Computerized Registry of Patients With Venous Thromboembolism (RIETE)
The RIETE study is creating a large, ongoing collection of health information from people across Europe who have had blood clots (venous thromboembolism). Started in 2001, this project helps doctors learn more about how blood clots affect different patients, especially those who aren't usually included in standard research studies – like pregnant women, older people, or those with serious illnesses. By gathering details about their health and treatments, the study aims to improve patient care by reducing the risk of new clots, bleeding problems, and other complications. It also helps doctors predict which patients might be at higher risk, allowing them to provide more tailored and effective treatment.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine doctors all over the world are trying to figure out the best way to help people who have had blood clots, also known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). This is what the RIETE study is all about. It's like a big, ongoing health diary for thousands of patients with blood clots from different hospitals.
Doctors often learn best from previous patients. However, some patients, like pregnant women, very elderly people, or those with serious long-term illnesses, are sometimes not included in research studies. This means doctors don't always have clear information on how to best treat these specific groups. The RIETE study is special because it makes sure to include these patients, collecting information on how their blood clots are treated and how they recover.
By gathering all this information, the study helps doctors understand common challenges they face, such as preventing new clots, reducing bleeding risks, and avoiding other heart-related problems. It also helps them identify patients who might be at higher risk of complications, so they can offer more personalised care and make better decisions about treatment.
Key takeaways
- RIETE is a large study gathering real-world information on blood clot patients.
- It helps doctors understand treatments better for complex patients like pregnant women or those with cancer.
- No new medicines or experimental treatments are involved; it observes standard care.
- Your contribution helps improve future care for patients with blood clots.
- Information is collected over the first three months of treatment.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of the RIETE study, you would need to have been diagnosed with a blood clot, such as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in your leg, a pulmonary embolism (PE) in your lung, or a superficial clot near the skin surface. These diagnoses would need to be confirmed by standard hospital tests, like scans or special checks.
Before joining, you would also need to understand what the study involves and agree to take part. This is called giving informed consent, and it's a standard process where a doctor or nurse explains everything to you, and you typically sign a form stating you're happy to participate.
You wouldn't be able to join if you're already taking part in another drug trial where the medicine being tested is new or unknown. Also, if your doctors believe it would be difficult to keep in touch with you for follow-up appointments over the next three months, you might not be able to participate.
- Have I been diagnosed with a blood clot (DVT, PE, or superficial thrombosis)?
- Was my blood clot diagnosis confirmed by hospital tests?
- Am I already taking part in another drug trial with an unknown medicine?
- Can the hospital easily keep in touch with me for the next three months?
- Am I willing to understand and sign a consent form?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in the RIETE study, your doctors will record many details about your health. This includes your existing medical problems, the type of blood clot you have, and the medication you're prescribed to treat it. They will note how much medicine you take and for how long, and how you respond to this treatment during the first three months.
Throughout this initial three-month period, doctors will be carefully watching for important outcomes. This includes checking if you develop any new blood clots, if you experience any bleeding problems (either minor or major), or if there are any other serious health events. The information collected from your hospital visits and follow-ups will be added to the RIETE database.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (257)
- Yale University School of MedicineNew Haven, United States· Suspended
- College of Medicine - Jacksonville University of FloridaJacksonville, United States· Recruiting
- Evanston NorthShore University HealthSystemEvanston, United States· Recruiting
- Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, United States· Recruiting
- Northwell Health SystemManhasset, United States· Suspended
- Medical College of WisconsinMilwaukee, United States· Suspended
- Clínica San CamiloBuenos Aires, Argentina· Suspended
- Hospital Italiano de Buenos AiresBuenos Aires, Argentina· Suspended
- Clínica Privada PueyrredónMar del Plata, Argentina· Suspended
- Medical University of ViennaVienna, Austria· Recruiting
- Hospital UZ LeuvenLeuven, Belgium· Recruiting
- Hospital Jorge ValenteSalvador, Brazil· Suspended
+245 more sites — see the official record for the full list.
Common questions
What is a 'venous thromboembolism'?
It's the medical term for a blood clot, usually in a vein, which can be a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in your leg or a pulmonary embolism (PE) in your lung.
Will I get new medicines or treatments if I join?
No, the RIETE study observes treatments you're already receiving as part of your standard care; you won't get any new or experimental medicines.
How long will I be in the study?
The study collects information about your health and treatment for the first three months after your blood clot diagnosis.
What happens to my personal information?
Your information will be added to a secure database to help doctors learn more, but it will be anonymised to protect your privacy.
Why is this study important for other patients?
By sharing your health journey, you help doctors understand how to best treat different types of patients with blood clots, leading to better care for everyone in the future.
How to find out more
Mayra Hawkins
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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