The event brought together more than 60 experts from 28 countries, including researchers, healthcare professionals, industry representatives and patient associations, with the aim of promoting research and collaboration on these rare and complex diseases.
What are vascular liver diseases?
Vascular liver diseases comprise a group of conditions that affect the hepatic blood vessels, such as portal vein thrombosis, hepatic veno-occlusive disease, and Budd-Chiari syndrome. These disorders can cause serious complications, including portal hypertension, liver failure and, in some cases, the need for liver transplantation. Their diagnosis and treatment are challenging due to their low prevalence and the diversity of causes and clinical presentations.
A multidisciplinary network to tackle new challenges
EURO-VALDI-NET was created with the mission of establishing a cooperative, multidisciplinary network to advance knowledge of the pathophysiology of these diseases, develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and improve patients’ quality of life. To achieve this, the network is organised into several working groups focused on key areas such as:
- Preclinical models
- Epidemiology and clinical characterization
- Histological and radiological characterization
- Development of screening tools and diagnostic biomarkers
- Risk stratification and clinical trial design
- Quality of life and patient-reported outcomes
- Identification of therapeutic targets and new treatment approaches
- Legal and ethical aspects
The initiative is coordinated by Dr Pierre-Emmanuel Rautou and Dr Virginia Hernández-Gea, a specialist in portal hypertension and vascular liver diseases, who works in the Hepatic Hemodynamics Unit at Clínic Barcelona and in the “Regulation of liver microcirculation in cirrhosis and hepatic vascular diseases” group at IDIBAPS and CIBERehd, led by Dr Juan Carlos García-Pagán.
During the meeting, participants laid the foundations for future research lines and strategic collaborations, with the aim of positioning Europe as a leader in the study of these diseases.
Promoting training and knowledge exchange
One of the pillars of EURO-VALDI-NET is to foster knowledge exchange and the training of young researchers, thus promoting generational renewal and progress in European biomedical research.
For more information about the project and upcoming activities, visit the official website of COST Action CA23146.
