Study Shows Risk of VTE Reduced in Certain Patients

NEW YORK, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ --

NEWS: NEW STUDY SHOWS THERAPY REDUCES RISK OF LIFE-THREATENING
CONDITION

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STORY SUMMARY:
Venous thromboembolism or VTE is the formation of a blood clot in
a
person's veins. Each year, approximately 240,000 people die in the
United
States from blood clots. The clot can break off and travel to the
lungs where
it can potentially kill you.
VTE is mainly caused by inactivity as a result of being
bedridden. The
condition poses a serious and potentially fatal risk for millions of
people
with serious medical conditions.
Experts say more widespread prevention of VTE may soon be
practiced.
According to data appearing in the journal Circulation (August 2,
2004), the
drug Fragmin (dalteparin sodium injection) reduced the risk of VTE in
hospitalized patients with conditions including cancer, heart failure
and
respiratory failure by nearly half and this benefit was maintained
for 90 days
after treatment. This may be welcome news for patients with medical
conditions who require hospitalization.
One in seven hospitalized cancer patients will die from a
pulmonary
embolism (Oncologist 2003 No. 8 - pg. 381-388).

For more information, visit http://www.fragmin.com

SOUNDBITES:

* Samuel Goldhaber, MD, Brigham and Williams Hospital, Director,
Venous
Thromboembolism Research Group

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: Pfizer