March Is DVT Awareness Month

Stones River Hospital has announced its support of DVT Awareness Month, joining a national effort to raise awareness of this serious, yet preventable condition and it’s 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.

DVT occurs when a blood clot forms and partially or completely blocks blood flow inside a deep vein, typically located in the calf or thigh. If the blood clot breaks free and travels to the lungs-known as pulmonary embolism (PE), it may obstruct the pulmonary artery or one of its branches, blocking blood flow to the heart.

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 patients occurred after discharge from the hospital. 2

“Providing our patients with the best quality care possible is a top priority, said Daisy Gannon, Pharmacist for Stones River Hospital. “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 the DVT Awareness by Design campaign.

About Deep-Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
DVT occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. A DVT blood clot has the potential to move into the lungs and block circulation to this vital organ creating a life threatening condition – known as pulmonary embolism (PE) – requiring immediate medical attention. Up to 2 million Americans are affected by DVT blood clots annually. Approximately 600,000 Americans are hospitalized each year for DVT and its primary complication, PE. DVT-related PE is the most common cause of preventable hospital death. Complications from DVT kill more people each year in the U.S. than breast cancer and AIDS combined.

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 knee or hip 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
DVT Awareness Month is being sponsored by the Coalition to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) to raise awareness of this serious medical condition among consumers, healthcare professionals, government and public leaders. The Coalition is comprised of more than 45 members from nationally known medical societies, patient advocacy groups and other public health organizations.

The hospital held a "Hot Legs Contest" between its' departments to increase awareness of DVT on March 12. Staff creatively decorated white socks and provided information on DVT. The winning entry was from the Business Office.

For more information, visit www.preventdvt.org or www.dvt.net.

The Coalition to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis is funded by sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC.

1Amin A, Stemkowki S, Lin J, Yang G. Thromboprophylaxis rates in US medical centers: success or failure? J Thromb Haemost 2007; 5: 1610-6.
2Edlesburg J, et al. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2006;63 Suppl: S16-S21.
3Hull RD, Feldstein W, Stein PD, Pinel GF. Cost-effectiveness of pulmonary embolism diagnosis. Arch Intern Med. 1996;156:68-72.