60% of obese children have fatty liver disease: AIG chief Dr DN Reddy

Hyderabad: “In India, the incidence of liver diseases is growing rapidly, and we are dealing with a deadly trio of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Hepatitis B and C, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Liver Cancer),” said Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, chairman of Asian Institute of Gastroenterology while addressing a liver conclave held in Hyderabad.

Dr Reddy added, “The cause of concern is NAFLD as it is affecting our paediatric population to a great extent. Approximately 60% of obese children have fatty liver disease. The combination of diabetes and fatty liver aided by poor dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest causes of liver diseases leading to cirrhosis (hardening of the liver) and liver failure. Not only that, we are still battling alcohol abuse in our country, which continues to contribute significantly to liver diseases.”

The three-day mega liver conference, which saw the participation of more than 1,300 doctors from India and neighbouring countries, covered various aspects of liver diseases. It aimed to update physicians on the latest treatment approaches and had extensive learning sessions for all levels of doctors treating liver patients, featuring a PG Course, live transmission of advanced endo-hepatology procedures, hands-on workshops, and case-based practical discussions.

“It was probably the first time in India, where so many legendary liver experts came together from all over the world to educate and update our physicians on the management of liver disorders, which will eventually help lakhs of patients,” added Dr Reddy.

Also, for the first time, Nobel Laureate Professor Harvey J Alter delivered the keynote address on his discovery of the Hepatitis C virus. Distinguished lectures included Professor Shiv Sarin, Chancellor, ILBS, New Delhi giving the AIG Oration on ‘Big data and multiomics in Hepatolgoy’ and Professor MS Khuroo talking about his discovery of the Hepatitis E virus.

Dr Mithun Sharma, director of Hepatology at AIG Hospitals said, “We are seeing never before numbers in our Hepatology department where people are presenting with liver failure, which is not linked with alcohol usage. Another significant point is that NAFLD is not just limited to the urban population but is impacting our rural population as well. The intent behind organising such a large-scale liver conclave was to bring all experts together where one can learn from each other and see what approach is working for our patients. We made the entire scientific programme absolutely relevant for practising hepatologists (liver experts), gastroenterologists, and general practitioners so that based on evidence and latest treatment guidelines, all liver patients can be benefited.”

The conference was attended by top international liver experts such as Dr Rajender Reddy, University of Pennsylvania, USA, Dr Patrick Kamath, Mayo Clinic, USA, Professor Julia Wendon, King’s College, London, Dr Elliot Tapper, University of Michigan, USA, Dr Jasmohan Bajaj, Richmond VA Medical Centre USA, Professor Grace Wong, CUKH, Hong Kong, Dr Amit Singal, UT Southwestern Medical Center, USA, Dr Ashwani Singal, Sanford School of Medicine, USA, Professor Juan Pablo Arab, Western University, Canada among others.

In conclusion, Dr PN Rao, chief of Hepatology at AIG Hospitals, said, “We continuously try for science-based approach for all our patients and take the best multidisciplinary approach towards such grave public health issues like liver diseases. The AIG Liver Conclave was the perfect platform for all to experience this kind of approach and translate it into their clinical practice.”