INTERNATIONAL medical experts will travel to Gaoth Dobhair this weekend for a conference on the medical condition Amyloidosis, also known as ‘Donegal Amy’ because of its prevalence in the county.
Hereditary Amyloidosis is a rare and serious condition characterised by a build-up of abnormal amyloid or protein deposits in one or more organs and other parts of the body.
Delays in diagnosing amyloidosis are common because the symptoms can be confused with numerous other conditions.
The ‘Emerging from Shadows’ conference, organised by ATTR Amyloidosis All Ireland and the Irish Heart Foundation, will take place on Saturday, May 28, from 10am to 4.30pm in the An Chuirt Hotel.
Rosaline Callaghan of ATTR Amyloidosis All Ireland has emphasised the international scope of the conference, which will address healthcare professionals and patients throughout the day on early diagnosis and new treatments for amyloidosis.
“Speakers include world-renowned experts Professor Julian Gillmore and Professor Mary Reilly, and leading professionals in the field from across Ireland,” she said.
“Our theme reflects a rising awareness of the condition and the emergence of new treatments, of which there were none, until a few years ago.
Professor Sinead Murphy, Consultant Neurologist with Tallaght University Hospital, will cover how it affects the autonomic nervous system, and Professor Mary Reilly, Consultant Neurologist with Queens University College will discuss the peripheral nervous system.
Dr Sinead Hughes, Consultant Cardiologist with Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, will address attendees on the history of the T60A gene.This particular form of the condition has a link to 25kms of the north west coast of Donegal where it is prevelant. It is this form that is sometimes known as ‘Donegal Amy’.
Professor Aisling Ryan, Consultant Neurologist with University College Hospital, Cork will cover H90D a variant much less known originating in the south of the country.
Dr Mark Coyne, Consultant Haematologist in Belfast will highlight the pathways to genetic testing for amyloidosis, and Professor Julian Gilmore, Head of National Amyloidosis Centre with UCL London, will discuss a new world of treatments for ATTR amyloidosis. Attendees will also hear from Mr Carlos Heras-Palou, Sandra Campbell and Jean Christophe Fidalgo on a range of partnerships and alliances on the condition.
The conference is supported by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Bridgebio, Intellia Therapeutics, Pfizer and Sobi. Anyone wishing to register for the conference can do so by emailing amyloidosis.ireland@gmail.com.
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