April 29, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Liver Center is hosting a special day-long version of its "Liver U" education program to commemorate National Viral Hepatitis Month.

The "ABCs of Viral Hepatitis" educational conference will be held Friday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vulcan Park and Museum Conference Center, 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham, 35209.  

The event is geared toward patients and their families who want the most up-to-date information on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call 205-975-9698 or email livercenter@uab.edu.

May 2010 marks the 15th anniversary of Hepatitis Awareness Month, and Wednesday, May 19 is World Hepatitis Day. These annual observances are designed to raise awareness about the global impact of viral hepatitis and the importance of preventing hepatitis-related liver disease, including liver cancer.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver and refers to a group of viral infections that affects the liver. The most common types are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C - three different, contagious liver diseases caused by three unrelated viruses. Hepatitis A typically occurs in an "acute" or time-limited form, while hepatitis B and hepatitis C can develop into a lifelong, chronic illness.

About the UAB Liver Center 

The UAB Liver Center, established in 1995, offers specialized care to children and adults with all types of liver and biliary tract diseases, develops research programs to support clinical care, and educates professionals and the public about liver disease. The UAB Liver Transplant Program has been ranked in the top 10 for patient survival rates and has performed more than 1,200 transplants. Its one-year survival rate is greater than 92 percent.