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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.
13.50-14.00 Welcome & Introduction
Session 1. Introduction to Biliary Atresia
14.00-14.30 Overview of BA, history, incidence, demographics, BASM. When does BA start?
14.30-15.00 Gut Microbiome and BA
15.00-15.30 Genetic and environmental factors as part of BA etiology
15.30-16.00 Coffee Break
16.00-16.15 Abstract
16.15-16.45 BA screening – current methods (stool card – international comparison) vs. new methods (tandem talks)
16.45-17.15 Clues to pathogenesis - ciliogenesis and planar polarity effector genes
Session 2 - Biliary Atresia Diagnosis
09.00 – 09.10 Abstract
09.10 – 09.35 The role of live biopsy in biliary atresia including histopathology aspects
09.35 – 10.00 Imaging modalities as part of the diagnosis (US, MRCP, ERCP, ERCP)
10.00-10.30 Impact of a diagnosis of BA on the family
10.30-11.00 Coffee break
11.00-11.15 Rare differential diagnosis
11.15-11.45 Genetic testing as part of the diagnosis?
11.45 – 12.10 Biomarkers in BA diagnosis and prognosis
12.10-12.30 Immunological aspects of BA (basic science?)
12.30-13.30 Lunch
Session 3. Treatment of patients with BA
13.30 – 13.45 Surgical aspects of KPE
13.45-14.15 Liver transplantation in BA – timing and indications
14.15-14.45 The post KPE treatment and the role of antibiotic prophylaxis
14.45-15.15 What is the data about steroid treatment?
15.15-15.30 Abstract
15.30-15.50 Tea break
15.50-16.20 Basic science talk
16.20-16.50 UDCA and IBAT in BA
16.50-17.10 Potential Targeted Therapies and Future Directions
17.10- 17.40 Developmental aspects in BA patients
Session 4. Biliary Atresia: other important aspects
09.00 – 9.45 Abstract
09.15 – 09.45 Registries – what have we learned so far?
9.45 – 10.45 Quality of Life and Psychosocial Support for Patients and Families
10.45 – 11.00 Coffee break
11.00 – 11.30 Regenerative medicine – what’s in the horizon?
11.30 – 11.45 Summary and closing remarks
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
