COMMENT: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVD)
A report in ABTN (issue 19 May) concerning DVT by the Aviation Health Institute (AHI), a charitable trust, has stirred up a strong response from aviation specialists who have accused AHI and its director Farrol Kahn of scaremongering. Dr Ander Cohen, consultant in vascular medicine at King's College Hospital, London, said that more research was badly needed and was quoted. ”Very little work has also been done on short-haul flights, although the data does suggest that the chances of developing a blood clot do increase on flights over four hours”.
Dr Ian Perry, a graduate of Guys Hospital, ex. Royal Army Medical Corps and widely recognised expert in the field of aviation medicine is even more outspoken. ”DVT is a medical condition which has been much over publicised in recent times according to some medical eyes, including mine. It has been wrongly labelled "The Economy Class Syndrome" but has nothing specifically to do with flying, but more to do with sitting still anywhere for long periods of time. Some of the cases which reached headline proportions, when fully analysed, havebeen shown to have a medical problem present, before that particular person went on a long trip. A few facts might help get this condition in a proper perspective. About one person in any group of 30,000 people anywhere, will suffer from a DVT in a 24 hour period. Some may go on to the more serious condition of a "Pulmonary Embolus", although only a few cases are fatal such as if the diagnosis is missed or they are not treated properly. If 300,000 people travel somewhere somehow today, 10 people will get a DVT, regardless of who they are or what they do. When one looks at Waterloo railway station, Victoria coach station, Heathrow or a big sporting occasion where ever a large number of people congregate for a period of time, a seemingly large number of cases of DVT will occur. The hospitals around Heathrow reported some 2,000 cases of DVT being admitted from the airport every year. If one works out how many people pass through Heathrow every year, including the meeters and greeters, I am surprised the number is not higher, so perhaps flying reduces the incidence of DVT. Of course if you are overweight, smoke, taking certain medications, wearing inappropriate clothing and sit around for a long time, anywhere, you are more likely to get a DVT. Drinking lots of water, really makes no difference, neither does drinking any other unusual concoction, such as carrot juice. When travelling anywhere, you should always get up, have a stretch every now and again, wear sensible clothing including a pair of proper travel socks, eat and drink sensibly. If you do this, you are unlikely to get a DVT”.
Let Dr Cohen have the final say. ”What we need is a comprehensive study so people can take proper precautions before boarding an aircraft.” So say all of us. No more headlines please Mr Kahn. You are not a doctor. Let us have some serious medical study. http:// www.aviation-health.org http://www.ianperry.com