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Biliary atresia, albeit rare poses the highest burden in pediatric hepatology and is the leading cause of pediatric liver transplant worldwide. The etiology and pathogenesis are not known and the disease possesses diagnosis challenges as well as treatment challenges.
This monothematic conference will examine the latest research related to biliary atresia pathogenesis, diagnosis, pipeline treatments and future therapeutic approaches.
This course will give an overview of what we know and we don't know about biliary atresia - a multidisciplinary approach to the most common indication for liver transplantation in children.
The 2 day program covers aspects of disease etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management.
Participation fees:
EUR 250 non-members
EUR 200 Full members
EUR 150 Trainee members
Deadline: October 19, 2025
Applicants need to submit a current CV, a motivational letter and an abstract. The abstract is encouraged but not mandatory. The number of applicants is limited and delegates will be selected by the organizers after the application deadline.
Kindly use the online application form on this page. Applications by email cannot be accepted. If you experience any issues with the online application tool, please contact office@espghan.org. Priority will be given to ESPGHAN Members.
ESPGHAN Members may attend two courses per year and non-members may attend one course before becoming members of the society.
Please do not make travel arrangements before receipt of a formal confirmation of acceptance from the ESPGHAN Office.
Delegates are expected to attend the full course and arrange their travel according to the course schedule.
The course language is English.
13:45 – 14:15 Overview of biliary atresia, description, history and epidemiology - Mark Davenport
14:15 – 14:40 The developmental origins of biliary atresia and opportunities for screening Sonny Harpavat/Orit Waisbourd-Zinman
14:40 – 15:05 Pathogenesis of Biliary Atresia: candidate genes - Kathleen Loomes
15:05-15:20 Abstract – Non-visualization of fetal gallbladder: clinical implications and prognosis. -Yael Mozer-Glassberg
15:20-15:40 Abstract – Unconjugated bilirubin can add color to acholic stools in biliary atresia patients during the first week of life and delay diagnosis: a novel hypothesis. - Willem Lexmond
15: 40 – 16: 10 Coffee Break
16: 10 – 16:35 Pathogenesis of Biliary Atresia - Environmental factors - Björn Fischler
16: 35 – 17:00 Histopathology and BA - Alex Kinsely
17: 00 – 17: 25 Imaging modalities as part of the diagnosis of biliary atresia - Tschauner Sebastian
17:25-17:50 “Duct at the hilum” - Sonny Harpavat
17:50-18:05 Abstract: Steffen Hartleif – ERCP as a diagnostic key tool for biliary atresia: feasibility, safety, and accuracy in neonates with cholestatic liver disease
9:30-10:00 The Kasai Portoenterostomy, technique and determinants of success - Mark Davenport
10:00-10:15 Short videos of KPE - Holger Till
10:15-10:35 UDCA and IBAT inhibitors in BA - Cristina Gonçalves
10:35-11:05 Debate - Steroids post KPE (pros and cons) - Ekkehard Sturm & Christoph Slavetinsky
11:05-11:15 Abstract: Nagoud Schukfeh. Rectal budesonide in children with biliary atresia: improvement of long term jaundice free native liver survival.
11:15-11:45 Coffee Break
11:45 – 12:10 Immunological aspects of BA - Christoph Slavetinsky
12:10 – 12:35 CMV positive patients – to treat or not to treat? - Björn Fischler
12:35 – 12:45 Abstract - Ulrika Liliemark – population based study on incidence and outcomes of biliary atresia in preterm vs. term infants in the Nordic countries
12.45 – 13.45 Lunch
Session 3
13:45 – 14:10 Nutritional aspects in the management of children with biliary atresia - Sara Mancell
14:10 – 14.35 The microbiome in children with BA (including cholangitis) -Vandana Jain
14:35 – 15:00 Special considerations of patients with BA during puberty - Marianne Samyn
15:00-15:10 Abstract – Ino Kanavaki – TIPS for a BA patient with portal HTN
15:10-15:40 Coffee break
15:40 – 16:00 Group discussion - The emergence of portal hypertension in children with BA, special aspects - Piotr Socha
16:00-16:15 Abstract - Milad Rezvani – Dysplastic lymphatic endothelial niche signals regulate epithelial outcomes in biliary atresia
16:15-16:40 Group discussion - Liver transplantation in BA – timing and indications -Emer Fitzpatrick
How to prognosticate wisely
16:40-16:55 Abstract – Chatmanee Lertudomphonwanit. MMP-7 to predict clinically evident varices in children with cirrhosis
9:00-9:25 Neurodevelopmental issues in children with BA - Marianne Samyn
9:25-9:50 Registries – what have we learned so far? - Kathleen Loomes – ChildREN network
9:50-10:05 Preliminary results from the EBAR registry - Christoph Slavetinsky
10:05-10:20 Various practices in the management of children with BA Europe - Vandana Jain
10:20-10:50 Coffee break
10:50-11:33 Group discussion – what are the unmet needs in BA research? Primary endpoints in research Ekkehard Sturm
11:35-11:50 Liver and cholangiocyte organoids as a tool to study BA - Orit Waisbourd-Zinman
11:50-12:00 Summary and closing remarks - Benno, Orit, Emer
ESPGHAN will cover the following for international delegates:
Please be aware that ESPGHAN will be taking photos and/or videos at this event. By registering and attending th is course you acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions. Details of the disclaimer will be attached to your notification email. Please contact office@espghan.org if you have any questions or concerns.
If you have any questions, please contact the ESPGHAN Office for details.
Phone: +41 (0)22 9000 401
Email: office@espghan.org
