DEADLY COMPLICATION OF ILLNESSES CAN BE PREVENTED

Study Shows Risk of VTE Reduced In Certain Patients

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 www.fragmin.com

Soundbites

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

B-Roll Includes

• **Doctor/patient interaction**Ambulance footage**Patients in hospital**Product shots

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: "Pfizer"