India Making Significant Progress in Liver Disease Treatment: Mayo Clinic Liver Expert

Kochi: Dr. Patrick S. Kamath, a world-renowned liver specialist from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, USA, has commended India's advancements in liver disease treatment, acknowledging that the country is on the right track. Speaking at the 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver (INASL) 2024, held in Kochi, Dr. Kamath highlighted the significant strides India has made in aligning its liver disease treatment protocols with global standards. However, he noted that while the progress is commendable, there is still room for improvement, which he believes will be achieved in the coming years.

Dr. Kamath described liver disease as a "silent villain," often presenting no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. By the time symptoms become apparent, the liver may be severely compromised, leading to conditions such as cirrhosis, where the liver's ability to heal itself is lost, often necessitating a transplant. To combat this, Dr. Kamath emphasized the importance of two key preventive measures: maintaining a healthy weight and completely abstaining from alcohol. He also stressed the need for proper treatment and management of viral diseases that can affect the liver.

Notably, Dr. Kamath is recognized for his contribution to the development of the MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score, a globally used prognostic tool that assesses the severity of liver disease. Originally developed at the Mayo Clinic, the MELD score has become essential in managing liver disease patients worldwide.

The INASL 2024 conference, running from August 7 to 10, has drawn significant attention, with around 200 panel members from India and abroad, and over 1,500 internationally renowned experts in attendance. The event serves as a key platform for discussing the latest advancements and challenges in the field of hepatology.