Seeking a way to treat DVTs without bleeding risks
We know that inflammation is the root of much disease. But often getting rid of inflammation introduces more problems, for example, bleeding risks.
Case in point is venous thromboembolism that some 900,000 Americans are diagnosed with each year. An effective treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which puts patients at risk for pulmonary embolisms, is needed because most physicians currently prescribe blood thinners to patients with the condition.
A team at the University of Michigan that has been long been looking at ways to reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients may just be on to something. After 25 years of research into rodents and primates, they are making the first steps to helping patients.
The NIH-funded team tested a selectin inhibitor’s effect on inflammation in healthy patients and in those with calf vein thrombosis. The goal was the stop clotting without increasing bleeding complications.
Patients treated thus far, namely those with calf vein DVT, have seen positive results. Next steps are a multicenter trial combining the selectin inhibitor strategy and standard therapy or the drug alone. Stay tuned.
Mary joined TriMed Media in 2003. She was the founding editor and editorial director of Health Imaging, Cardiovascular Business, Molecular Imaging Insight and CMIO, now known as Clinical Innovation + Technology. Prior to TriMed, Mary was the editorial director of HealthTech Publishing Company, where she had worked since 1991. While there, she oversaw four magazines and related online media, and piloted the launch of two magazines and websites. Mary holds a master’s in journalism from Syracuse University. She lives in East Greenwich, R.I., and when not working, she is usually running around after her family, taking photos or cooking.