ScienceDaily: Blood Clot News

Commonly used catheters double risk of blood clots in ICU and cancer patients

Sun, 19 May 2013 19:14:14 EDT

Peripherally inserted central catheters – an often preferred route for delivery of IV medications — increase risk of blood clots in sickest patients.

Mutation causing wrong-way plumbing explains one type of blue-baby syndrome

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:06:06 EDT

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, one type of “blue baby” syndrome, is a potentially deadly congenital disorder that occurs when pulmonary veins don’t connect normally to the left atrium of the heart. TAPVC babies are born cyanotic from lack of oxygen. Semaphorin 3d guides the development of endothelial cells and is crucial for normal development of pulmonary veins. Mutations in Sema3d cause embryonic blood vessels to hook up in the wrong way.

Gene offers clues to new treatments for a harmful blood clotting disorder

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:30:30 EDT

A gene associated with both protection against bacterial infection and excessive blood clotting could offer new insights into treatment strategies for deep-vein thrombosis -- the formation of a harmful clot in a deep vein. The gene produces an enzyme that, if inhibited via a specific drug therapy, could offer hope to patients prone to deep-vein clots, such as those that sometimes form in the legs during lengthy airplane flights or during recuperation after major surgery.

Seven simple lifestyle steps may decrease risk of blood clots

Thu, 02 May 2013 18:54:54 EDT

Blood clots in the legs or lungs (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) kill an American about every 5 minutes. Adopting seven simple lifestyle steps could help reduce your risk of these potentially deadly blood clots, according to new research.

Obesity in early 20s curbs chances of reaching middle age

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:09:09 EDT

Young men who are obese in their early 20s are significantly more likely to develop serious ill health by the time they reach middle age, or not even make it that far, suggests research.

Single best practice to prevent DVT reduces hospital costs by more than $1.5 million annually

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:15:15 EDT

Researchers report success in using a concept called "value-based analysis," which simultaneously measures quality and cost and addresses inefficiencies in care. The researchers applied a value-based analysis approach to implementing a single best practice for preventing deep vein thrombosis in surgical patients and were able to reduce hospital costs in excess of $1.5 million per year.

Stillbirth or pre-term birth outcomes linked to elevated risk of blood clots after pregnancy

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:48:48 EDT

Newly identified pregnancy-related events, such as stillbirth or pre-term birth, may dramatically increase a woman's risk of developing a potentially deadly blood clot immediately after pregnancy, according to the results of a large, population-based study.

Study reveals risk factors for blood clots in pregnant and postnatal women

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:45:45 EDT

Women who have suffered a still birth or have medical conditions including varicose veins, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or heart disease are at greater risk of developing dangerous blood clots after giving birth, a study has revealed.

Newly approved blood thinner may increase susceptibility to some viral infections

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:20:20 EDT

A new study indicates that a newly approved blood thinner that blocks a key component of the human blood clotting system may increase the risk and severity of certain viral infections, including flu and myocarditis, a viral infection of the heart and a significant cause of sudden death in children and young adults.

Advances in preventing dangerous blood clots

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:27:27 EDT

New research may help clinicians determine which patients are at highest risk for post-surgical blood clots in the legs or lungs.

New anti-clotting drug more effective than current treatment, study suggests

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:18:18 EDT

A new and experimental anti-clotting drug, cangrelor, proved better than the commonly used clopidogrel and was significantly more effective at preventing blood clots in a large trial of patients who underwent coronary stent procedures.

Persistence pays off in solving hemophilia mystery, showing curiosity drives discovery

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:39:39 EST

A medical researcher has found the third and final piece in the genetic puzzle of hemophilia B Leyden, more than 20 years after he discovered the first two pieces. The results explain how more than half of the cases of this rare blood-clotting disorder occur, could have implications for other conditions such as thrombosis and show the value of curiosity-driven research.

Metastasis: Understanding how cancer cells 'hijack' blood cells

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:07:07 EST

A new research study has investigated how cancer cells ‘hijack’ blood cells known as platelets and enable cancer to spread around the body to promote the growth of new tumors.

Patients with diabetes at no greater risk for infection or other complications after total knee replacement

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:44:44 EST

Patients with diabetes were no more likely to suffer infection, deep vein thrombosis (a deep vein blood clot) or other complications following total knee replacement than patients without diabetes, according to new research.

For embolism patients, clot-busting drug is worth risk, study suggests

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:42:42 EST

When doctors encounter a patient with a massive pulmonary embolism, they face a difficult choice: Is it wise to administer a drug that could save the patient's life, even though many people suffer life-threatening bleeding as a result? Based on new findings researchers are answering that question in no uncertain terms.

'Nudge' can be ethical choice

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:46:46 EST

As patients and physicians share decision-making in choices among treatment options, decision aids such as videos, websites, pamphlets or books are coming to play an important role. However, in some cases, it may be ethical for the decision aids to provide a "nudge" toward a particular option, say researchers in a new report.

AB blood type strong risk factor for venous blood clots

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST

The non-O ABO blood type is the most important risk factor for venous thromboembolism (blood clots in veins), making up 20 percent of attributable risk for the condition, according to a new study.

New stroke gene discovery could lead to tailored treatments

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:08:08 EST

Scientists have identified a new genetic variant associated with stroke. By exploring the genetic variants linked with blood clotting -- a process that can lead to a stroke -- scientists have discovered a gene which is associated with large vessel and cardioembolic stroke but has no connection to small vessel stroke.

Blood clots and artery blockage more likely during IVF pregnancies, study suggests

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:02:02 EST

In vitro fertilization is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary embolism (blockage of the main artery of the lung) and venous thromboembolism (blood clots) during the first trimester of pregnancy, a new study suggests.

Migraine with aura may lead to heart attack, blood clots for women

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:01:01 EST

Women who have migraines with aura, which are often visual disturbances such as flashing lights, may be more likely to have problems with their heart and blood vessels, and those on newer contraceptives may be at higher risk for blood clots, according to two studies.

Ultrasonic testing with Doppler imaging can rule out blood clots in pregnant women, study suggests

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:49:49 EST

The use of serial compression ultrasonographic testing together with Doppler imaging appears to be a reliable method of ruling out blood clots in the legs of pregnant women, according to a new study.

Young scientist helps identify cause of widespread eye disease

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:17:17 EST

Branch retinal vein occlusion -- blockage of the blood vessels that channel blood from the retina -- is a common eye disease. A type of blood clot in the eye, the disease causes reduced vision, and people with the disease also typically have an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes and other serious conditions. A young scientist has made a significant contribution to finding the cause of the disease.

Asthmatics at increased risk of pulmonary embolism

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 22:32:32 EST

People with asthma have an increased risk of pulmonary embolism, according to new research.

Studies challenge standards to improve treatment outcomes for patients with clotting disorders

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 16:06:06 EST

New studies examined current treatment standards for patients with clotting disorders in an effort to improve outcomes. The studies evaluate long-held treatment standards and whether modifications in intensity and duration of therapy may offer equally effective outcomes while reducing toxicities and relapse rates.

Risk of blood clots two-fold for women with polycystic ovary syndrome taking combined oral contraceptives, study finds

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:16:16 EST

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome who are taking combined oral contraceptives have a two-fold risk of blood clots compared with women without the disorder who take contraceptives, according to a new study.

Ruling out deep vein thrombosis at the primary care level

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:39:39 EST

Algorithms improve certainty in ruling out deep and pelvic vein thrombosis at the primary level of patient care, according to a new study.

Reasons for severe bleeding in hemophilia revealed

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 12:20:20 EST

New insights into what causes uncontrollable bleeding in hemophilia patients have been provided. By revealing that blood clots spread in traveling waves through vessels, the study offers new strategies that could lead to the development of more effective treatments for hemophilia as well as common cardiovascular disorders.

Genetic factor holds key to blood vessel health

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:43:43 EST

Researchers have identified a genetic factor that prevents blockages from forming in blood vessels, a discovery that could lead to new therapies for cardiovascular diseases. Researchers found that a shortage of the genetic factor KLF4, which regulates endothelial cells lining the interior of blood vessels, makes the lining more prone to the buildup of plaque and fat deposits. Further, the deficiency made the blood vessel more susceptible to clot formation.

New regulator of the blood coagulation cascade discovered

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:26:26 EST

Medical researchers have discovered a new regulator of the blood coagulation cascade.

Statins have potential to treat an autoimmune clotting disorder called antiphospholipid syndrome

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:36:36 EST

New research suggests that statins, traditionally used for cholesterol lowering, could be used in the management of individuals who are at risk for developing clotting because they have autoimmune antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).

Autoimmune disease linked to pregnancy loss, stroke more often than you’d expect

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:36:36 EST

A new study provides the first estimates of the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients suffering from pregnancy loss, stroke, myocardial infarction and deep vein thrombosis.

New aspect of platelet behavior in heart attacks revealed: Clots can sense blood flow

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 20:01:01 EST

Atherosclerosis involves the build up of fatty tissue within arterial walls, creating unstable structures known as plaques. These plaques grow until they burst, rupturing the wall and causing the formation of a blood clot within the artery. These clots also grow until they block blood flow; this can cause a heart attack. New Penn research shows that clots forming under arterial-flow conditions have an unexpected ability to sense the surrounding blood moving over it.

Aspirin effective in preventing clots following joint replacement surgery

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 19:58:58 EST

Researchers have shown aspirin to be just as effective as warfarin in preventing clots, specifically pulmonary emboli, life-threatening blood clots that can develop in the arteries of the lungs following joint replacement surgery.

New way to inhibit blood clotting and inflammation

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 12:56:56 EST

Scientists have identified a group of small molecules that target a compound that initiates multiple steps in blood clotting, including those that lead to the obstruction of veins or arteries, a condition called thrombosis. Blocking the activity of this compound, polyphosphate, could treat thrombosis with fewer bleeding side effects than the drugs that are currently on the market.

Fainting after air travel may indicate pulmonary embolism

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:06:06 EDT

Fainting after recent air travel could be a sign of pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal blockage in the lungs. Syncope or fainting is an uncommon symptom of pulmonary embolism; however, new research found that fainting associated with recent air travel may be a key indicator for PE diagnosis. Fainting as a precursor to PE diagnosis was also associated with a saddle embolism, a larger and more life-threatening form of PE, as well as more abnormal ECG readings.

A better way to prevent deadly blood clots?

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:19:19 EDT

A computerized checklist system designed to help physicians identify and use the best methods of preventing potentially deadly blood clots in hospitalized trauma patients dramatically reduced the number of these dangerous venous thromboembolisms (VTEs), new research suggests.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis appear to be at increased risk for blood clots

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:17:17 EDT

A study that included more than 45,000 residents of Sweden with rheumatoid arthritis finds that individuals with this disease had an associated higher risk of venous thromboembolism (a blood clot that forms within a vein), and that this elevated risk was stable for 10 years after the time of diagnosis.

Apixaban superior to warfarin across range of patient risk scores, study finds

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 19:15:15 EDT

A new anticoagulant called apixaban is superior to warfarin in preventing stroke with consistent effects across a wide range of stroke and bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation, according to researchers.

New findings highlight the challenges of managing blood clotting in cancer patients

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 08:43:43 EDT

New findings highlight the challenges of managing thromboembolic events in patients being treated for cancer.

Statins are unlikely to prevent blood clots, large analysis finds

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:56:56 EDT

Despite previous studies suggesting the contrary, statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) may not prevent blood clots (venous thrombo-embolism) in adults, according to a large analysis.

Resuming warfarin after gastrointestinal tract bleeding associated with lower risk for thrombosis, death

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:14:14 EDT

A study of patients treated with the anticoagulant medication warfarin suggests that resuming warfarin therapy after an episode of gastrointestinal tract bleeding was associated with lower risk for thrombosis and death.

Genetic test will help dose blood thinner

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 18:16:16 EDT

Patients suffering from dangerous blood clots will receive genetic testing to help health professionals at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System prescribe the proper dose of the blood-thinner warfarin.

Anti-clotting therapy may be used too often following orthopaedic surgery or trauma

Sat, 01 Sep 2012 08:51:51 EDT

Men and women who undergo joint replacement procedures, as well as those who have significant fractures, tend to be at an increased risk of developing pulmonary emboli (PE), blood clots that travel to the lungs where they may cause serious complications and even death. Patients are often aggressively treated with anticoagulants, or blood thinners, to help prevent the clots from forming, but a new study indicates that some blood clots being identified by today's sensitive testing methods may not require aggressive treatments.

Higher healing rate using unique cell-based therapy in chronic venous leg ulcers

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:37:37 EDT

A new study finds that treating chronic venous leg ulcers with a topical spray containing a unique living human cell formula provides a 52 percent greater likelihood of wound closure than treatment with compression bandages only.

Bloodstream scavenger inhibits clotting without increased bleeding

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 16:27:27 EDT

A compound that mops up debris of damaged cells from the bloodstream may be the first in a new class of drugs designed to address one of medicine's most difficult challenges -- stopping the formation of blood clots without triggering equally threatening bleeding.

Novel nanotherapeutic delivers clot-busting drugs directly to obstructed blood vessels

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 18:12:12 EDT

Researchers have developed a novel biomimetic strategy that delivers life-saving nanotherapeutics directly to obstructed blood vessels, dissolving blood clots before they cause serious damage or even death. This new approach enables thrombus dissolution while using only a fraction of the drug dose normally required, thereby minimizing bleeding side effects that currently limit widespread use of clot-busting drugs.

More evidence on clot risks of non-oral contraceptives

Thu, 10 May 2012 22:48:48 EDT

A new study adds to the evidence that certain non-oral hormonal contraceptives carry a higher risk of serious blood clots than others.

Flavonoid compound found in foods and supplements may prevent the formation of blood clots, study suggests

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:45:45 EDT

A compound called rutin, commonly found in fruits and vegetables and sold over the counter as a dietary supplement, has been shown to inhibit the formation of blood clots in an animal model of thrombosis.

Large-scale simulation of human blood is boon to personalized medicine

Wed, 02 May 2012 09:20:20 EDT

Having a virtual copy of a patient's blood in a computer would be a boon to researchers and doctors. They could examine a simulated heart attack caused by blood clotting in a diseased coronary artery and see if a drug like aspirin would be effective in reducing the size of such a clot.

Infection linked to dangerous blood clots in veins and lungs

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:43:43 EDT

Obesity, smoking and diabetes are among the most common risk factors linked to blood clots. But a new study has identified another big risk that isn't on the list -- infection.

Dental plaque bacteria may trigger blood clots

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:34:34 EDT

Oral bacteria that escape into the bloodstream are able to cause blood clots and trigger life-threatening endocarditis. Further research could lead to new drugs to tackle infective heart disease, say scientists.

Solving the mystery of blood clotting

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:50:50 EDT

New research helps to better understand the blood clotting process. Researchers were able to determine the molecular 3-D structure of a protein in blood platelets and a receptor that sticks through the membrane of the cell to the outside.

Low molecular weight heparin use in cancer treatment

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:58:58 EST

Researchers suggest conclusive answers to key questions on the benefits of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for cancer patients remain elusive - despite promising results from large studies.

Warfarin and aspirin are similar in heart failure treatment, study suggests

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:14:14 EST

In the largest and longest head-to-head comparison of two anti-clotting medications, warfarin and aspirin were similar in preventing deaths and strokes in heart failure patients with normal heart rhythm, according to new research.

Benefits of statin therapy may extend beyond lowering lipids

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:37:37 EST

A new study has identified a molecular pathway that leads to abnormal cardiovascular blood clotting and turned it off using a popular class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, statins.

Low iron levels in blood raises blood clot risk, new research suggests

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:54:54 EST

People with low levels of iron in the blood have a higher risk of dangerous blood clots, according to new research.

Less blood clot damage with extra treatment, research suggests

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:49:49 EST

Pain, swelling, itching, eczema and venous ulcers are characteristic signs of post-thrombotic syndrome, a condition developed by roughly half the patients who have experienced serious deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots in the leg. It has been demonstrated for the first time that a treatment to dissolve blood clots prevented such complications in a substantial number of patients. The treatment is called catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy.

New tick-borne disease discovered in Sweden

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:14:14 EST

Researchers have discovered a brand new tick-borne infection. Since the discovery, eight cases have been described around the world, three of them in Sweden.

Gelatin-based nanoparticle treatment may be a more effective clot buster

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:23:23 EST

A targeted, nanoparticle gelatin-based clot-busting treatment dissolved significantly more blood clots than a currently used drug in an animal study of acute coronary syndrome.

Risk of late stent thrombosis continues for up to seven years in patients with first generation drug-eluting stents; risk factors identified

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:13:13 EST

The risk of late stent thrombosis (ST) in the first generation of drug-eluting stents continues for up to seven years after implantation, and certain types of patients, including smokers and those who are younger, are at higher risk, according to results of the DESERT registry.