SUMMARY
Patty P. Bloom, M.D., studies how the intestinal microbiome and impaired gut barrier function contribute to hepatic encephalopathy in people with cirrhosis. Dr. Bloom and her team identify human and bacterial features that predict the future development of overt hepatic encephalopathy. They also translate study findings into microbiome-targeted therapies and evaluate them in innovative clinical trials.
Dr. Bloom's research includes studies of patients with prior episodes of hepatic encephalopathy, high-risk patients without prior episodes, patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy and some patients without cirrhosis. Her research incorporates prospective cohorts and clinical trials with mucosal and stool microbiome sequencing, targeted metabolomics, several intestinal permeability tests, psychometric testing, and longitudinal modeling.
Additionally, Dr. Bloom investigates voice or speech as a diagnostic tool in liver disease to predict hepatic encephalopathy.
Focus areas
- Microbiome-targeted treatment trials. Dr. Bloom evaluates therapies that alter microbial composition or function in hepatic encephalopathy. These therapies include dietary interventions and defined bacterial consortia.
- Predicting overt encephalopathy risk. Dr. Bloom follows patients with cirrhosis prospectively to identify human and microbiome features associated with future overt hepatic encephalopathy. She combines intestinal barrier measurements, clinical predictors, longitudinal stool sampling, metagenomic sequencing and metabolite data to develop risk models for patients with and without prior episodes of hepatic encephalopathy.
- Gut barrier mechanisms. Dr. Bloom examines how duodenal permeability, tight junction function and mucosal bacteria interact in cirrhosis. She studies how impaired barrier function may facilitate bacterial-product translocation. She also examines whether reduced short-chain fatty acid production contributes to this process and to hepatic encephalopathy. Understanding these mechanisms may reveal treatment targets.
- Digital and biomarker methods. Dr. Bloom develops and evaluates objective tools for assessing chronic liver disease. These tools include automated speech analysis, psychometric testing, telemonitoring and digital health approaches. She uses these methods to improve detection, prediction and outpatient management of hepatic encephalopathy and other complications of cirrhosis.
Significance to patient care
Hepatic encephalopathy can cause episodes of confusion, sleep issues and trouble paying attention among people with severe liver disease. It occurs when the liver is unable to filter toxins from the blood. It can also lead to loss of independence and repeated hospital stays. Current treatments do not prevent every episode and can cause side effects.
Dr. Bloom studies which patients with this condition are most likely to have an episode of hepatic encephalopathy. She also explores which changes in gut bacteria and the intestinal barrier are most important in causing hepatic encephalopathy symptoms.
By connecting these findings to treatment studies, Dr. Bloom's research may help care teams choose treatments that work better and have fewer side effects. Her research also may help reduce cognitive symptoms and hospital stays for patients and help with daily challenges for patients and caregivers.
Professional highlights
- Associate editor, Hepatology Communications, 2022-present.
- Principal investigator, "The Role of the Microbiome in Hepatic Encephalopathy Pathogenesis and Treatment," funded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 2026-2029.
- American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases:
- Chair-elect, Communications and Technology Committee, 2026-2028.
- Pilot Research Award in Liver Diseases, 2024.
- Anna S. Lok Advanced/Transplant Hepatology Award, 2019.
- AGA Pilot Research Award, American Gastroenterological Association, 2023.
- American College of Gastroenterology:
- Junior Faculty Development Award, 2020.
- Clinical Research Award, 2018.