Spectrum of Neurocognitive Involvement in Children with Chronic Liver Disease or Portosystemic Shunting

Please use this link:  https://uke-de.zoom-x.de/j/62903918563?pwd=KjvpaDAGTwa2SFigJqa52noySzaQO0.1 

Moderator:

• Dr Jesús Quintero, ERN member, Institution: Hospital Vall d’Hebrón

Speakers: 

• Dr Valerie McLin, ERN affiliated, Institution: Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève
• Dr Cristina Padrós, ERN member, Institution: Hospital Vall d’Hebrón

Agenda:

The webinar will begin with Dr. Valérie McLin introducing the conceptual framework of SLiPS (Spectrum of Neurocognitive Involvement in Children with Chronic Liver Disease or Portosystemic Shunting), highlighting how pediatric neurocognitive involvement differs fundamentally from adult hepatic encephalopathy and emphasizing its impact on the developing brain. 

The discussion will then address the neurodevelopmental vulnerability associated with CLD and PSS, including the roles of hyperammonemia, systemic inflammation, and altered brain metabolism. 

Participants will review the clinical spectrum of subtle cognitive deficits—such as impairments in attention, executive functioning, processing speed, and school performance—and practical approaches to structured neuropsychological assessment in children. 

Dr. Cristina Padrós will present selected cases, illustrating detailed neuropsychological profiles and their correlation with advanced neuroimaging and functional studies. 

The session will conclude with a discussion on implications for longitudinal follow-up, transplant evaluation, and the need for multidisciplinary integration into routine pediatric hepatology care.

Short bios:

Dr Jesus Quintero is Lead Clinician of the Pediatric Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit at Vall d ’Hebron University Hospital. He is Professor of Pediatrics and Hepatology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and teaches in the Master’s program in Donation and Transplantation at the University of Barcelona. He previously chaired the Hepatology Committee of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (2015–2020) and is currently a member of the ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee. He is also Principal Investigator of the Hepato-biliary Surgery and Transplant Group at VHIR. His research focuses on rare liver diseases, particularly the development of advanced therapies (cell and gene therapies). In liver transplantation, his work centers on improving long-term graft outcomes through histological monitoring, integration of transcriptomics and genetic signatures, immunosuppression minimization, and novel therapies in pediatrics. He is responsible for the European Reference Network (ERN) RARE-LIVER and is also involved in ERN TransplantChild at Vall d ‘Hebron.

DISCLOSURES: 1. Ipsen Pharma; 2. Mirum Pharma; 3. Orphalan; 4. Alexion Pharma; 5. Advanz Pharma

Cristina Padrós, MD, earned her Medical Degree in 2015. She completed her Master’s degree in Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutritional Support at Vall d ‘Hebron Hospital in 2020. Since 2021, she has been a key member of the Paediatric Hepatology Unit at the Vall d ‘Hebron University Hospital. Her clinical practice and research are primarily focused on the management and study of rare liver diseases.

Dr Valérie McLin is the Medical Lead of the Swiss Paediatric Liver Centre in Geneva, Switzerland. She is the Principal Investigator of the International Registry of Congenital Portosystemic Shunts. She has a long-standing interest in characterizing the unique features of the neurocognitive manifestations of juvenile-onset liver disease and portosystemic bypass both in animals’ models and human subjects.