£1million government boost for WHO DVT study

Wednesday, 15 May, 2002 0

A four-year study by The World Health Organisation (WHO) into the possible links between air travel and deep vein thrombosis has been launched after a £1million cash boost from the UK Government.

WHO announced the research programme after the UK Government confirmed yesterday it would contribute £1.12million (1.8million Euros) to the programme in its first two years.

The research will be carried out by experts from several countries. It includes studies in three principal areas:

Epidemiological studies will assess the frequency of occurrence of thrombosis amongst travellers and identify which groups are most at risk. The impact of pre-existing risk factors, such as a previous history of thrombosis, use of oral contraceptives or HRT, recent illness, operation or injury and genetic susceptibility will be examined. Factors such as class of travel and in-flight behaviour (e.g. alcohol consumption, leg-exercises and use of compression stockings) will also be considered.

Pathophysiological studies will investigate the causal mechanisms and in particular, whether factors other than immobility, such as low cabin pressure and oxygen levels, might be responsible for venous thrombosis after air travel, which has been the most prominent focus of public attention.

Clinical studies will focus on the effectiveness of possible preventive strategies. On completion of the programme, it should be possible to give clear guidance to the travelling public regarding both the magnitude of any risk and the most appropriate preventive measures.

Additional funding for the study is expected to come from the European Commission with preliminary results available within a year.

Professor Fred Paccaud, chairman of WHO’s scientific executive committee, said: “The UK government and the European Commission have taken a clear lead in addressing this important public health issue.”

The research programme will be conducted under the auspices of the WHO and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has also given the programme its full support.

Read our previous stories:
18-Apr-2002 BA conducts new DVT study
08-Apr-2002 SAA supports new DVT study
01-Feb-2002 High Court DVT ruling is bad news for airlines
30-Nov-2001 Pregnant women advised to seek medical advice before flying
20-Aug-2001 World Health Org: DVT research needed “without delay”