Low-dose aspirin to prevent recurrent venous thromboembolism (ASPIRE) study: A multicentre randomised trial [ 2004 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof John Eikelboom (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Timothy Brighton ,  Prof John Simes ,  Prof Ross Baker

Brief description In approximately one-third of patients who develop deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, this event is 'unprovoked' . These patients are at very high risk of recurrence once treatment with warfarin is discontinued. Warfarin treatment is very effective to prevent recurrence but is inconvenient because it has to be very closely monitored with blood tests and also causes serious bleeding complications in a significant number of patients. There are currently no other treatments available to prevent recurrent thrombosis. Low-dose aspirin treatment offers a simple, inexpensive, and widely practicable alternative to warfarin but has not yet been proven to be effective for preventing recurrent thrombosis. This study will investigate the effectiveness and safety of aspirin to prevent recurrence in patients with unprovoked deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism who have completed standard anticoagulation with heparin and warfarin. If proven to be effective, aspirin could potentially prevent thousands of patients from experiencing recurrent venous thromboembolism or fatal pulmonary embolism worldwide and also save millions of dollars in health care costs each year.

Funding Amount $AUD 1,108,600.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant