The is Course shall consist of a series of lectures that review recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of serious and often life-threatening digestive disorders in infants and children. It is intended primarily for advanced practitioners new to the field. Topics to be discussed include the following:
1. Basic concepts of gastrointestinal, liver, and pancreatic physiology with emphasis on development.
2. Clinical presentation and diagnosis of acute in comparison with chronic liver diseases in children.
3. Commonly encountered chronic liver diseases in pediatric practice, their management including transplant decision-making, and outcomes.
4. Clinical presentation and causes of acute pancreatic disease in children, discrimination from other acute digestive disorders, and short-term management.
5. Chronic pancreatic disease with emphasis on symptom control and long-term solutions including transplantation.
6. Basic concepts of the causes and pathophysiology of chronic diarrhea due to intestinal loss (short gut) in infants and children.
7. Management of pediatric short gut syndrome in children, including the role of parenteral nutrition and formula diets, outcomes and indications for intestinal transplantation.
Target Audience: This conference is intended for pediatric gastroenterologists, neonatologists, intensivists, surgeons, emergency physicians, pediatric hematologists and oncologists, pediatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants, pediatric dietitians, home health providers serving pediatric populations, pediatric case managers and all other physician extender.
