Chronic liver disease affects over 5.5 million patients in the USA, of whom more than 600,000 have cirrhosis. Its progressive nature is leading to greater prevalence in LTC facilities. Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) is most common in cirrhosis and subtle signs are observed in nearly 70% of cirrhosis patients and it is a top cause of 30-day hospital readmissions. This patient population is thus highly vulnerable not only to the primary and secondary symptoms of hepatic malfunction, but also to infectious diseases such as the coronavirus pandemic we are experiencing now. This webinar will discuss CDC covid19 strategic recommendations, the impact of covid19 on the liver and AASLD recommendations. This program will also describe the prevalence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in LTC residents, its pathophysiology, and its effects on mental state. It will explain the efficacy and safety of lactulose and rifaximin as a mainstay of HE treatment and of alternative treatments available for those patients inadequately responsive to first-line treatment. It will also identify the roles and responsibilities of the LTC interdisciplinary team in diagnosis and treatment of HE in these.

Continuing Education Instructions and Disclosure Information:

Contact hours available until 12/9/2022.

Requirements for Successful Completion:
Complete the learning activity in its entirety and complete the online CNE evaluation. You will be able to print your CNE certificate at any time after you complete the evaluation.

Faculty, Planners, and Speakers Conflict of Interest Disclosure:

Conferences Planning Committee Disclosures:
The Nurse Planner has no actual or potential conflict of interest to disclose.

Speakers Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
Richard Stefanacci, DO, MGH, MBA, AGSF, CMD discloses he is on the Speakers Brureau and has served as a consultant for Salix Pharmaceuticals.

Vinod Rustgi MD, MBA has no actual or potential conflict of interest to disclose.

Commercial Support and Sponsorship:
This webinar is supported by an unrestricted education grant from Salix Pharmaceuticals

Accreditation Statement:
This educational activity is jointly provided by Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. (AJJ) and the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA).

Anthony J Jannetti, Inc. is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP5387.

Learning Outcome:
After completing this nursing continuing professional development activity, the learner will be able to outline the roles and responsibilities of the LTC interdisciplinary team in diagnosis and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (HE).

Richard G. Stefanacci DO, MGH, MBA, AGSF, CMD

Appearances