CPG Press Release - European Association for the Study of the Liver

New Clinical Practice Guidelines on Alcoholic Liver Disease PublishedHepatitis B Virus Guidelines RevisedBarcelona, Spain, Thursday 19 April 2012: EASL today announced the publication of a new clinicalpractice guideline (CPG) in the area of Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD), bringing the number of CPGspublished to date to eight.ALD, a result of regular and heavy drinking, is the leading cause of liver disease in eastern and westernEurope 1 . Europe has the highest alcohol consumption in the world, at 12.18 litres of pure alcohol per personper year. 1 Despite this there has been limited research investment in this area and the development ofclinical practice guidelines is therefore both timely and necessary.The EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on Alcoholic Liver Disease, build on the issues raised at theMonothematic Conference on Alcoholic Liver Disease, held in Athens in 2010 and have been developed withthree main aims. These are to:1. Provide physicians with clinical recommendations2. Emphasise the fact that alcohol can cause several liver diseases (steatosis, steatohepatitis,cirrhosis), all of which may coexist in the same patient3. Identify areas of interest for future research, including clinical trialsThe guidelines cover the burden of ALD, management of alcohol abuse and dependence, pathogenesis, riskfactors for disease progression, diagnosis, alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis and liver transplantation.The Clinical Practice Guidelines will be published in August in EASL’s Journal of Hepatology.In addition, EASL has also published a revised CPG on the Management of Chronic Hepatitis B. This updateincorporates changes to a number of areas including: new indications for liver biopsy and the treatment ofHBeAg-negative patients; the recommendation for less frequent HBV DNA testing under ETV or TDF; andthe provision of more detailed recommendations for specific sub-groups, particularly HBV and pregnancyand HBV and immunosuppression.CPGs define the use of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive modalities, including non-invasive andinvasive procedures, in the management of patients with various liver diseases. They are intended to assistphysicians and other healthcare providers, as well as patients and interested individuals, in the clinicaldecision making process by describing a range of generally accepted approaches for the diagnosis,treatment and prevention of specific liver diseases.In addition, a CPG is in development for the Management of Acute Liver Failure. More information on EASL’sCPGs can be found on the EASL website at http://www.easl.eu/_clinical-practice-guideline.

Notes to Editors- Ends -About EASLEASL is the leading European scientific society involved in promoting research and education in hepatology.EASL attracts the foremost hepatology experts and has an impressive track record in promoting research inliver disease, supporting wider education and promoting changes in European liver policy.EASL’s main focus on education and research is delivered through numerous events and initiatives,including:The International Liver Congress TM which is the main scientific and professional event in hepatologyworldwideMeetings including Monothematic and Special conferences, Post Graduate courses and otherendorsed meetings that take place throughout the yearClinical and Basic Schools of Hepatology, a series of events covering different aspects in the field ofhepatologyJournal of Hepatology published monthlyParticipation in a number of policy initiatives at European leveliLiver iPhone app - a free medical app developed by EASL, with content fully authored, validated andaccredited by 42 independent liver specialistsAbout CPGsClinical Practice Guidelines are available in the following areasChronic Hepatitis BLiver DiseaseHFE HemochromatosisAscites, Spontaneuos Bacterial Peritonitis and Hepatorenal Syndrome in CirrhosisHepatitis C Viral InfectionWilson’s DiseaseHepatocellular CarcinomaAbout The International Liver Congress TM 2012The International Liver Congress 2012, the 47th annual meeting of the European Association for the studyof the Liver, is being held at the Centre Convencions Internacional (CCIB) in Barcelona from April 18 – 22,2012. The congress annually attracts over 8,300 clinicians and scientists from around the world and providesan opportunity to hear the latest research, perspectives and treatments of liver disease from principal expertsin the field.For further information on the studies, or to request an interview, please do nothesitate to contact the EASL Press Office on:

Email: easlpressoffice@cohnwolfe.comTravis Taylor Onsite tel: +44 7894 386 422Vicky O’Connor Onsite tel: +44 7894 386 428References1 Handbook for action to reduces alcohol-related harm. World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. 2009.http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/43320/E92820.pdf. Accessed 04.04.12.