Episode 3: Metabolic Mayhem: Liver Dysfunction in Sepsis

Description: 

Episode 3 of The Sepsis Spectrum: Sepsis and MODS podcast

Often overshadowed in acute management, hepatic dysfunction in sepsis disrupts detoxification, coagulation, and immune modulation. In this session, we’ll break down the mechanisms of sepsis-associated cholestasis and hypoxic hepatitis, how to interpret liver biomarkers in the context of systemic illness, and why hepatic dysfunction compounds other organ injuries. We’ll also consider pathways to hepatic recovery and what persistent liver dysfunction means for long-term outcomes.

Learning Objectives: 

At the end of the session, the learner should be able to:

• Summarize the key mechanisms of hepatic dysfunction in sepsis, including hypoxic hepatitis and cholestasis;
• Analyze liver biomarker trends to differentiate between sepsis-induced hepatic injury and pre-existing liver disease;
• Discuss the metabolic and immunological roles of the liver and how its dysfunction exacerbates MODS;
• Formulate monitoring and recovery strategies for patients with sepsis-associated liver dysfunction.

Target Audience: 

Nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, emergency responders, pharmacists, medical technologists, respiratory therapists, physical/occupational therapists, infection prevention specialists, data/quality specialists, and more.

Guests:

Craig Jenne, PhD

Professor, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Critical Care Medicine

University of Calgary

Craig Jenne, PhD, is a Professor within the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases in the Department of Critical Care Medicine at the University of Calgary and holds an adjunct appointment within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Jenne is the Jessie Boden Lloyd Professor in Immunology Research and is the Deputy Director of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease. 

Dr. Jenne’s research program has published more than 100 journal articles, receiving more than 13,000 citations, an h-index of 51 and an i10-index of 85. Dr. Jenne’s research uses intravital microscopy to study host-pathogen interactions and their role in the inflammatory and immunothrombotic responses to bacterial and viral infection. This multi-disciplinary research focus using advanced, cutting-edge imaging technology has allowed Dr. Jenne to establish a competitive and cross-cutting training program at the University of Calgary that provides mentorship of trainees through basic science, human medicine, and veterinary medicine.

CE Information:

Sepsis Alliance is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Sepsis Alliance designates this live activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP17068 for 0.8 contact hours.

Other healthcare professionals will receive a certificate of attendance for 0.5 contact hours.

Financial Relationship Disclosures:

All individuals in control of content disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Medical Disclaimer: 

The information on or available through this site is intended for educational purposes only. Sepsis Alliance does not represent or guarantee that information on or available through this site is applicable to any specific patient’s care or treatment. The educational content on or available through this site does not constitute medical advice from a physician and is not to be used as a substitute for treatment or advice from a practicing physician or other healthcare professional. Sepsis Alliance recommends users consult their physician or healthcare professional regarding any questions about whether the information on or available through this site might apply to their individual treatment or care.