17th Annual Conference PSSLD, Islamabad
The theme of PSSLD 2023 Conference was “Upcoming Challenges in Hepatology”
The 17th Annual Conference of the Pakistan Society for the Study of Liver Diseases (PSSLD) was held at Serena Hotels Islamabad from December 8th to December 10th, 2023, under the theme of “Upcoming Challenges In Hepatology.” The conference brought together a distinguished gathering of national and international speakers who shared their latest research findings and insights into the evolving landscape of Hepatology. The conference provided a comprehensive platform for hepatologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging challenges, and explore innovative solutions in the field of liver diseases. Through a series of symposia, presentations, and interactive sessions, attendees gained valuable insights into various aspects of Hepatology, including liver cancers, liver transplantation, liver diseases in pregnancy, pediatric Hepatology, and NAFLD/NASH.
The sessions featured presentations from esteemed speakers, both national and international, who shared their research findings, clinical experiences, and best practices in addressing the challenges posed by liver diseases. Furthermore, the conference featured a poster presentation session and parallel sessions on various topics, providing a platform for researchers to showcase their work and engage in discussions with peers and experts in the field. Additionally, the conference included an inauguration session, steering committee meetings, and opportunities for networking and collaboration among participants.
Day 1
The 1st day of Conference was meticulously structured, covering various aspects of liver diseases and their management. The event was chaired by eminent figures in the field including Javed A Butt, Gen Tassawar Hussain, Matiullah Khan, and Mashood Ali. The Symposium 1 with Topic “Cirrhosis and its Complications” delved into the complexities of cirrhosis and its associated complications. Dr. Saad Ali Khan initiated the discussions with a presentation on a middle-aged man presenting with HCV cirrhosis and low urine output. The symposium continued with presentations highlighting diverse cases such as extreme fatigability in a 62-year-old with HCV-related cirrhosis discussed by Mattew Armstrog, acute cholecystitis in a middle-aged lady with compensated cirrhosis shared by David Patch, and various other cases shedding light on the challenges in managing cirrhosis and its complications. Second symposium explored additional cases of cirrhosis and its complications presented by Salman Ahmed Saleem, Adil Naseer, Sher Rehman, Nadeem Teehami and Ghayasun Nabi Tayyab. Noteworthy presentation topics included cases of cryptogenic cirrhosis, lymphocytic ascites, and hematemesis among others. Each presentation provided valuable insights into the diagnosis and management of these complex conditions. Symposium III: Chronic Hepatitis was chaired by prominent figures such as Wasim Jafri and Masood Siddiq, and Habib Jadoon. This symposium focused on issues such as chronic hepatitis and the efforts towards its elimination presented by Asad Chaudhry. Speakers such as Saeed Hamid, Ashwani Singal, and Sajid Jalil discussed various aspects including the progress towards eliminating hepatitis, management strategies for HBV and HCV, and the impact of these efforts on reducing new cases of liver cancer. The symposium concluded with a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic and management approaches for HDV by Zaigham Abbas.
Symposium IV: “Autoimmune and Cholestatic Liver Disease” was majorly Led by Chairperson Ejaz Mohammad Khan, Ali Arshad Abbasi, Bakht Biland, and Shamail Zafar. Speaker person Altaf Alam, Marek Czajkoski and Raiya Sarwar, symposium addressed autoimmune and cholestatic liver diseases. Topics ranged from drug-induced liver injury to primary sclerosing cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis. Each presentation provided a thorough examination of diagnostic approaches and treatment modalities for these challenging conditions. The day culminated in the Inauguration Session held at the prestigious Sheesh Mahal Hall, Serena Hotel Islamabad. The session commenced with the recitation from The Holy Quran followed by the National Anthem. Distinguished guests were welcomed, and addresses were delivered by the Chair Organizing Committee, President PSSLD, and other esteemed speakers. The Chief Guest presented insights into the future of hepatology in Pakistan. The session concluded with a Souvenir Distribution Ceremony and an Inaugural Dinner, providing an opportunity for networking and camaraderie among participants. Overall, Day 1 of the 17th Annual Conference provided a rich platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and collaboration among experts in the field of Hepatology. The insightful presentations and discussions underscored the commitment towards advancing research and improving patient care in liver diseases.
Day 2
The 17th Annual Conference continued its momentum into Day 2, featuring an engaging program focused on liver cancers, transplantation, and the presentation of free papers. Continuing with symposium V with topic “Liver Cancers”, Speakers covered topics ranging from radiological diagnosis of HCC to evolving systemic therapies in advanced cases. Discussions also explored the role of TARE and SBRT in HCC management, national guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of Hillar cholangiocarcinoma, and strategies for downstaging HCC. The session concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, facilitating interaction and knowledge exchange among participants. The next symposium was related to Liver Transplantation – I that occurred under the guidance of Chairs Nusrat Yar Khan, Shahid Majid, and others. This symposium provided insights into liver transplantation. Topics included ACLF management presented by Ghulam Freed, immunosuppression modification in the setting of HCC and CKD by Speaker Kahlid Mumtaz, and peri-transplant management of CMV and HBV by Kailash Makhejani. Speakers addressed challenges such as post-LT intrahepatic cholestasis and rare situations in the immediate post-liver transplant period. The session concluded with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to further explore transplantation-related topics.
After Lunch, Symposium VII: Liver Transplantation – II started, where the chairpersons invited Haseeb Haider Zia, Asmatullah, and others. In this symposium, Yasir Khan continued the exploration of liver transplantation with his topic of intra and peri-operative management of small-for-size grafts. Jehanzaib Haider discussed LDLT in challenging scenarios like portal vein thrombosis and variant portal vein Anatomy. Speakers highlighted the complexities and advancements in liver transplantation, paving the way for discussions on optimizing transplant outcomes and overcoming existing challenges. Symposium VIII included Free Papers Presentations, that featured presentations on a diverse range of topics including survival after living donor liver transplantation, long-term outcomes among voluntary donors, and epidemiological trends in hepatitis A. Participants also presented research on liver fibrosis assessment, hepatitis E exposure in cirrhosis patients, and correlations in acute pancreatitis severity. The session provided a platform for researchers to share their findings and contribute to the scientific discourse. The day also included poster presentations and discussions on the future of hepatology led by young hepatologists. These sessions provided opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development among attendees. Overall, Day 2 of the 17th Annual Conference at Serena Hotel Islamabad was marked by insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and collaborative exchanges, reaffirming the commitment of the hepatology community to advancing research and improving patient care in liver diseases.
Day 3
The 17th Annual Conference entered its final day with a focus on liver diseases in pregnancy, pediatric hepatology, and NAFLD/NASH, bringing together experts to discuss advancements, challenges, and best practices in these specialized fields. Chaired by Kashif Malik, Rizwana Chaudry, and others, Symposium IX started with topic: “Liver Diseases in Pregnancy” which addressed the unique challenges of managing liver diseases during pregnancy. Presentations covered topics such as HBV management in pregnancy by Amna Subhan Butt, diagnosis and management of liver diseases specific to pregnancy by Nashiz Inayat, and managing pregnancy in patients with cirrhosis by Zahid Azam. Additionally, the session explored the complexities of post-liver transplant pregnancy, including timing and management strategies presented by Sajid Jalil. The Q&A session provided an opportunity for attendees to seek clarification and engage with the speakers. Symposium X: Pediatric Hepatology, specifically focused on hepatological issues affecting pediatric patients. Presentations included an approach to cholestatic liver diseases in children, diagnosis and management of Wilson’s disease, and the management of metabolic liver diseases in pediatric patients. Additionally, speakers discussed biliary diseases management in the pediatric age group and provided insights into the evolution of pediatric liver transplantation. The session concluded with a Q&A session, allowing participants to further explore topics of interest.
Symposium XI: NAFLD/NASH explored the growing concern of NAFLD/NASH. Presentations covered the nomenclature and pathophysiology of these conditions, as well as medical and surgical management strategies in 2023. Speakers discussed the global and local perspectives on NAFLD/NASH nomenclature, provided insights into the pathophysiology of MASLD/MASH, and highlighted current approaches to medical and surgical management. The session concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, facilitating discussion and knowledge exchange among attendees. The conference concluded with a closing ceremony, providing an opportunity to reflect on the insights gained over the past three days. Attendees enjoyed a final networking opportunity over lunch, fostering collaboration and camaraderie within the Hepatology community. Overall, Day 3 of the 17th Annual Conference at Serena Hotel Islamabad provided a platform for in-depth discussions, exchange of expertise, and networking opportunities, furthering the collective understanding and management of liver diseases in diverse patient populations.
Overall, the 17th Annual Conference of PSSLD was a resounding success, facilitating knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation in Hepatology. The conference not only highlighted the current and upcoming challenges in the field but also provided valuable insights into addressing these challenges and advancing liver health in Pakistan and beyond.
Award Winners
Paper Presentation Winners
1st Prize
Hafsa sareen Rai
PKLI
2nd Prize
Anum Shakeel
Holy Family Hospital
3rd Prize
Fifa Qasim
Shifa International Hospital
1st Prize
Dr. M. K. Aslam
2nd Prize
Munir Ahmed Shifa Int Hospital
3rd Prize
Dr Shamim Zia uddin Hosp. Karachi
1st Prize
Sabir Khan and Muhammad Yasir
Lady reading Hospital Karachi
2nd Prize
Dr Farhan and Uzair Ali
Madina Teaching Hospital Faisalabad
Organizers
Advisory Committee: Zaigham Abbas, Saeed Sadiq Hamid, Masood Siddiq, Javed Aslam Butt
Chair Organizing Committee: Amjad Salamat
Co-Chair Organizing Committee: Tassawar Hussain
Chair Scientific Committee: Mohammad Salih
Amna Subhan Butt, Junaid Saleem, Shahid Rasool, Bakht Biland, Altaf Baqir Naqvi, Habib Jadoon, Qazi Masroor Ali, Sadiq Achakzai, Noor Muhammad, Arshad Abbasi, Shoaib Shafi, Ijaz Muhammad Khan, Abrar Sheikh
Scientific Committee: Dr Muhammad Kamran, Ghias Un Nabi Tayyab, Zahid Azam, Adil Naseer Khan, Faisal Waseem Ismail, Israr Ul Haq Toor, Shamail Zafar.
