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Definitive DVT Study under way - 25/05/02
Daily Telegraph
The World Health Organisation has launched what is expected to be a definitive investigation into the causes of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in air travellers. It aims to determine the causes and frequency of DVT, a condition in which blood clots form in the lower legs. In severe cases clots can travel to the brain or lungs, causing death.
The investigation will also try to establish the key risk factors and effective prevention methods. An estimated 2,000 people suffer from DVT in Britain each year. Part of the study will be conducted at Leicester University, where a team will use pressurised cabins to assess the effect of the aircraft environment on the human body.
Desmond Collins, of Collins, a firm of solicitors acting on behalf of 15 passengers who have had DVT or whose family members have died from the condition, hopes that the study will provide indisputable evidence on its causes. "The majority of airlines are in a state of denial over the link between air travel and DVT," said Mr Collins.
"Because there has been no definitive study, the situation is similar to the tobacco companies' approach to lung cancer. We are hopeful that this study will provide the necessary proof." Dr William Toff, of Leicester University, said the investigation, which he is co-ordinating, would involve volunteers. "In the first study, the conditions will be normal so that we can analyse the effect of simply sitting for long periods of time," he said. "In the second study, the pressure and oxygen levels will be dropped to the worst-case conditions during a long haul flight."
Many airlines continue to claim that DVT is not specifically linked to flying. They are, nevertheless, warning passengers with a history of the condition, and women using the contraceptive pill, to take medical advice before flying.
The Government has contributed £1.2 million to the project, with an additional £600,000 coming from the European Union. Preliminary results will be available within a year and the final report is due in 2006.
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