Liver Disease and the Older Patient

Liver abnormalities are commonly encountered in clinical settings involving older adults, yet the diagnostic and therapeutic approach can be complex due to age-related physiological changes and comorbidities. This state-mandated continuing education course, Liver Disease and the Older Patient, provides a comprehensive, evidence-based review of liver biochemical test abnormalities in elderly patients. The course is led by Dr. Appelbaum, who employs a case-based teaching strategy to help learners understand and manage liver conditions effectively in older populations.

A significant portion of the course focuses on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), an increasingly prevalent and potentially fatal condition in aging adults. NAFLD is now considered the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, with a higher risk of progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in older patients. By integrating real-life clinical scenarios, learners gain practical insights into disease etiology, staging, and the development of individualized treatment plans.

This course also meets the mandatory education requirements for select state licensure renewal under Geriatrics and HIV/AIDS categories, as required for nurses and physicians in Texas, Florida, the District of Columbia, and Connecticut.

Educational Objectives

• Evaluate elevated liver biochemical test results in older adult patients.
• Identify and assess risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in geriatric populations.
• Understand the pathology, progression, and complications associated with NAFLD.
• Apply a structured approach to diagnosing and managing liver disease in older adults.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is ideal for:

• Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Nurses (APRNs) licensed in Texas, Florida, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia who need to meet Geriatrics or HIV/AIDS state CE requirements.
• Physicians practicing in Florida and the District of Columbia seeking to fulfill mandatory CME requirements related to HIV/AIDS and geriatric liver health.
• Any healthcare professional treating older adults and aiming to enhance their understanding of liver disease diagnosis and management.

Did You Know?

• NAFLD affects approximately 25% of the global population, with prevalence increasing significantly after age 60. [Source: Younossi et al., Hepatology, 2016]
• Older adults with NAFLD are at higher risk for progression to cirrhosis and liver-related mortality. [Source: Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2020]
• Liver function test abnormalities in elderly patients are often overlooked due to atypical symptoms, delaying diagnosis. [Source: American Journal of Medicine, 2021]
• NAFLD is now the leading cause of liver transplantation in women over 60 in the U.S. [Source: American Liver Foundation]
• Early intervention and lifestyle modification can reverse NAFLD in over 40% of cases when detected in early stages. [Source: JAMA, 2018]