Research at Bond

Current Research Projects

Can Aspirin Really Help Prevent DVT?

The efficiency of a simple, cheap, over-thecounter medicine in preventing a life-threatening condition is the subject of a major Australiawide trial set to begin in early 2006.

Bond University’s Professor of Medicine, Professor Ian Hamilton-Craig, will head up the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads study team to examine the effects of aspirin in preventing a recurrence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

“The trial will involve a total of 3000 patients over a three year period,” said Professor Hamilton-Craig, whose research in the field of genetic high cholesterol has been internationally recognised.

“We’re specifically looking for people who have previously suffered a spontaneous deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism – that is, where there has been no precipitating cause such as a long plane or car trip.

“The evidence indicates that these patients may have a genetic pre-disposition to blood clotting and therefore a high risk of recurrence.

“Of the 50,000 patients who have suffered from a spontaneous deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, 5000 will experience another episode and, of those, 10% will die.

“Whilst aspirin is widely used to prevent clotting in patients with high blood pressure or post-heart attack coronary disease, there is no evidence that it works for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism which are quite different types of clotting.

“The volunteers for our trial will be treated on a double-blind basis, with either aspirin or a placebo, with follow-up in the clinic or via telephone every three months over a three year period.

“We very much hope that the study will result in doctors being able to recommend a simple over-the-counter medication rather than a life-long prescribed drug like Warfarin.”

A preventative cardiologist, Professor Hamilton-Craig is also actively involved in research into Familial Hypercholesterolaemia, a genetic condition causing high blood cholesterol levels that is frequently undiagnosed and is an important cause of premature heart attack and sudden death.

Key Project Team Members

  • Professor Ian Hamilton-Craig - Bond University

Funding Sources

  • NH & MRC Clinical Trials Centre - Sydney

Contact:

Professor Ian Hamilton-Craig

Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine
BOND UNIVERSITY QLD 4229
AUSTRALIA

Phone: +61 7 5595 4421
Email: ian_hamilton-craig@staff.bond.edu.au