Organizers:  Michael Narkewicz, Michael Knowles, Patricia Robuck, Catherine McKeon, Jay H. Hoofnagle, Bruce Marshall, Marilyn Siegel, and Edward Doo.

Aims:  Cystic fibrosis is a common genetic disorder that leads to systemic disease affecting predominantly the lungs.  However, with advancing care for cystic fibrosis lung disease, liver disease has become the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality.  Upwards of 30% of cystic fibrosis patients develop liver disease with cirrhosis occurring in approximately 5-15%.  In general, cirrhosis manifests in the first decade of life and is often complicated by portal vein hypertension and later by end-stage liver disease.  To gain a better understanding of this condition, a 1.5-day clinical research workshop will be held focusing on the liver disease of cystic fibrosis, its prevalence, clinical manifestations, natural history, complications, cause, pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and potential means of therapy or prevention.  A discussion on future research needs and challenges will take place at the conclusion of the meeting.  The meeting will be sponsored by the Liver Diseases Research Branch of the Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition and by the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in collaboration with the Office of Rare Diseases and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Contact

The Scientific Consulting Group, Inc. is providing the logistical, administrative, and onsite services in support of this meeting. For additional information or if you are experiencing difficulty with the registration process, please contact:

Denise Hoffman, CMP
Deputy Director of Conferences
The Scientific Consulting Group, Inc.
656 Quince Orchard Road, Suite 210
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Telephone: (301) 670-4990

Fax: (301) 670-3815
E-mail: dhoffman@scgcorp.com
Website: www.scgcorp.com