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Chairperson
Kevin D. Mullen, MD
Professor of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
MetroHealth Medical Center
Cleveland, OH
Faculty
Peter Ferenci, MD
Professor of Medicine
Medical University of Vienna
Vienna, Austria
Guy W. Neff, MD, MBA
Associate Professor of Medicine
Medical Director, Hepatic Transplantation
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
CME Reviewer
Adnan Said, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
University of Wisconsin
School of Medicine and Public Health
Madison, Wisconsin
Release - February 29, 2008
Expiration - February 28, 2009
Program Description
Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) is a serious and progressive but potentially reversible neuropsychiatric disorder caused by the accumulation of toxins in the blood of patients with acute liver failure and chronic liver disease. The diagnosis of HE is frequently complicated by he variability of the disorder and the presence of concomitant precipitating factors. The goals of treatment are to reverse acute episodes, prevent further episodes, improve minimal HE, and improve persistent HE. The resulting economic burden of treating HE is dependent on the severity of the condition and the specific treatments used. This interactive program is designed to educate practicing physicians on the clinical challenges they may encounter in the diagnosis and management of HE.
Target Audience
This educational resource has been designed to meet the needs of gastroenterologists,
hepatologists, and other healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat patients with HE.
Goal Statement
To provide important clinical data on the management of HE.
Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Build awareness among clinicians regarding minimal and early-stage overt HE, including the poor quality of life associated with these forms of HE and the need for accurate diagnosis
- Explain the methods and grading systems available for the diagnosis of minimal and early-stage overt HE
- Discuss issues with current methods for the diagnosis of minimal HE and review data on emerging methods that are currently under clinical evaluation
- Review the clinical experience to date with conventional and emerging therapeutic approaches
- Review an evidence-based treatment algorithm for the management of minimal and overt HE
Accreditation Statement
This activity as been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and
Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship
of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and the Chronic Liver Disease Foundation.
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing
medical education for physicians.
Credit Designation
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health designates this
educational activity for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ Physicians should only claim credit
commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Policy on Faculty and Sponsor Disclosure
It is the policy of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
that the faculty and sponsor disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this
education activity and also disclose discussions of unlabeled/unapproved use of drugs or devices during their
presentation(s). Detailed disclosure information found below.
Disclosures
The joint sponsor and faculty have disclosed the following:
Peter Ferenci, MD
- Has received honoraria from F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and Merz Pharma
- Has acted as a speaker for F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd and Merz Pharma
- Has been a member of the Advisory Board of F. Hoffmann-La Roce Ltd
Kevin D. Mullen, MD
- Has received honoraria and acted as a speaker for Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Guy Neff, MD
- Has no financial relationships to disclose
Adnan Said, MD
- Has no financial relationships to disclose
Acknowledgment
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and the Chronic Liver Disease Foundation gratefully
acknowledge the independent educational grant provided by Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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