With World Thrombosis Day just around the corner on October 13, 2024, LeRoy Edozien, Dean of the Faculty of Health Law and Humanities at the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo State, is urging Nigerian authorities and stakeholders to enhance awareness about thrombosis to help decrease its associated mortality rates.

Prof. Edozien, who convenes the PROTRAIN initiative, expressed his concerns on Friday in Asaba, emphasizing the need for improved education on this critical health issue. He explained, “Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a vessel, posing severe risks. If dislodged, this clot can travel to the heart or lungs, resulting in catastrophic consequences, including sudden death.”

Individuals at higher risk for Raising Awareness About Thrombosis: A Call to Action in Nigeria often include those who are obese, genetically predisposed, or have prolonged periods of immobility due to illness or long-distance travel. Edozien noted a troubling link between COVID-19 and increased thrombosis-related deaths, recounting cases where patients seemingly recovered from the virus experienced sudden fatalities upon getting out of bed.

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He shared an alarming observation from his medical training: “I witnessed a man in recovery from a road traffic accident who was chatting happily with visitors one afternoon but tragically passed away by evening. I have seen similar instances involving colleagues and family members.”

Prof. Edozien recounted instances of medical professionals suffering unexpected deaths during recovery, highlighting the dangers of venous thromboembolism (VTE). He described VTE as a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein, which can then lead to pulmonary embolism (PE) if a portion of the clot breaks off. The risk factors for VTE include obesity, genetic predisposition, and immobilization due to surgery or illness.

The statistics are concerning, as untreated PE can lead to death in one out of three cases. Even among treated patients, the mortality rate remains significant at one in fifty. “VTE is not limited to post-surgical patients; it can occur after long journeys or extended periods of bed rest,” he added.

Edozien lamented the global neglect of VTE awareness, given its high mortality rates, and highlighted the importance of preventive measures such as ambulation, hydration, wearing compression stockings, and utilizing blood-thinning medications. “These strategies are highly effective but remain underutilized,” he noted.

“Let’s take action today to raise awareness about VTE in Nigeria. By joining forces, we can create a ripple effect of awareness that might save a life—whether that be a loved one or your own,” he concluded, emphasizing that the first step toward reducing thrombosis-related deaths is increasing awareness among healthcare professionals and the public alike.