Mississippi Baptist Medical Center Recognizes March as
Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month
National program in its fifth year of raising awareness of DVT

Contact: Jamie Schwartzberg at Euro RSCG Life PR, 212-367-6840
Jamie.Schwartzberg@eurorscg.com

Jackson, MS, February 29, 2008– Mississippi Baptist Medical Center announced today its support of DVT Awareness Month, joining a national effort to raise awareness of this serious, yet preventable condition and its potentially fatal complication, pulmonary embolism (PE). According to the American Heart Association, up to 2 million Americans are affected annually by DVT; PE causes approximately 300,000 deaths in the United States each year, more than AIDS and breast cancer combined. Yet, a national survey found that 60 percent of Americans have little or no awareness of DVT.

Identifying and treating at-risk patients is critical in the fight against DVT and PE. However, a recent study in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis found that although 62 percent of patients admitted to a hospital for six days or longer received some form of therapy, only 34 percent had this therapy maintained throughout their full stay, as recommended in the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines. Of the 66 percent of patients who were discharged without receiving appropriate therapy, 38 percent received none at all.¹ In addition, 18% of DVT/PE events among hospitalized medically ill patients occurred after discharge from the hospital.²

“Providing our patients with the best quality care possible is a top priority, said Dr. Stewart Horsley, Cardiovascular Surgeon with Cardiovascular Surgical Clinic. “While DVT and PE cost hospitals an estimated $340 million annually nationwide, it takes a far greater toll on human lives.³ By heightening awareness of the risk factors and ensuring appropriate preventative measures are taken, we can reduce the incidence of this condition.”

The Coalition to Prevent DVT, a national organization funded by sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC, is comprised of more than 45 members from medical societies, patient advocacy groups and other public health organizations. It has spearheaded DVT Awareness Month efforts since its launch in March 2003. Since the Coalition’s formation, more than 1 billion educational messages have been delivered.

In 2007, the Coalition led the fourth-annual DVT Awareness Month with DVT Awareness by Design, an engaging educational campaign designed to promote awareness and inspire action. This year the Coalition will extend its 2007 successes through an updated extension of the DVT Awareness by Design campaign.

Melanie Bloom, widow of NBC correspondent David Bloom and the Coalition’s National Patient Spokesperson, along with the Coalition and its member organizations have turned to the healthcare community this year, to ensure that proper care and treatment of DVT is provided for at risk patients. Ms. Bloom’s personal commitment to this cause has had tremendous impact in awareness raising efforts both in the national media as well as the public policy forum.

“DVT Awareness Month provides an excellent opportunity for the general public and healthcare community to learn about this disease and how to reduce the risk of a DVT,” said Dr. Horsley. “We encourage both the public and healthcare professionals to be aware of all the risk factors associated with DVT, so that patients can be treated appropriately.”

About Deep-Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
DVT occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. A DVT blood clot has the potential to move into the lungs and block circulation to this vital organ creating a life threatening condition – known as pulmonary embolism (PE) – requiring immediate medical attention. Up to 2 million Americans are affected by DVT blood clots annually. Approximately 600,000 Americans are hospitalized each year for DVT and its primary complication, PE. DVT- related PE is the most common cause of preventable hospital death. Complications from DVT kill more people each year in the U.S. than breast cancer and AIDS combined.

Certain individuals may be at increased risk for developing DVT; however, it can occur in almost anyone. Additional risk factors include, but are not limited to severely restricted mobility due to acute illness, cancer, congestive heart failure or respiratory failure, certain surgeries, such as hip or knee replacements, advanced age, oral contraceptives or hormone therapy. It is important to consult your healthcare provider about the signs and symptoms associated with DVT. For more information, visit www.preventdvt.org.

About DVT Awareness Month
DVT Awareness Month is being sponsored by the Coalition to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) to raise awareness of this serious medical condition among consumers, healthcare professionals, government and public health leaders. The Coalition is comprised of more than 45 members from nationally known medical societies, patient advocacy groups and other public health organizations.

For more information, visit www.preventdvt.org or www.dvt.net.

About Mississippi Baptist Medical Center
Baptist Health Systems is the parent company of Baptist Medical Center, The Mississippi Hospital for Restorative Care and a number of related healthcare services and programs. For almost a century, Baptist Medical Center has served Mississippi and the surrounding states as a Christian-based, non-profit comprehensive medical Center.
From its beginnings in 1911, Baptist has grown to include a medical center providing comprehensive services for people in every stage of life. The 500+ members of Baptist’s medical staff represent more than 85 medical specialties.
Baptist Medical Center has been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval ™ and has achieved Disease-Specific Care Certification from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) in the areas of cancer services, acute coronary syndrome and outpatient diabetes. Additionally, Baptist was the first organization in the United States to earn this distinction for an entire cancer program.
Visit Baptist on the web at www.mbhs.org. For more information contact the Baptist Health Line at 1-800-948-6262 or 948-6262.

The Coalition to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis is funded by sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC
US.ENO.07.08.042

1 Amin A, Stemkowski S, Lin J, Yang G. Thromboprophylaxis rates in US medical centers: success or failure? J Thromb Haemost 2007; 5: 1610-6.
2 Edelsburg J, et al. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2006;63 Suppl:S16-S21.
3 Hull RD, Feldstein W, Stein PD, Pineo GF. Cost-effectiveness of pulmonary embolism diagnosis. Arch Intern Med. 1996;156:68-72.

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