Availability of medical and endovascular therapies for venous thromboembolism: a global survey for World Thrombosis Day

CHAPEL HILL, NC, USA, (October 12, 2023) — A global survey was conducted for the 10th anniversary of World Thrombosis Day, which focused on the availability of approved therapies to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), the two main manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

VTE affects one in every 10-12 people in the general population and represents the third most frequent cause of cardiovascular death. Beyond its impact in terms of acute morbidity and fatality, it poses a substantial burden concerning long-term complications, direct and indirect economic impact, and patient well-being.

While the study demonstrated that a significant number of nations have the means to acquire injectable anticoagulant medications and vitamin k antagonists (VKA), instances of insufficient heparin supplies were documented in as many as 15% of countries. The overwhelming majority of the countries examined do not have access to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) medications such as argatroban, danaparoid and bivalirudin.

“We anticipate that this comprehensive global dataset will play a pivotal role in heightening awareness within healthcare institutions concerning the treatment of VTE. This heightened awareness, in turn, is likely to result in an increased availability of medications and medical devices for VTE treatment,” said the World Thrombosis Day Steering Committee.

To learn more and read the findings, visit the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

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About the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)

Founded in 1969, the ISTH is the leading worldwide medical and scientific professional Society dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions related to thrombosis and hemostasis. ISTH is an international medical-scientific professional membership organization with more than 7,000 clinicians, researchers, and educators working together to improve the lives of patients in more than 124 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 13 October. Visit ISTH online at www.isth.org.