UW-Madison researcher helping to save transplanted lungs
The Wisconsin State Journal highlights how Will Burlingham, a University of Wisconsin-Madison scientist, has done successful research that showed that lung-transplant patients highly reactive to collagen V were 10 times more likely to develop bronchiolitis obliterans, or BOS, the lung-destroying disease associated with the suspect protein.
According to the researchers, the research is likely to dramatically improve lung transplant success. Currently, lung transplant patients have the worst long-term survival rate of all major organ transplants. Now, however, new drug treatments to block the collagen V reaction are in the works and promise to improve survival rates considerably. Read the full story.
Fighting Cystic Fibrosis: Willcox resident, 27, recovers from double-lung transplant
Frome the Arizona Range News comes the good news story of Sean Kingsbury, a 27-year old Willcox, Arizona man who is recovering from a double-lung transplant. He underwent the lifesaving operation on Sept. 30, at University Medical Center in Tucson. Kingsbury, who was born with cystic fibrosis, has lived in Willcox the last 10 years. "He has a lot of friends here," Colleen Miera told the Range News.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that affects 30,000 people in the United States. It makes the body produce mucus as thick and sticky as rubber cement. The mucus interferes with digestion and makes CF patients vulnerable to lung, bronchial and sinus infections.
Over time, scar tissue builds up in the lungs, making it harder to breathe. Some 30 years ago, half of all those with CF died by the age of 15. But advances in drugs and treatment protocols have pushed the median survival age up to 32. Read the story.
Man killed in fiery crash had a double lung transplant
The Boston Globe had this sad story about A 29-year-old man killed in a fiery crash on Interstate 95 in Attleboro who had recently undergone a double lung transplant last May and was engaged to be married. Police say the man's car was travelling at 100 miles an hour. Read the article.
Robert Goulet, "Camelot" star, dies while awaiting lung transplant
Robert Goulet died while waiting for a lung transplant due to pulmonary fibrosis. He passed away October 30th but I'm including the story here in case you missed it. His story has special meaning for me, being that I suffered from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis but the difference between myself and Mr. Goulet is that I received my lung transplant after being on the waiting list for only 25 days. Read the story in The Seattle Times. Go to Robert Goulet's Website.
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