International Symposium on Paediatric Liver Disease and Transplant - PLDT

Hyderabad (India) – India’s 1st The International Symposium on Paediatric Liver Disease and Liver Transplant drew global experts in liver disease and liver transplant to Hyderabad. The symposium aimed to debate and exchange information on the most recent advancements in the treatment of paediatric liver disease and liver transplantation.

Estimates place the prevalence of liver disease in India at 10% of the population. The prevalence of liver disease in children is increasing, so as the demand for liver transplants in paediatrics. Over 5,000 children in India require liver transplants each year, according to the Indian Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ISPGHAN). Despite having a huge number, only a small percentage of them are fortunate to have access to qualitative treatment due to the scarcity of resources and donor organs.

The Liver Pancreas Foundation of Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI), the Indian Society of Gastroenterology Telangana Chapter, Hyderabad (TSISG), the Pediatric Academy of Telangana State (PATS), Osmania General Hospital (OGH), Hyderabad, Telangana, Gandhi Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana and PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, organised the symposium to address the growing incidence of liver disease in children and to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the condition.

A Message from Veteran Liver Disease Specialists | Liver Transplant Surgeons

In the words of Dr. Phani Krishna Ravula, a Surgical Gastroenterologist and Liver Transplant Surgeon, the symposium covered a wide range of topics relevant to paediatric liver disease and liver transplantation, including viral hepatitis, metabolic liver diseases, acute liver failure, liver tumours and liver transplantation. Eminent national and international experts shared their experiences during the sessions, including Dr. Shiv Kumar Sarin, Dr. Mohamed Rela, Dr. Subhash Gupta, Dr. Neelam Mohan, Dr. Amit Maydeo, Dr. Parijat Ram Tripathi, Dr. Anil Dhavan, Dr. Mario Kasahara, Dr. CH Madhusudan, Dr. Veereshwar Bhatnagar, and Dr. Ashish Bavdekar.

In the verdict of Dr. CH Madhusudan, Senior Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist, Adult and Pediatric Liver Transplant Surgeon, Osmania Medical College, had articulated about the challenges of paediatric liver transplant in India. He stressed the significance of early identification and prompt referral to specialised centres for the treatment of liver disease in children, in addition to the necessity for increased public awareness and education on pediatric liver diseases.

In addition, he added, the symposium offered a platform for young researchers in the field of the liver to showcase their work through oral presentations. The presentation of several research findings on various aspects of paediatric liver disease and liver transplantation highlighted the current trends and challenges in the field.

Dr. Subhash Gupta spoke about his work experience with paediatric liver transplants in children with end-stage liver disease. To assure the best outcomes for children, he stressed the significance of picking the right donor, providing follow-up or post-transplant care, and ensuring proper surgical technique.

The future of paediatric liver disease and liver transplants in India was the subject of a panel discussion. To address the growing burden of liver disease in children, the experts signified the need for more investment in research and infrastructure as well as a coordinated strategy involving healthcare providers, governing bodies, and patient groups.

Dr. Govind Verma, Interventional Gastroenterologist, Transplant Hepatologist, Pancreatologist and Endosonologist, presided over the salutations and recapitulated that the International Symposium on Pediatric Liver Disease and Liver Transplant - PLDT was a pivotal event toward enhancing the treatment, diagnosis, and management of paediatric liver illnesses in India. The symposium gave global professionals a forum to exchange knowledge and insights while preparing for the future of pediatric liver disease and liver transplantation in India. He envisaged that more children in India would have access to life-saving liver transplant surgeries with increased awareness, education, and investment in research and infrastructure.

The guest of honour in the Inauguration Ceremony, Mr. Rajeev Nannapaneni, Vice Chairman and CEO of Natco Pharma, expressed his hope that occasions like PLDT would boost the fight against paediatric liver diseases and transplants. He assured the provision of his continued support for more such initiatives.