CHAPEL HILL, NC, July 8, 2020 — The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have released a joint scientific statement titled, “Venous Thromboembolism Research Priorities,” identifying five top priorities for research on venous thromboembolism (VTE), published today in the ISTH journal Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis (RPTH) and Circulation, the flagship journal of the American Heart Association. Developed by nine global hematology experts with survey data from 16 scientific organizations, the statement encourages multi-disciplinary approaches to solve important research barriers.
As a leading cause of death and disability, efforts to improve VTE prevention, diagnosis and management are essential to saving lives. To address the challenges in patient care, the joint statement provides a comprehensive guide to future research covering five levels of priorities. These include fundamental research, human research, patient research, practice level research, and community and population research. Examples of identified needs include the development of better pre-clinical models, new diagnostic approaches, risk assessments and treatments, defining the long-term health of VTE patients and evaluating the impact of public awareness campaigns.
“The research priorities detailed in the statement provide a foundation for basic scientists and clinical researchers to transform medical care for patients with VTE and improve outcomes,” said the statement’s chair, Mary Cushman, M.D., M.Sc. “We hope that researchers, funding agencies and the public globally will see the need for investing in solutions to address the significant public health impacts of VTE.”
VTE is a condition in which a blood clot forms most often in the deep veins of the leg, groin or arm, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), breaks free and travels in the circulation, lodging in the lungs, known as pulmonary embolism (PE). It remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and affects up to 1 million Americans and 700,000 Europeans every year. Understanding the causes and raising public awareness of VTE could significantly reduce the number of preventable deaths and disabilities associated with the condition.
To read the joint statement, “Venous Thromboembolism Research Priorities,” click here. To learn more about RPTH, the official open-access publication of the ISTH, visit rpth.isth.org.
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About the ISTH
Founded in 1969, the ISTH is the leading worldwide not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to thrombosis and hemostasis. ISTH is an international professional membership organization with more than 5,000 clinicians, researchers and educators working together to improve the lives of patients in more than 100 countries around the world. Among its highly regarded activities and initiatives are education and standardization programs, research activities, meetings and congresses, peer-reviewed publications, expert committees and World Thrombosis Day on October 13. Visit ISTH online at www.isth.org.
About RPTH
RPTH is a rigorously peer-reviewed, open access, e-only journal of the ISTH. The peer review and publication process is streamlined and fast, and there is no barrier to library or personal access to full-text material. Submission of longer articles or publications with novel formatting content such as fully illustrated review articles, is encouraged. The journal promotes publication of research providing open access data. Visit rpth.isth.org or @RPTHJournal on Twitter for more information.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Media Contacts:
Michelle Kirkwood
Director, National Science Media Relations
American Heart Association
Louise St. Germain
Director of Marketing, Membership, and Public Affairs
International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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