The goal of this observational study is to learn if the novel biomarker Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) can be used as a prognostic marker for vascular disease in people with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE), myocardial infarction (AMI) or ischaemic stroke compared to healthy volunteers. The main questions it aims to answer are:
1. Are platelet levels of HSP47 higher in patients with acute VTE, AMI or stroke, compared to healthy volunteers.
2. Does platelet levels of HSP47 remain elevated in patients with acute thrombotic events compared to healthy volunteers at 3 and 12-months of follow-up.
3. Are platelet levels of HSP47 postively associated with platelet function and negatively associated with fibrinolytic capacity in patients with an acute thrombotic event.
Participants with VTE, AMI or stroke will be giving a blood sample at diagnosis and again after 3 and 12 months of follow-up. Healthy volunteers will be giving a blood sample once.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 18 years of age or older
* Informed consent
VTE group:
* Deep vein thrombosis confirmed on ultrasonography OR
* Pulmonary embolism confirmed on computed tomography angiography (CTA)
AMI group:
* ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram (ECG) AND
* Culprit lesion(s) on coronary angiography
Stroke group:
* Stroke confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging AND
* Atrial fibrillation (Detected on ECG, telemtry or Holter monitoring) AND
* Stroke localisation classic for AFib: cortical, cerebellar, brainstem or subcortical \>1.5 cm in diameter
Healthy group:
\- Healthy
Exclusion Criteria:
* \<18 years of age
* no informed consent
* Known haematological disorders
* Active haematological malignancy
* Severe renal insufficiency defined as eGFR \<15 or dialysis
VTE - Pulmonary embolism incidentally detected by CTA conducted for purposes unrelated to pulmonary embolism assessment without concomitant DVT
AMI
* Coronary dissection
* Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Stroke
\- Stroke from other causes, e.g. findings pointing towards large vessel disease
Healthy
* Known acute or chronic disease
* Prior VTE, AMI, stroke or other thromboembolic event
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Platelet levels of heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) in patients with thrombosis compared to healthy controls
Timeframe: From enrollment to end of follow-up at 12 months after enrollment. At 3 time points.