Fenninger Calls for Better Count of Blood Clots in US at DC Confab

On June 12, 2008, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) convened the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and 20 national experts to figure out how to get a better understanding of the number of blood clots (VTE/PE) and related mortality occur in the US. NBCA President, Randy Fenninger addressed this group interdisciplinary gathering representing the patients’ perspective. Randy said “regardless of what number you pick, blood clots are a leading cause of death and a major public health problem.”
 
John Heit, MD of the Mayo Clinic and a member of NBCA’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board (MASAB) presented an overview of the epidemiologic challenge and the medical patients’ perspective. Michelle Beckman presented CDC’s perspective.
 
It  is essential that there is  better surveillance data to help communicate the public health urgency of thrombosis in a consistent and targeted fashion. Citing the range of estimates that exist today:  the highest represents the second or third leading cause of death in the US; and the lowest still represents a major public health burden. A consistent representation of data that is methodologically sound will strengthen the message and help us design appropriate  public health strategies.
 
Randy thanked ASH and others participating in this important meeting for their commitment to solving this problem.

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