ISTH Issues Survey for World Thrombosis Day

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The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) recognized World Thrombosis Day on October 13.¹ The day is part of a global campaign established by the organization with a goal of increasing education on the signs, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention of blood clots. According to a press release from the organization, about one in four deaths are associated with thrombosis.

ISTH released a survey to the public to collect data about women and the risks of blood clots during pregnancy, after the pregnancy, and during other critical life stages.

In a press release, chair of the World Thrombosis Day Steering Committee Lana Castellucci, MD, said, “Understanding the risks of blood clots is crucial, as one in four people die worldwide from conditions caused by thrombosis. Raising awareness about VTE can ensure better care for those at risk. This year, we are particularly focused on women's health and thrombosis. By gathering data through this survey, we aim to understand women's experiences with VTE education during pregnancy and postpartum and hope to empower women with knowledge and improve health outcomes for themselves and their families."

Last year, the ISTH celebrated its 10th anniversary on World Thrombosis Day.² In a press release issued at the time, Castellucci said, “One of the reasons that thrombosis ends up as the cause of death for one in four people worldwide is that many of its symptoms are synonymous with other common conditions. When a person experiences a leg cramp, for example, it is unlikely that they will seek a blood clot screening, and unfortunately, that can result in the condition becoming fatal. We are working to educate the public on the signs and symptoms of this prevalent condition to ensure proper medical care is sought before it's too late."

In June of this year, the ISTH launched a new educational initiative called ISTH Emerging Therapies in Thrombosis–Factor XI/Xia Inhibitors.³ The global program’s goal is to raise awareness among physicians about factor XI inhibition and the role it may potentially play in anticoagulation therapies.

In a press release issued at the time, the ISTH secretary general for its 2024-2028 term Jeff Weitz, MD, said, “Launching the factor XI/XIa educational roadmap in Bangkok is an exciting opportunity to kick off this global education initiative. Our leadership in the steering committee and feedback from the greater thrombosis and hemostasis community has allowed us to understand the current needs and create meaningful education in factor XI/XIa inhibition."

Also in June, the ISTH published a clinical practice guideline for utilizing strict GRADE methodology when treating congenital hemophilia A and B.⁴ GRADE stands for grading of recommendations assessments, development, and evaluation.

In a press release issued at the time, ISTH’s chair of its hemophilia guideline panel Suely M. Rezenda, MD, PhD, said, “With hemophilia management being complex, our guideline provides clarity, guiding treatment decisions with evidence-based insight, yet highlighting the importance of making treatment decisions consistent with patients' individual risks, values, and preferences. Our collaborative effort has yielded a roadmap for optimizing patient care, setting a new standard in hemophilia treatment guidelines."

Sources

1. World Thrombosis Day Raises Global Awareness of Blood Clot Dangers Through Actionable Initiatives. International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. October 13, 2024. Accessed October 16, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/world-thrombosis-day-raises-global-awareness-of-blood-clot-dangers-through-actionable-initiatives-302270282.html
2. World Thrombosis Day Encourages Public to "Move Against Thrombosis" to Celebrate 10 Years of Raising Awareness Worldwide. International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. October 13, 2023. Accessed October 16, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/world-thrombosis-day-encourages-public-to-move-against-thrombosis-to-celebrate-10-years-of-raising-awareness-worldwide-301954097.html
3. ISTH Announces Launch of New Global Education Initiative in Factor XI/XIa Inhibition. International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. June 21, 2024. Accessed October 16, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/isth-announces-launch-of-new-global-education-initiative-in-factor-xixia-inhibition-302174715.html
4. ISTH Releases Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for Hemophilia Treatment. International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. June 21, 2024. Accessed October 16, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/isth-releases-evidence-based-clinical-practice-guideline-for-hemophilia-treatment-302174573.html