 |
|
Oral HRT more than doubles the risk of blood clots
May 23, 2008Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) given in skin patches may cause fewer blood clots than HRT given orally, according to a report published on BMJ.com today. Furthermore, women who take the oral form of HRT more than double their risk of developing a blood clot, say the authors.
HRT is regularly prescribed to women suffering from the effects of the menopause. Previous studies have shown that taking HRT is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a blood clot in the vein which can be fatal.
But until now no systematic meta-analysis has assessed how much of an increased risk there is, or whether the risk varies according to the type of HRT treatment a woman is taking, such as skin patches compared to oral HRT.
The researchers reviewed data from eight observational studies and nine randomised controlled trials. They found that women taking the oral form of the drug were between two and three times more likely to develop a blood clot, and that the risk was significantly higher during the first year of treatment. Past treatment was not associated with increased risk. If a woman was overweight or genetically pre-disposed towards suffering from blood clots then the risk increased further.
Importantly, HRT given in patch form showed no significant increase in the risk of VTE. However, the authors warn that the results should be treated with caution as the data is from observational studies-no trials have yet investigated the effects of oestrogen patches on the risk of VTE.
They suggest that the reason for the difference in risk of VTE between the oral and the patch form might be due to the different way oestrogen is absorbed into the blood stream. When taken orally, oestrogen enters through the digestive system and the researchers say this process, by affecting the liver, might impair the balance between clotting and anti-clotting.
Overall, the results suggest that HRT patches might be safer than oral HRT with regard to thrombotic risk.
Since VTE has become the major adverse effect of short term oral oestrogen therapy, reducing thrombotic risk could have important clinical implications. However, the authors conclude that more research is needed to confirm the apparent safety of oestrogen patches with respect to thrombotic risk.
Helen Roberts from the University of Auckland discusses the need for more research into the association between VTE and oestrogen patches in an accompanying editorial.
"In the meantime, we can advise healthy menopausal women, aged 50-59, that the risk of VTE with oral preparations is 11 additional cases per 10 000 women per year for combined therapy and 2 additional cases per 10 000 women per year for oestrogen only", she concludes.
BMJ-British Medical Journal
The researchers reviewed data from eight observational studies and nine randomised controlled trials. They found that women taking the oral form of the drug were between two and three times more likely to develop a blood clot, and that the risk was significantly higher during the first year of treatment. Past treatment was not associated with increased risk. If a woman was overweight or genetically pre-disposed towards suffering from blood clots then the risk increased further.
Importantly, HRT given in patch form showed no significant increase in the risk of VTE. However, the authors warn that the results should be treated with caution as the data is from observational studies-no trials have yet investigated the effects of oestrogen patches on the risk of VTE.
They suggest that the reason for the difference in risk of VTE between the oral and the patch form might be due to the different way oestrogen is absorbed into the blood stream. When taken orally, oestrogen enters through the digestive system and the researchers say this process, by affecting the liver, might impair the balance between clotting and anti-clotting.
Overall, the results suggest that HRT patches might be safer than oral HRT with regard to thrombotic risk.
Since VTE has become the major adverse effect of short term oral oestrogen therapy, reducing thrombotic risk could have important clinical implications. However, the authors conclude that more research is needed to confirm the apparent safety of oestrogen patches with respect to thrombotic risk.
Helen Roberts from the University of Auckland discusses the need for more research into the association between VTE and oestrogen patches in an accompanying editorial.
"In the meantime, we can advise healthy menopausal women, aged 50-59, that the risk of VTE with oral preparations is 11 additional cases per 10 000 women per year for combined therapy and 2 additional cases per 10 000 women per year for oestrogen only", she concludes.
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Blood Clots Current Events and Blood Clots News RSSVioxx trial data shows early cardiovascular risk
Evidence of cardiovascular risks associated with taking Vioxx, the popular, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (rofecoxib), could have been identified nearly four years before its manufacturer, Merck & Co. Inc., voluntarily pulled the drug from the market.
When seconds count: Interventional radiology treatment for pulmonary embolism saves lives
Catheter-directed therapy or catheter-directed thrombolysis-an interventional radiology treatment that uses targeted image-guided drug delivery with specially designed catheters to dissolve dangerous blood clots in the lungs-saves lives and should be considered a first-line treatment option for massive pulmonary embolism, note researchers in the November Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.
Blood test identifies women at risk from Alzheimer's
Middle-aged women with high levels of a specific amino acid in their blood are twice as likely to suffer from Alzheimer's many years later, reveals a thesis from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Chemo-radiation before prostate removal may prevent cancer recurrence
Researchers in the Oregon Health & Science University Knight Cancer Institute and the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center have found a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy given before prostate removal is safe and may have the potential to reduce cancer recurrence and improve patient survival.
Stanford study recommends change in treating pulmonary embolisms
William Kuo, MD, was the on-call interventional radiologist one Friday night three years ago when he received a call from the intensive care unit at Stanford Hospital & Clinics.
Increased stroke risk from birth control pills
She was only 30 years old, but she was experiencing the classic symptoms of a stroke. Her speech suddenly became slurred, and her left hand became clumsy while eating.
Smoking gun: just 1 cigarette has harmful effect on the arteries of young healthy adults
Even one cigarette has serious adverse effects on young adults, according to research presented by Dr. Stella Daskalopoulou at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2009, co-hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.
Blood clots in lungs might not always originate in deep veins of legs and pelvis in trauma patients
Few trauma patients who develop potentially deadly blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) also have clots in the deep veins of their pelvis and legs (deep venous thrombosis), challenging commonly held beliefs about the association between the two conditions.
Super sticky barnacle glue cures like blood clots
Barnacles are a big problem for boats. Adhering to the undersides of vessels, carpets of the crustaceans can increase fuel consumption by as much as 25%.
Study details safe, effective, minimally invasive mitral valve repair
Surgical treatment for mitral valve disease includes either repairing the patient's diseased valve or replacing it with a metal, mechanical valve or an animal tissue valve.
More Blood Clots Current Events and Blood Clots News Articles
 |
BLOOD CLOT: In Combat with the Patrols Platoon, 3 Para, Afghanistan 2006 by Jake Scott (Author) "As you know 'blood clot' means blood cells coming together to form a strong clot that forms and sticks together to keep the wound sealed enabling it to repair. The Parachute Regiment's 'blood clot' acts the same, whether downtown scrapping or in some far away country fighting alongside each other. Our maroon berets come together, they stick together, they close ranks forming the blood clot and fight against anything that comes their way." (Jake Scott) When the 3 Para battle group departed for Helmand Province, south Afghanistan, nobody really knew what to expect. Within a month of being on the ground the first of many contacts between the Taliban and British forces began. The British government and media were in shock - for the men on the ground it was what they were trained for.... |
 |
Celox First Aid Temporary Traumatic Wound Treatment - 15g Pouch by SAMMedical CELOXTM is the newest generation of emergency hemostatic agents. Simpler to use and safer than older technologies, CELOX granules quickly control even severe arterial bleeding. Just pour it in, pack it, and apply pressure. No specific training is required. CELOX is not exothermic and won't burn the victim or caregiver. And CELOX works in hypothermic conditions and clots Heparinized blood. CELOX is safe to use for the entire body including head, neck and chest wounds. Most importantly, CELOX can be used instantly and without hesitation as a fast, safe and simple emergency treatment for serious bleeding. Average Time to Clot Whole Blood: 30.5 Seconds Average Time to Clot Heparinized Blood: 48 Seconds Controls Major Arterial Bleeding CELOXs unusual properties have been confirmed in wound... |
 |
Z-Med QuikClot - Home (1 pack) by Z-Medica QuikClot Sport brand hemostatic agent is based on the same QuikClot brand hemostatic agent used by the US military, federal agencies, EMS, police and fire departments everywhere. Remove the QuikClot Sport from the package, apply to the wound using pressure and stop the bleeding fast. QuikClot Sport is ideal for schools, individual and team sports, wilderness medicine and even home use. This product is the perfect size for scalp lacerations or bleeding where a bandage is not enough. Every home first aid kit and sports athletic trainer's first aid kit should contain QuikClot Sport brand hemostatic. |
 |
Mr. Blood Clot Dimentia 13 (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Deadly Blood Clots: The Dangers of Venous Thromboembolism (Home Use) Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. The dangers of blood clots are well known: they can cause heart attacks, strokes and other potentially fatal conditions. But there's another medical hazard that occurs when the blood clot lives quietly deep in the veins of the legs. And when a part of this blood clot breaks off and travels to the lung the result can be almost instantaneous death. This type of blood clot is called deep vein thrombosis and when it travels to the lungs its called pulmonary embolism. And these are two manifestations of the condition known as venous thromboembolism. In this program we will examine the symptoms and risk factors of venous thromboembolism, see who should be tested for clotting disorders and highlight the latest... |
 |
Blood Clots & Strokes: A Guide for Parents & Little Folks by Maureen Andrew M.D. (Author), Maureen Andrew (Author), Maureen Andrew (Author) Blood clots occur in children who have major primary illnesses. For many parents, the news of a blood clot is another in a long line of complication. In some children, the clot is a surprise complication which impairs otherwise good recovery. Less commonly, the clot or stroke is a sudden devasting blow to an otherwise well child. Blood Clots and Strokes: A Guide for Parents and Little Folks is formatted as specific questions and answers which allow for quick and easy reference, by the parents. The questions used in the text are those most commonly asked. Blood Clots and Strokes: A Guide for Parents and Little Folks will endeavor to provide parents with an understanding which will enable them to appreciate the need for individual consideration in the care of their children. |
 |
TED Thigh White Stocking - Large by TED T.E.D. Anti-Embolism Stockings Thigh Length Closed Toe 1 pair For the recuperating |
|
Deadly Blood Clots: The Dangers Of Venous Thromboembolism Directed By: Information Television Network | |
 |
Arriva Travel-Tec- SCT Travel Legwear (Womens, Black) by Sox Shop LIMITED TIME OFFER! We are so confident that you will love these socks, we are offering them at nearly half of what they retail for! Combined with the circulatory advantages of Smart Compression Technology®, Travel-Tec Holofiber® Legwear provides unparalleled comfort for all of life's journeys. We have done our research and find our socks to be competitivly priced, as travel legwear(with compression) can cost upwards of $50! These socks represent the best in comfort and value, as they contain the most allowable amount of linear compression (12-16mmHG) in a non-medical product. We stand behind all our products with our No Risk Guarantee and are confident you will not find a better travel sock, especially with the benefits of holofiber and SCT(Smart Compression Technology). Holofiber... |
 |
Olympian Labs Nattokinase, 100mg by Olympian Labs Nattokinase is a serine protease type enzyme derived from fermented soybeans. Research has shown nattokinase to support healthy coagulation of blood and enhance fibrinolytic (breaking up of clots) activity. Fibrin is a protein that, when activated, forms fibrinogen which is responsible for blood clotting. OL uses only the highly bioavailable, proprietary extract of natto. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |