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Mississippi Baptist Medical Center Recognizes March as Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month Contact: Jamie Schwartzberg at Euro RSCG Life PR, 212-367-6840 Jackson, MS, February 29, 2008– Mississippi Baptist Medical Center announced today its support of DVT Awareness Month, joining a national effort to raise awareness of this serious, yet preventable condition and its potentially fatal complication, pulmonary embolism (PE). According to the American Heart Association, up to 2 million Americans are affected annually by DVT; PE causes approximately 300,000 deaths in the United States each year, more than AIDS and breast cancer combined. Yet, a national survey found that 60 percent of Americans have little or no awareness of DVT. Identifying and treating at-risk patients is critical in the fight against DVT and PE. However, a recent study in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis found that although 62 percent of patients admitted to a hospital for six days or longer received some form of therapy, only 34 percent had this therapy maintained throughout their full stay, as recommended in the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines. Of the 66 percent of patients who were discharged without receiving appropriate therapy, 38 percent received none at all.1 In addition, 18% of DVT/PE events among hospitalized medically ill patients occurred after discharge from the hospital.2 “Providing our patients with the best quality care possible is a top priority, said Dr. Stewart Horsley, Cardiovascular Surgeon with Cardiovascular Surgical Clinic. “While DVT and PE cost hospitals an estimated $340 million annually nationwide, it takes a far greater toll on human lives.3 By heightening awareness of the risk factors and ensuring appropriate preventative measures are taken, we can reduce the incidence of this condition.” The Coalition to Prevent DVT, a national organization funded by sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC, is comprised of more than 45 members from medical societies, patient advocacy groups and other public health organizations. It has spearheaded DVT Awareness Month efforts since its launch in March 2003. Since the Coalition’s formation, more than 1 billion educational messages have been delivered. In 2007, the Coalition led the fourth-annual DVT Awareness Month with DVT Awareness by Design, an engaging educational campaign designed to promote awareness and inspire action. This year the Coalition will extend its 2007 successes through an updated extension of the DVT Awareness by Design campaign. Melanie Bloom, widow of NBC correspondent David Bloom and the Coalition’s National Patient Spokesperson, along with the Coalition and its member organizations have turned to the healthcare community this year, to ensure that proper care and treatment of DVT is provided for at risk patients. Ms. Bloom’s personal commitment to this cause has had tremendous impact in awareness raising efforts both in the national media as well as the public policy forum. About Deep-Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Certain individuals may be at increased risk for developing DVT; however, it can occur in almost anyone. Additional risk factors include, but are not limited to severely restricted mobility due to acute illness, cancer, congestive heart failure or respiratory failure, certain surgeries, such as hip or knee replacements, advanced age, oral contraceptives or hormone therapy. It is important to consult your healthcare provider about the signs and symptoms associated with DVT. For more information, visit www.preventdvt.org. About DVT Awareness Month For more information, visit www.preventdvt.org or www.dvt.net. About Mississippi Baptist Medical Center The Coalition to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis is funded by sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC 1 Amin A, Stemkowski S, Lin J, Yang G. Thromboprophylaxis rates in US medical centers: success or failure? J Thromb Haemost 2007; 5: 1610-6. |
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