Transplant Headlines

Here are a few selected news headlines from around the world.

Bad Personal Relationships Increase Coronary Heart Disease Risk
This item published in Medscape has no direct relationship to the world of transplantation, but when you think about it our physical health is a major factor in achieving a successful outcome following an organ transplant.

October 9, 2007 (London, UK) – A new prospective cohort study shows that negative aspects of a close relationship--such as not confiding and not getting emotional support--can increase the risk of coronary events [1]. Dr Roberto De Vogli (University College, London, UK) and colleagues report their findings in the October 8, 2007 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

"We think the quality of social relationships can be a very important factor for health and well-being," epidemiologist De Vogli told heartwire. "There is a growing body of literature that shows that being exposed to negative relationships that increase worry, anxiety, and feelings of low self-esteem can in the long term produce emotional effects that may trigger biological changes in the body. Read the full article.

Dallas-Fort Worth gives strong showing in organ donation
The Dallas Business Journal reports that eleven hospitals in Dallas-Fort Worth have won awards from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for increasing organ donation rates at their facilities.

The hospitals all achieved and sustained a rate of 75 percent or more of eligible donors, HHS said.

A total of 392 hospitals nationwide received the award, up from only 55 hospitals four years ago. For a list of the Dallas-Fort Worth hospitals honored read the full article.

IKA chosen to host organ donation event
The Irish Medical Times notes that The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) has been chosen to host the 9th European Day for Organ Donation & Transplantation October 13th.

Representatives from 33 European nations will converge to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation and transplantation and to express solidarity and support to all those in need of organ transplants and to honor all donors and their families, according to the IKA. read the article.