ALF Media Advisory

[Guest guest]

This article was posted on one of the other liver

groups that I belong to. It may have already been posted

here, but I don't remember seeing it.

Carol

Monday November 1, 8:37 pm Eastern TimeCompany Press ReleaseSOURCE: American Liver FoundationAmerican Liver Foundation Media Advisory - Payton's Death a TragedyNEW YORK, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ --The American Liver Foundation, a leading voluntary health organizationdedicated to preventing, treating and curing hepatitis and other liver andgallbladder diseases through research and education, offers the followingmedia advisory:The American Liver Foundation expresses its sincere condolences to thefamily and fans of Walter Payton, 45, who died today after battling primarysclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Payton's death is a tragedy in many ways. Itwas potentially preventable if he could have received a liver transplant intime. Many patients die while awaiting liver transplants and increasedawareness on the importance of organ donation could save their lives. Hisdeath is also tragic because funding for liver disease research is quitelow. Had there been a more adequate level of funding for PSC and other liverdiseases, this may have led to greater possibilities for treatment and cure.PSC is a disease in which the bile ducts inside and outside the liver becomenarrowed due to inflammation and scarring. This causes the bile toaccumulate in the liver and can result in damage to liver cells. Althoughthe exact cause of primary sclerosing cholangitis is unknown, genetic andimmunologic factors appear to play a role. PSC has been considered a raredisease, but recent studies suggest that it is more common than previouslythought.Primary sclerosing cholangitis is more common in men than women, Initially,many individuals have no symptoms and 70% of all cases occur in people underthe age of 40. Common symptoms are fatigue, itching, jaundice, and fever andchills from superimposed bile duct infection may occur. There is currentlyno specific treatment for PSC.Currently there are over 14,000 adults and children who have been medicallyapproved for liver transplants and are waiting for organs to becomeavailable. There are 4,500 transplants a year and 1,000 people die waiting.The American Liver Foundation is a national organization with a network ofchapters and affiliates across the country.Additional information about PSC and organ donation can be obtained bycontacting the American Liver Foundation:1-800-GO-LIVER (465-4837)www.liverfoundation.orgFor interviews and other information, contact:Maggie Brennan (212)668-1000 (ext. 130) at the American LiverFoundationSOURCE: American Liver Foundation