Iron disorder
Haemochromatosis is a disorder caused by the build-up of iron in various organs of the body. The Iron Disorders Institute in the United States has published details of a survey carried out on 2,845 patients with haemochromatosis. The survey revealed that 67 per cent were diagnosed with arthritis, liver or gall-bladder disease, stomach disorders, hormonal deficiencies, psychiatric disorders or diabetes before being properly diagnosed with haemochromatosis. Twenty per cent of cases were discovered because a family member had the condition. It is estimated that one in 83 Irish people is at risk of developing it.
The Irish Haemochromatosis Association was launched recently at the Centre for Liver Disease at the Mater-Misericordiae Hospital in Dublin. It was formed to provide support and information for those affected by haemochromatosis and related diseases and to educate the public and the medical profession about the disorder.
For further information, see www.haemochromatosis-ir.com
Depression-drug danger
A study has suggested that selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), some of the newer antidepressant medications, are associated with an increased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the elderly.
Patients over 65 taking antidepressants were observed for the course of the study or until they had stopped taking the drug, had an upper gastrointestinal bleed or died.
The authors suggest that SSRIs may have an anti-platelet effect and that the elderly may be particularly vulnerable to this.
On the positive side, the anti-platelet effect may cause SSRIs to protect against heart attacks.
Breast-cancer care
A review in this month's issue of the Lancet Oncology highlights variations in the provision of care for women with breast cancer in the UK.
Significant variations in treatment - including surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy - were identified, which appeared markedly to affect patients' chances of survival.
The authors of the review concluded that the findings reinforce the need for women with breast cancer to be treated by dedicated specialists working within multidisciplinary teams for the highest standard of care.
The findings back up recommendations made by an expert group in the Republic earlier this year.
Suicide note
With the increase in the number of suicides in the Republic over the past few years - more than 400 were recorded last year - more and more families are trying to deal with the loss of a member in such tragic circumstances.
Bereaved by Suicide is the title of a lecture to be given by Barry McHale in Dublin on Wednesday.
McHale is the suicide-awareness co-ordinator for the Foyle Trust in Derry. The lecture takes place at the Dean Swift Centre, St Patrick's Hospital, Dublin, at 7.15 p.m.
The suicide helpline (1800-742745) is open each day from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
lifelines@irish-times.ie