Santiago. -The impact of alcohol consumption as one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease and the update on the therapies that are transforming the management of these pathologies were some of the central topics of the III International Course on Clinical Hepatology HOMS-Puerta de Hierro, organized by the Metropolitan Hospital of Santiago (HOMS) and the Puerta de Hierro University Hospital of Madrid.
The conference brought together more than 250 doctors, gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and researchers from the Dominican Republic and abroad, as well as 155 specialists who participated virtually from various countries, to analyze the most recent scientific advances in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.
Among the most relevant lectures was that of Professor Marco Arrese, from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, who addressed the impact of alcohol consumption on liver health. The specialist explained that alcohol is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, and warned that, in patients with fatty liver or viral hepatitis, even small amounts can accelerate the progression of the disease and increase the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer.
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Dr. Brígida Navarro, head of the Gastroenterology Service at HOMS, highlighted that the course is part of the institutional commitment to medical training.
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“Within the commitment that the Metropolitan Hospital of Santiago and its Digestive Studies Center have, there is not only the care aspect, but also continuous education shared with our collaborators and with all doctors interested in the study of liver diseases,” he expressed.
For his part, Dr. José Luis Calleja, head of the Digestive Service at the Puerta de Hierro University Hospital in Madrid, highlighted the importance of these types of meetings given the high incidence of these pathologies.
“Liver diseases are very frequent and prevalent. That is why it is important to take refresher courses that summarize the most important advances in their diagnosis and treatment,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Christie Perelló, head of the Hepatology Unit at HOMS, explained that the activity seeks to strengthen specialized care in the country.
“The goal of this third international clinical hepatology conference is to elevate hepatology and the diagnosis of liver diseases in the Dominican Republic,” he noted.
He added that the program included updates on autoimmune diseases, viral hepatitis, liver cancer, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), one of the fastest-growing pathologies worldwide.
The III International Course on Clinical Hepatology HOMS-Puerta de Hierro reaffirmed the commitment of HOMS to continuous medical education and the incorporation of scientific advances to strengthen the care of patients with liver diseases.
About the HOMS Digestive Studies Center:
The HOMS Digestive Studies Center is a space specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases, equipped with advanced technology and staffed by a highly trained medical team. It is made up of four units oriented toward the comprehensive management of these conditions and is also accredited by Accreditation Canada, Platinum level.
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About HOMS
The Metropolitan Hospital of Santiago (HOMS) is the leading private hospital center in the northern Dominican Republic and one of the most advanced in the region. Accredited by Accreditation Canada at the Platinum level, it meets over 1,800 international standards in medical care, patient safety, and quality of service.
