientists from around <strong>the</strong> world and providesan opportunity to hear <strong>the</strong> latest research, perspectives and treatments <strong>of</strong> liver disease from principal expertsin <strong>the</strong> field.For fur<strong>the</strong>r in<strong>for</strong>mation on <strong>the</strong> studies, or to request an interview, please do no<strong>the</strong>sitate to contact <strong>the</strong> EASL <strong>Press</strong> Office on:
Email: easlpress<strong>of</strong>fice@cohnwolfe.comTravis Taylor Onsite tel: +44 7894 386 422Vicky O’Connor Onsite tel: +44 7894 386 428References1 Handbook <strong>for</strong> action to reduces alcohol-related harm. World Health Organization Regional Office <strong>for</strong> Europe. 2009.http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/43320/E92820.pdf. Accessed 04.04.12.