Metabonomic Profiling in Deep Venous Thrombosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Metabolomic profiling for the identification of novel biomarkers in deep vein thrombosis
IRAS ID
157014
Contact name
Alun /H. Davies
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 3 days
Research summary
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot which forms in the deep veins, usually of the legs. DVT can cause swelling, pain and redness of the leg. The blood clot may partially or completely block the venous flow and potentially travel through the bloodstream to the lungs (known as pulmonary embolism). DVT can also lead to long term complications, referred to post thrombotic syndrome (PTS). PTS is characterised by leg swelling, skin discoloration and ulceration, having a significant socio-economic impact. The current treatment is with blood thinners. These medications protect from pulmonary embolism and reduce the risk of further DVT or PTS, but carry a risk of bleeding. Additionally, novel treatments are being explored in order to remove clot and prevent long term complications. This raises the need for a new sensitive marker of DVT. To date, DVT diagnosis relies on clinical examination and ultrasound scan. While there is no reliable blood test available, D-dimer, (a product produced by the clot), can only exclude DVT. Recently new molecular tools have been developed for diagnosis of diseases.
Metabolites are very small molecules found in blood and urine or tissue. They are the fingerprint of genetic and environmental factors. Metabonomics employs high-throughput technology and statistics to identify metabolites which are different in health and disease. The aim of the study is to use metabolomics in order to identify which patients have DVT from those who are suspected of having DVT but are found not to have DVT. This will also minimise those who are treated with blood thinners because they are suspected of having DVT who are later found not to have DVT.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0651
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion